Never before have I had such an appreciation for everyone in my life as I do now.

In the summer of 2015, I began feeling more and more tired and could not even mow my entire lawn. I went to my doctor and after some blood work, a CT scan and a biopsy, I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer which had quickly metastasized to my liver.

There were no warning signs. And it came on very fast. I immediately began chemotherapy which would continue into the spring of 2016. During that time, I sought a second opinion from the doctors at Yale New Haven’s Smilow Cancer Hospital.

The experts at Yale agreed with Dr. Sapna Khubchandani’s treatment plan which assured me that I was receiving the best care possible right in my own backyard here in Bristol.

Dr. Khubchandani is very supportive and forthcoming, and follows up with the resources available to her at Yale. Lynn is my primary nurse in the center and she is wonderful. The prep nurses are exceptional. The staff is the greatest from Dr. Driola Brahaj and Dr Khubchandani right down to Margaret the receptionist and Judy the treatment scheduler. So there is a light at the end of the tunnel for me.

My wife Claire has been my rock through this most traumatic time. She has been there every step of the way with me, going to every consultation and procedure. I would not be able to do this without her loving support. Claire and I became grandparents for the first time last January and as little Hunter turns one, I am just so grateful to be a part of his life. He is our little angel and every time we see him, it just boosts our spirits.

Our three grown children Sarah, David and Nick, provide something to me that no doctor could ever prescribe. I also am very lucky to have the tremendous support of my employer, Connecticut Spring and Stamping, which is where I serve as vice president of operations. The leadership team there, including Owner Peter Youmans and President Bill Stevenson, allows me the flexibility to work from home. Their support is a privilege that is just not available to every cancer patient.