“Cancer…there’s hope.”

There is a newly revealed sculpture in Omaha, Nebraska, titled, “Cancer…there’s hope” that is the focal point of the “Celebration of Life Plaza” at Cancer Survivors Park. My friend, Michael Black, was the inspiration for the world-renowned sculptor, Victor Salmones. They found one another after the Washington Post published a story featuring Michael’s amazing recovery due to an experimental drug treatment and Michael’s decision to use every drop of energy in an organized fashion to constructively concentrate on getting rid of cancer.

A nearby description informs visitors that, “The back 5 figures are cancer patients and their supporters preparing to enter treatment, represented by the maze. Notice the fear, determination and hope all displayed on their faces in contrast to the joy on the faces of the front 3, signifying successful treatment.”

Michael was diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer in 2016 and told that he would live anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. He was 43 years old with a wife and two young children. 18 months after his diagnosis and treatment that included extensive chemotherapy and experimental drugs, the cancer was eliminated and Michael beat the odds. He was cancer-free and in remission. He made it through the maze.

In an interview between the sculptor and Michael, Salmones asked him, “How did you do it? How did you overcome a 95% chance of dying from cancer?”

Michael told Salmones that he prepared for battle by arming himself with knowledge and a commitment to do everything in his power to fight the disease.

Near the sculpture, there is a pathway titled, “Positive Mental Attitude Walk,” with plaques under wooden archways. Their messages include quotes by Michael that hopefully inspire others afflicted with a terminal disease that they, too, will not die.

· Make a commitment to do everything in your power to help yourself fight the disease.

· Treat your cancer promptly, properly and thoroughly and have a positive mental attitude.

· Have plans for pleasant things to do and goals to accomplish.

· Realize that cancer is a life threatening disease but some beat it. Make up your mind you will be one of those who do.

· Regardless of the prognosis, get an independent qualified second opinion.

· Find a qualified doctor in whom you have confidence who believes he can successfully treat you.

· Seek and accept support.

· Cancer is the most curable of all chronic diseases.

· There are treatments for every type of cancer.

· Some people have been cured from every type of cancer.

· There are 7,000,000 living Americans who have been diagnosed with cancer. 3,000,000 are considered cured.

An Omaha native, Michael is proud to have the sculpture in his hometown. It is his hope that someday nobody will die from cancer or face losing their family like he did.

When Michael was diagnosed, he asked me to come over to his house so that we could talk about a project. He wanted to hire me to interview him on camera so that he could leave a video legacy for his loved ones. I agreed to do so but I think Michael and I both knew that he would survive. Given Michael’s physical and mental fortitude, I was confident he would make it. And so was he.

The sculpture is a stunning piece of both truth and fiction. Many people do indeed beat cancer. However, it’s also true that many people do not. I wonder what they would call a park dedicated to those who died? “Cancer…there’s no hope”

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