Motivation

At the time of diagnosis my little man was just 5 years old. When given the choice of surgery (which came with not an insignificant amount of risk but also the opportunity to live a longer fuller life) or treatment alone with a more limited shelf life, the choice was easy.
Family, friends, and colleagues rallied behind me, which is all the motivation I needed to continue to fight. The outpouring of support, cards, prayers from the “prayer army”, words of encouragement, and confirmation how much my story resonated with others is what planted the seed for me to launch the mission behind bbc23.com.
I want to pay forward to you the words of hope and resilience that I received. See below just a sampling of inspirational comments received on my Social Media Posts (see Milestones for links to original social posts).

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  • "Bob, you are an amazing writer - keep going! I want you to know I care and can't wait to read your story when you ring that bell. Go for the win!"

    Mary Goldberg (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "(We) are so sorry to hear about this, and are sending lots of support your way. You have a great fighter spirit! Sending all of our thoughts of healing your way! ❤️ "

    Kerry and Eric Dorfman (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Bob, you’ve always taken on challenges. Keep your powerful, positive thinking to help you through this."

    Steve Marzeotti (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Prayers and positivity for you and yours Bob. You got this and have all of us to lift you up!"

    Garrett Reno (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "What a courageous post, Bob. Thanks so much for sharing. Here's wishing you a speedy and complete recovery!"

    Steve G (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Bob, stay strong. You've got such an incredible, generous spirit that's always worked for so many people in your life. May it work for you now! "

    Paul Fix (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Thanks for sharing Bob. Sending support from afar. You’ve got what it takes to win this fight for you and your family."

    Dan Scagliarini (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Great to catch up last week, Bob. I applaud you for sharing your story and opening yourself up to feel the love. Everyone in the Expect Miracles Foundation community is pulling for you, my friend!! Thank you for your support of EMF over the years!! Go Phillies!"

    Frank Heavey, Executive Director, Expect Miracles Foundation - Financial Services Against Cancer (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Bob - What a courageous post. I am sorry you are going through this but it sounds like you have a ton of support, a great care team and an even greater will to beat "this. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Best, Natasha"

    LinkedIn Comment

  • "Bob - damnit. Hate hearing this but thank you for sharing so we can all rally around you. May the long list of friends sharing their comments and support give you an extra bit of support on the toughest days. Thinking of you and saying prayers."

    Nancy Hannigan McNeill (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Beautiful message. Your vulnerability demonstrates great courage and strength. Exactly what you need to get through this. I’m here for you cuz."

    Kristi Huges (LInkedIn Comment)

  • "May God Bless you and your family through your time of healing. Fight, Fight, Fight. I do love your message of kindness. I think many forget this and I'd like to add something to your message of kindness. Empathy. We don't know what someone else may be going through. Be kind and live with acceptance, kindness and empathy. God Bless and Fight!"

    LinkedIn Comment

  • "Bob, what an incredibly courageous and vulnerable post. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Like every other challenge you've faced, you're taking this head on (pun intended) and I know you will persevere with your own strength and the the power of your family, faith and friends behind you every step of the way. Fly Eagle, Fly!"

    Brian Coogan (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Bob, I am sorry to see this, though I am glad to see you tackling it head on with positivity. Sending all the healing vibes your way!! Looking forward to the recovery updates!"

    LinkedIn Comment

  • "Thinking about you Bob. You've always been a fighter and this is just your next opponent. You've got this brother!"

    LinkedIn Comment

  • "Hello Friend! Kick C's Butt! Thoughts, prayers, and best wishes to you and your family as you conquer this!"

    Kelly O’Donnell (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Go Bob GO, you have so many in your corner sending you hope, prayer and positive thoughts. You will beat this ugly disease and your champions will support your every step. God Bless you and with all this energy and medical science doing it’s part you will thrive. Chris"

    Chris Perry (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Bob, so sorry to hear about this news but not surprised with your courage and good humor approach. My thoughts and prayers are with you and hope that your recovery beats all records. Look forward to connecting when you're back on the road."

    LinkedIn Comment

  • "Bob glad you shared this post. It hit home. I know it probably wasn’t easy. Sending strength your way."

    Rob Rynd (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Thanks for sharing Bob..yes so hard to pivot of what life gives us at times but I know you will fight for your health so sending prayers to you and your family."

    Rani Hong (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Love the positive spin and optimism! Rooting for you all the way! Doesn’t hurt that Philly teams are kicking butt right now. Hopefully providing a welcome distraction. Please keep us all posted. You got this!!"

    Emily Hankard (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Praying for you and your family, Bob! I will even cheer for the Philly teams just for you & will send some good luck over to Broad St from down here at the Navy Yard! 😊"

    Lynsie Reese (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Bob - I don’t know you, your post popped up as we have mutual connections. I found what you wrote to be incredibly inspiring. I’m sure that will be true for yourself and for everybody else who reads your words. I wish you all the best in your brave fight ahead and send my best wishes to you and your family. You are an inspiration. ❤️"

    Stephen Thompson (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "We are rooting for you Bob! We all sent biking vibes your way at the Cycle for Survival event yesterday!"

    Linda Calamito (LinkedIn Comment)

  • "Grit is an appropriate book title as you head into this phase. Stay gritty and get well soon!"

    Bob Leaper (LinkedIn Comment)