The Buzz: News Blog: Top Ten For Week of June 9, 2007

CANCER HISTORY

I have had cancer two times, the first time in 1997 it was Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma where part of my lymph node was removed and I had several rounds of chemotherapy to kill cancer which was quickly spreading across my body. This time in my life was significant in that I was a senior in high school. It made state and regional headlines when my class decided to give up their treasury to go on a senior trip in order to help me with medical expenses. We ended up going on a trip after all because of the people around the state who decided to donate because they were so touched by what the class did.

The second time I had cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (diagnosed October 2007), this was treated with 21 rounds of radiation. It created horrible blisters on my foot and caused my entire body to swell. I missed numerous days of work at my job and none of this was expected. By December 2007 I had beaten this with all of the cancer gone and very low likelihood of it coming back anytime soon.

I don't take any day for granted anymore, knowing my days are numbered on this earth. I have great confidence I will not have to deal with cancer anytime soon though ;-)

Christian Ambroson

Christian Ambroson, my best friend (of two), is attending University of Steubenville, is one of my lifetime friends and was a regular at my house when I lived in Joseph. I've known him ever since he moved to Joseph from Lake Oswego. I surprisingly have a lot in common with him because I am a lot more like a city person in a small town. Christian felt some culture shock when he first moved to Joseph, but has adapted. It's great to have my good buddy close to home. Though he will spend some time in Joseph with his folks, he will also visit western Oregon during his breaks from Ohio. I look forward to seeing "Vern" when he comes home for the holidays. He and I drove his car back from Oregon to Ohio last spring. It was a long trip, but a trip of a lifetime, a trip of bonding between two good friends.

Sterling Shetler

Mr. Shetler is my other best guy friend. He and I became a lot closer when everyone disappered from the county. Though, I am no better now that I've taken off as well... I do sincerely hope Sterling and I remain good friends. This is a guy who would do anything for you, and even though he's a bit of a hard ass, he has a heart of gold and is a truley loyal friend who I do not take for granted. I even may have him convinced to come to this side of the state to see me once in a while, and if you know him that is unheard of! But he'll have to trust me that the "wet side" isn't all that bad. Sterling taught me to get outside and enjoy life when I owned my computer business. He is probably one of the reasons I stayed half way sane. He's got a 'get er done' attitude and is a riot to be around when he's on a roll.

Antoun Kehdi (new!!!)

This has got to be one of the coolest kids I know. Antoun works for ODOT's Rail Division. I met him through my pal Jonathan at work about seven months ago. Since then he and I hang out on almost a daily basis. People at work call him, Jonathan, and I "trouble." Mostly we blame it on Antoun's "shifty-ness." But the truth is Antoun is a really cool guy that we joke way too much about... he's one of the nicest people I know and a good workout buddy too. Antoun will soon be taking a new job in Eugene, good for him, bad for us. Antoun, I've enjoyed getting to know you over these past few months and am proud to call you one of my best friends!

Jonathan Stephens

What can I say about this kid? Well... he's a pretty cool guy that I just met here in Salem not too long ago. In fact only months ago we were strangers, and now we are good friends because of a little place I like to call ODOT. Yeah, we work together and probably see each other at least 8 hours a day if not more. But he's not just a coworker, he's quickly becoming one of my better friends and just a cool 'doood' to hang out with. Interestingly enough, he has a lot of the same qualities of my best friends Christian and Sterling. In fact, when I'm back home in Joseph, I joke to Sterling and call Jonathan 'Sterling 2.' He actually reminds me more of Christian, but nevertheless believe me 'J dawg' (for lack of a better nickname) is very much his own character. I'm glad to know him, and look forward to the good times ahead!

The Buzz: News Blog

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Top Ten For Week of June 9, 2007

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Christian Ambroson

Sterling Shetler

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Antoun Kehdi (new!!!)

Jonathan Stephens

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