Meet the One Million Strong – Daniel Shockley

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Champion Stories
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daniel-shockley OMS How do YOU define One Million Strong? I would define One Million Strong as having the opportunity as Patient Advocates to collectively promote colorectal cancer awareness, screening and prevention.  To me, having a community means that I have the privilege to share my positive attitude and personal experience as a pre-cancer survivor in an effort to inspire others when faced with the adversities of life. Collectively we have the opportunity to make a difference. As I like to say, “TOGETHER we can help SEIZE THE DISEASE.” Where have you drawn strength? My mindset after learning about my colonoscopy results and moving forward is:  I tend not to think about things I am unable to control.  Medical issues I am unable to control.  However; what I can control is my attitude.  After 51-years my positive attitude has brought me this far, why change now?  I maintain that same attitude today and share it every opportunity I have. I want to be an inspiration to others that having a positive attitude is 90% mental and 10% physical. I can personally attest to this mindset.  I would like to also be a Patient Advocate for colon cancer awareness and screening. I want to share my experience with cancer organizations, medical communities and the general population on behalf of those who have gone before me and were unable to share their story. I draw strength in realizing the type of difference I know I can make. Who is your champion? My wife, Donna, would be my champion. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in the late 1980’s and had successful surgery.  Within the last 10-years she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  Her desire and motivation to carry on each day through the pain and discomfort this ailment causes her is a source of encouragement and inspiration for me. I am truly proud and honored to be her husband.  She is my example when it comes to overcoming adversities in my life. What is one piece of advice you would like to share with others?  It is impossible for me to summarize it in one point. Here are a few of my thoughts:
  • When dealing with life's challenges you have a choice to make.  Do you react or respond.  If you react, it may lead you to making a decision you could later regret.  If you respond, it allows you the opportunity to gather information in an effort to make a rational decision.  
  • When life throws us a curve, or as I like to call it a cut-fastball, better known as a "cutter" in the baseball world, it is up to you on how you handle it.  Do you react or respond?  If you maintain a positive attitude and respond instead of reacting you have the opportunity to avoid making a hasty decision.  The choice is up to you. 
  • I prefer to respond and prepare myself if I have choice.  By choosing to respond I often reflect back on the old cliché "You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink."  I once heard there is a flip side to this saying.  You can influence a horse to drink the water by feeding it salt on the way.  I refer to the "salt" in this expression as the resources I have that allow me to prepare myself when having to adapt to life's challenges.
In closing, I would like to add that by maintaining a positive attitude the opportunity for a success story is much higher.  I truly believe that having a positive outlook allows me to have a better chance of overcoming adversities that I am faced with during my lifetime. I AM a pre-colorectal cancer survivor with an attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP) diagnosis. I AM an inspiration for others to learn from. I AM STRONG! Want to share your story? Submit yours today!