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Airman overcomes cancer, continues to serve (and has a perfect PT score): Part 3

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Justin Brockhoff and Master Sgt. Mike Sanders
  • 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Editor's Note: This is the final part of a three-part series about an Airman's battle with cancer and how his commitment to faith, family and service helped him return to duty. To read parts one and two, click the link under the story photo section.

Getting back to day-to-day duties (and acing the Air Force physical fitness test)

Sergeant Sanders had served his country for more than 18 years, deployed overseas and had numerous TDYs under his belt when the doctors diagnosed him with cancer. The next question in his mind was whether or not the Air Force would allow him to return to active duty and finish out his career after fighting off the cancer.

Sergeant Sanders' records met a medical evaluation board in July 2008 and the Air Force decided to return him to duty.

He remained (and remains) dedicated to serving his country, despite fighting cancer for months. He now has more than 20 years of service, but isn't quite ready to depart his military roots.  Just recently, he was selected for promotion to senior master sergeant.

"It was extremely hard to get back into the day-to-day activities after the cancer, because of the fatigue involved in recovery," he said. "But the Air Force and the 618th TACC has been very good to me and I just want to serve them in the same way. It means so much to know that you are cared for and can count on the people you work with in times of need ... the Air Force is that kind of family."

Another way the Air Force has encouraged him is allowing him to start his physical fitness routines again. The oncologists were skeptical but Sergeant Sanders was ready to get his running shoes on again and get on the roads.

By November 2008, he decided to test his efforts ... it was a good test.

"I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew I had to do my best and prove to the Air Force that I was going to win this battle against cancer," said Sanders. "I took my first official Air Force fitness assessment and did the 1.5 mile run in 9:59 and also maxed out the pushups and sit-ups ... it was a bit slower than the 8:49 I ran in 2007, but I was so thankful that God even allowed me to take a step!"

One year cancer free -- January 22, 2009

Sergeant Sanders, family, and friends were so excited ... goals were being met and new ones were being created.

One of those goals was to run a half-marathon in St. Louis in April 2009 with his ENT specialist, Dr. Haughey. Their thoughts were that this would be a good way to celebrate and they could encourage one another in the process. Unfortunately, Dr. Haughey got shin splints and wasn't able to run, but he did show up to encourage Sergeant Sanders in his effort to accomplish this feat.

"With the encouragement of so many and the strength of Christ, I finished! It was tough, but I managed to run the half-marathon in 1 hour and 43 minutes ... not too bad considering where I was a year ago," said Sergeant Sanders. His treatment journal entry tells the story well:

"I started out at 7:20 pace running in the rain and puddles. I was on 7:27 pace at 6 miles and at halfway and then started feeling it as the long hills were very tough. I went through 10 miles in 76 minutes and 10 seconds, but the next mile went by in 8:30 or so. At 11 miles, my legs started to really hurt and there was a guy who came by me running for Team 413, which happens to be our family scripture verse ... it inspired me to press forward! Mile 12 was so hard as it climbed and I really wanted to walk, but I just kept my head down and thought about how many people I was running for ... I had to finish! As I collected myself for the finish, the race course started a descent which ate up my quads ... I could barely turn my legs over for the final 100 meters. I crossed the finish line and my legs felt like jello and it took all I had to just keep standing ... the tears welled up in my eyes. A glorious and miraculous moment had occurred. Maybe a marathon is on the horizon."

With this kind of strength and hope, Sergeant Sanders continues to run his marathon of life.

Sergeant Sanders' advice for those facing cancer

The American Cancer Society estimated that 1.4 million people would be diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2008 and the new projections for 2009 could be similar.

Sergeant Sanders' advice to those facing the disease is simple:

"Believe that God has put us in a place to serve others where we can. We go through things in our lives in order to help each other when we face challenges and that is how I think we should love and serve those around us. My son has always told me that all we have is today ... I like to add to that by saying that the strength of your family and your faith is the most important thing to get you through any challenge and 'Each Day, Make Memories.'"