Saturday, at approximately 4 AM, Allan L. Smith, my dad, took his last breath in this world. He taught me many wonderful things. And while I could go into the many lessons of loyalty, God, family, and work ethic - let me tell you about his fighting spirit, and what he taught me about toughness.
Allan Smith beat the statistical odds. Most people who have had heart transplants live 7-12 years postoperatively. Dad lived a whopping 19 years- overcoming such things as colon cancer, diabetes and SEVEN heart stents.
His bout with skin cancer in 2021 took his left ear and required a 6 hour reconstruction of the left side of his face. At that time he was told prior to surgery his chance of surviving surgery was less than 50%. But, survive he did! Just a month later, It spread to his neck and, while he lost about 70 pounds from the previous bout, he then went on to survive nearly 40 rounds of radiation.
Unfortunately a year later, a rapid growing lung cancer appeared. Dad chose to put treatment on the back burner, despite our objections so that he could enjoy a "normal" Christmas. It proved to be his last one. The cancer was untreatable. He finally succumbed, surrounded by his children. He was 75.
I love this photo. It's of us in a box suite at KU watching their 2022 home opener in style.
I very much want to express special thanks to the University, and especially Travis Goff for his wonderful work in providing for my family the suite seen below- as well as the personnel from the athletic department that took care of us during the game (the season opener against Tenn Tech). He answered my e-mail to him the very next day with unequivocal support and kindness. You see, my dad could not sit in the elements to watch games anymore. And, in a family of teachers and myself being a grad student, we simply didn't have the means to sit in a suite. Mr. Goff did not even bat an eye. He was on it, down to the amazing details. Thank you so very much, Mr. Goff and KUAD.
I love you, dad. And because of your spirit- and to honor your legacy, I'm determined to be a fighter too.
Allan Smith beat the statistical odds. Most people who have had heart transplants live 7-12 years postoperatively. Dad lived a whopping 19 years- overcoming such things as colon cancer, diabetes and SEVEN heart stents.
His bout with skin cancer in 2021 took his left ear and required a 6 hour reconstruction of the left side of his face. At that time he was told prior to surgery his chance of surviving surgery was less than 50%. But, survive he did! Just a month later, It spread to his neck and, while he lost about 70 pounds from the previous bout, he then went on to survive nearly 40 rounds of radiation.
Unfortunately a year later, a rapid growing lung cancer appeared. Dad chose to put treatment on the back burner, despite our objections so that he could enjoy a "normal" Christmas. It proved to be his last one. The cancer was untreatable. He finally succumbed, surrounded by his children. He was 75.
I love this photo. It's of us in a box suite at KU watching their 2022 home opener in style.
I very much want to express special thanks to the University, and especially Travis Goff for his wonderful work in providing for my family the suite seen below- as well as the personnel from the athletic department that took care of us during the game (the season opener against Tenn Tech). He answered my e-mail to him the very next day with unequivocal support and kindness. You see, my dad could not sit in the elements to watch games anymore. And, in a family of teachers and myself being a grad student, we simply didn't have the means to sit in a suite. Mr. Goff did not even bat an eye. He was on it, down to the amazing details. Thank you so very much, Mr. Goff and KUAD.
I love you, dad. And because of your spirit- and to honor your legacy, I'm determined to be a fighter too.
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