It's Good News!

Remember when I told you about Rob Lane back in January? The inspirational insurance executive who after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, shaved his head to raise money for children’s cancer research? How about this for a positive update: Not only is he now cancer-free—his latest PET scan showing the disease in complete and total remission—but out of the 33,487 people who shaved their heads for St. Baldrick’s in more than 650 locations worldwide, Rob came in first in total funds raised with a whopping $102,917 and counting. In a recent e-mail the father of three wrote, “I am so humbled and grateful for the collective support you have shown to me and my family during these past several months that words simply don't do it justice. A friend recently reminded me ‘everything in life can be taken away except your attitude.’ I can say that my positive spirit, which you all helped embolden, played an integral role in my ability to successfully fight this disease with minimal disruption to my family life and career. So, thank you all so very much.” Clearly I’m not the only one who thinks Rob is an inspiration. This is from Kathleen Ruddy, Executive Director of St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which is based in California: “St. Baldrick's Foundation and our Bermuda partner, PALS, have long been grateful for the generous patronage of the people of Bermuda and Rob's leadership is a stunning example of your island's can do spirit. With all of your help, we will achieve a cure for every childhood cancer in our lifetime, whilst improving the quality of life for patients and survivors.” And then there’s this, from Rob’s cousin Barbara Seawall, who left a comment on Bermuda Shorts in January: “In a time when many would focus on themselves, Rob has chosen to think of children with cancer. It takes a strong person with a big heart to do what he has.” I couldn’t agree more. To you Rob, I say three cheers—for leading by example, for having a huge heart and by showing the world what a little positivity can overcome.