Welcome, Midland Daily News readers.

What a great way to start our two week hiatus to Emerald Isle, NC prior to starting chemo treatment... with a magnificent win in the Big House by the Big Blue! I must admit that I was a little upset that while traveling through both Ohio and West Virginia there were little to no air waves carrying the Michigan game, but I guess that is to be expected.

Today my hometown news posted my story in the Sunday paper roughly 7 years after the article on the Washington kick. I have always appreciated the journalist who covered the story and this interview was delightful as I got to hear more of his life story, all of which was very encouraging to me.

As I hang low for the next two weeks, I am glad to see the news go public. For those who know me, fame and recognition are the last two things I seek out or even desire. I think what I do desire is for people to know that there is pain and suffering going on in this world and we need to continue to ask why and what can I do? I think seeking the perfect cocktail of chemo drugs to cure this disease in me is a wonderful thing, but why does a young man in his 20's stumble across such a disease as Multiple Myeloma?

So believe me, after we are done kicking this disease straight through the uprights there will be much celebration, but for me, the game will not be over, it will just have begun.

Addendum by Cassie: Phil has done a great job of taking over this blog for the last couple of weeks since I've been trying to get everything lined up for our vacation and for treatment. I just want to also welcome readers of the Midland Daily News and encourage you to leave a comment if you are coming here for the first time. Even if you're not sure what to say, a simple Hello goes a long way... we gain so much encouragement just knowing you're out there.