World Lung Cancer Day

​I lost my father Robert Edward Taylor Jr. to Small Cell Lung Cancer on June 16th 2016. We had only found out about his extensive stage small cell in May. We first knew something was wrong late April. We tried chemotherapy, but his body had a bad reaction. In addition to getting an advanced case of blisters on his feet, he developed pneumonia. His WBC was over 100,000 thousand and after being in the hosptial a month, he was tired... he just wanted to come home. So we made plans for the home hospice.
He passed away exactly 7 days after leaving the hospital. That last week will always stay iny mind because I believe I was truly blessed and able to talk about the things I needed to before he passed. Throughout this journey I met so many people who were not able to say their last goodbyes, and for that I am greatful.
His wishes were that his body be donated to science so that someday, no family will have to feel the way that we all do. I started a cancer awareness page here on facebook in his honor. I hope that I can help spread awareness for this terrible disease.
Today on World Lung Cancer Day, I would like people to remember the courage my father had. Not just in his battle with cancer and will to live... but how he lived his life.
He was a single father of two daughters. A man raising 2 daughters alone wasn't easy. He worked as a veterinary tech for 35 years. He was passionate about his job and taking care of animals.
He loved music. Jazz, blues, and rock n roll. He had a place in his heart for Marvin Gaye, The Beetles, John Coltrane, and Eric Clapton.
He was a fisherman and taught his daughters how to fish. We would go to the lake every Sunday growing up in NY and would catch sunnies, bluegills, catfish, trout, and black bass.
He was a lover of the beach, ocean, and nature in general. Our special place was Glen Island in New Rochelle, NY.
He had a passion for cooking. One of my favorite things he made was chilli. I've tried forever to get mine to taste as good as his. It was just perfect.
He is survived by his two daughters. Lauren Taylor and I. His six grand children. Ashlie 16, Robert 14, Kelli 11, Anthony 11, Justin 8, and Poppy-Marie 3. His son in law, Gustavo Lopez jr. whom he looked at like his own son. And his best friend of 50 years, Brian Gillen.
I hope that I can continue to make my father proud and make a real difference in the fight to battle Lung Cancer. Thanks for reading.