Updates and Thank Yous
Dear CVST Family,
By now most of you have heard the news about me, but I wanted to formally let you all know what exactly has been going on the past couple weeks, and what to expect in the coming months to the best of my ability.
I’ve been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer: a neuroendocrine insulinoma. Two weeks ago I had a completely unrelated emergency abdominal surgery, and have been recovering ever since. I’ve been making improvements daily, and really appreciate those of you who have reached out via the facebook page “Kicking for Kelly” with well wishes. Tara and Maria read me most of your posts when I’m feeling up to it. I ask that you all please continue to refrain from texting or calling as the nursing staff does rely on my phone to monitor my blood sugar levels.
I do not know when I will be returning to the pool, all I can tell you is as soon as possible. It depends on my recovery from surgery and response to chemo, which I’ve only had my initial doses of so far because of the emergency surgery. I’m going to continue to do the back-end computer work as much as I can, as well as writing workouts for the seniors.
In the meantime, its mostly business as usual at CVST. Randy will be covering Senior practices until I’m able to return. Having all of my CVST family behind me makes all the difference in the world, it truly does take a (Carrollwood) Village, but I do want to thank a few specific people:
Cindy Repak: without her I would’ve probably prolonged going to the doctor and a later discovery could’ve made this much more difficult.
The CVST Coaching Staff: they’ve been the glue holding the team together in my absence and have been my lifeline to the senior group and to the pool. I’m fairly confident they’re the reason the TAC is standing, and the reason I don’t have to worry about it falling down.
Brad Perez and CVST Alumni: Dr. Perez has gone out of his way to oversee my care at Moffitt and checks in on me daily. I’ve had a host of other Moffitt employees that are former CVST Swimmers that have also come to check on me and make sure my treatment goes smoothly.
Maria Zambito: Even though on most days I genuinely hate to see her because she makes me move more than I’d like, I know at the end of the day she’s pushing me to get back to all of you.
Tara and the Balseiro Family: Thank you isn’t enough. They have opened up their home, fed me, taken me to doctors appointments, and coordinated all of my care around their busy schedules. Without them I’m not sure what I would’ve done.
For everyone else who’s participated in fundraising or the meal train, my family and I appreciate it more than you know, and more than I can ever describe. Thank you all again, and I can't wait to be back to the pool to see you!
Go Village!
- Jim
