Why I Fight

Like many of us, I have lost too many people to Cancer. From family and friends, to those that I served with in the Navy, cancer doesn’t care. I’m taking on this challenge because it will be hard. Because I can. Because the two men I’m fighting for left indelible impacts on my life.

My Uncle Bill

Bill was a unique man with a passion for cooking and Jeopardy.  He survived four tours of service in Vietnam as a Green Beret, a broken back in Special Operations Mountain School, and a few angry dogs as he spent his final years as a Letter Carrier for the Post Office. Unfortunately, he did not survive cancer. In his final years he lived with us and was always quick with a look or a smack on the head at the first sign my brother or I weren’t helping around the house, getting home on time at night, or late for Sunday dinner. He taught me the importance of service, to both family and country, and that the cook always eats last.

My Friend SkarNecky

Ryan “SkarNecky” Skapars was a special person. He was a “connector,” at his best making new friends, laughing hard, and looking for joy in the moment. I’m glad to be maybe the 3rd or 4th Haymaker to fight for SkarNecky. For the first two years of high school, he picked my brother and I up every morning and drove us home from football and lacrosse practice. Our house wasn’t on the way, he just wanted to help and impart his love for “good” music. When I was a new Freshman in High School, he was a Junior and made me feel like a true friend and equal. SkarNecky introduced me to everyone he could, and always had my back. He told me which teachers to avoid, how to sweet talk the lunch ladies for an extra chicken nugget, and just how far you could push our lacrosse coach before he would throw a five-gallon bucket at you. Whether it was goofing around during football practice, skipping school to go fishing, or teaching me how to drive his 1975 Firebird and 1985 4Runner when I was 14, Ryan taught me to take advantage of the time you have. He taught me how to find joy in any moment, to focus on the good in life, and to always, above all else, be the best friend you can be to people whether you know them or not.

I’m fighting for these two fine men because if they could fight for me, I know they would.