Danny
Synovial Sarcoma
In May of 2002, Danny had his left arm amputated just below the elbow. Imagine, after 54 years, being told you suddenly had to live with one hand instead of two? Danny has an unbelievable spirit and is an active Friend for Life volunteer in many ways. He serves as an inspiration to all that come in contact with him. Most importantly, Danny is aware of how much power he has to help others through their own catastrophe.
Danny is from a family of five siblings, each of them affected by cancer. Brother Steve Spayd's colon cancer came back in June 2012, it had spread to his lungs and his brain. Steve did not feel he could undergo chemotherapy treatment again, and discussed this with Danny. Danny spoke with Steve and said," How can you NOT? Researchers may come up with a cure when you are in treatment.....you can't give up"! Steve changed his mind, based on the example Danny sets every day. In fact the two of them did chemo together at Norton Hospital in Louisville. Imagine the nurses' delight as they treated these two jovial brothers that joked with them as they administered their treatments. Unfortunately, Steve passed away in December of 2013. Danny knows he helped keep his brother going, and in fact, Steve willed himself through a last Thanksgiving that he was able to spend with his family.
Recently, on another note, Danny was the recipient of a "bionic" hand--he came to the FFL office to show us how it works and even picked up a pen!
If you are a cancer survivor and would like to become a trained volunteer with Friend for Life, please read more information about becoming a volunteer or contact us.