Another book that has affected my life was the book “Sidelined” by Chuck Pagano and Bruce A. Tollner. The author, Chuck Pagano is currently the head coach of my favorite football team, the Indianapolis Colts. In September 2012, Chuck Pagano, newly promoted as the head coach was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia and was forced to leave for treatment at IU Indianapolis. He tells his story of overcoming this disease, his story of “Faith, family and football.”

 

The first reason I love this story is because it relates me. I have watched nearly every Colts game since I was 9 years old, the Colts and the team were a big part of my life. So when I heard about Coach Pagano’s diagnosis I was devastated. I started to hear less and less of Chuck Pagano, and I noticed that the Colts wore pink gloves and shoes with the hashtag #CHUCKSTRONG. Then it happened. I was watching the Green Bay Packers beating us at halftime, a big game that the Colts needed to win. After halftime, I saw Chuck on the sideline, and the team was very emotional, and we came back to win the game with the entire state of Indiana in awe.

 

Another reason I enjoy this story is because it shows the true strength of a person. Of course, this certain kind of cancer has only a 10% chance of killing the person involved, but it takes true indomitable spirit to overcome this. Chuck Pagano was and is a very strong man, one of the traits an NFL head coach needs. Today, he is seen supporting others going through the same issues he did, and wearing jerseys of players who went through cancer, even if they play for the other team.

 

"Sidelined" Reflection

When I finished writing this small piece of writing, I really thought about it. I Googled how many people survive cancer, the probability. With all kinds of cancers combined, the survival rate is about 50%. There are many stories out there other than Pagano’s, stories of survival, and some who fought it off longer than the doctors ever expected.