My mother, Swietlana Garbaska was diagnosed with lung cancer in June 2014. From her diagnosis, to the day she passed, she lived on her own terms. While cancer tried to take her on its terms, my mother had different plans. The day before her death, against the doctors’ advice, she decided it was time to leave the hospital and go home. The cancer was trying to take her then—she could feel it, but my mom mustered the energy to fight back until she could be at home with her family. For my mom, victory over the disease was about living out her days and experiencing her death as she wished. On January 6, 2015, she passed away peacefully in her room, in her home, on her terms. My mom was intelligent, funny and loving in the most selfless way. She was my hero and I am very proud to be her son. She was, and remains, an inspiration and I miss her every day. I hope to channel my mother’s fighting spirit and bring her fire to this fight.

In October 2014, I lost one of my closest friends, Jabari Henderson-Brown, to colon cancer. Jabari was one of the smartest, funniest and most caring people I knew. He was a rare individual that gave more to others than he asked for himself. Once diagnosed, Jabari fought bravely. In our group of friends, Jabari was not the one considered especially tough—Jabari was laid-back and easy-going. Jabari was not, in the traditional sense, a fighter, that didn’t fit his nature. However, Jabari faced cancer with humor and grace that most couldn’t imagine. In sickness Jabari showed me that toughness isn’t about what you see, but about what you are and Jabari was as tough as nails. As I prepare for this fight, I hope to show even a small amount of the toughness and grace that Jabari did in his life.

Earlier this year, my girlfriend’s family lost her uncle Jim Curley, to bile duct cancer. Jim was a fighter through and through. He was smart, caring and warm. Jim was always there to provide care and support to his loved ones. In November 1994, Jim was diagnosed with colon cancer. He battled the disease with perseverance and sheer will, becoming cancer-free. I valued each moment I spent with Jim. Unfortunately, in July 2016, Jim was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. Though he was unable to overcome this cancer, Jim faced everyday with grit and perseverance. Through my training, I hope to reflect the tenacity that Jim brought to all things.

I never say that these amazing individuals lost their battles with cancer, because that is not the reality. Each lived their lives on their own terms, with grace and a fighting spirit. At every step of the training process, I miss them, I remember them and I try my best to honor their lives and their memories.