Have you ever wondered what you’d do if faced with a troubling situation, one so severe that your own life may be on the line? For some, thinking efficiently may come as second nature, but for others, this may be a bit of a milestone. When I think of someone who took great measures and went above and beyond to preserve his own life, I think about James “Rhio” O’Connor. He was diagnosed with deadly cancer, mesothelioma and given a one year life expectancy. This type of cancer affects the mesothelium lining of the body and is caused by exposure to asbestos. Instead of just accepting this diagnosis, he decided to do something about it. He researched his illness and came up with his own technique for therapy. Because of his undying efforts, he was able to live for another six whole years. When I think about how many challenges that he must have faced, I wonder what I would do personally if I was ever placed in that position. I know that I would have to act quickly and efficiently and come up with the best possible solution fit. If I traded places with James “Rhio” O’Connor, I would set goals, make revisions to my lifestyle, and use my personal inferences to help prolong my years on this earth.
If ever I was diagnosed with cancer, I think that I would definitely take into consideration my high level of faith and get a second professional opinion. If the outcome were still the same, I would definitely not just throw in the towel. I would read about my diagnosis and get to understand it more so that I could learn the best way to cope with it long term. I definitely would see it as a long term and not as something that was going to defeat me in a short amount of time. I would have the mindset that this disease had met its match and that it didn’t have a hold on me.
The treatments for cancer in today’s society are chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes surgery. If I was ever put in a position where one of these would be needed but wouldn’t cure me completely, I believe that I would look elsewhere. I wouldn’t want to place a limit on my solution to better healthcare. From reading O’Connor’s story, I gained a new prospective on how to deal with such situations if they were to ever occur. If this was my situation, I would make sure that I took into consideration every possible bit of information that was available. Every factual concept would be important and would be used in collaboration with medication and any other tool to help me extend my life expectancy.
This situation is indeed a very serious and important matter. If ever I was placed in such a position I would consult not only every healthcare professional within my reach, researchers, scientific institutions, and professors, but also my beloved friends and family. They are the true backbone and support to any situation. Last but not least, I would stay prayed up because faith can take you so very far in life. The people that surround you during time of decision are very important. They are the source that could either make you or break you when it is most important. For me personally, they would play a major part in the strength and wisdom I would need to get through the struggle. They possess one of the most important factors to success—love.
James “Rhio” O’Connor was a very strong and persevering man who inspired not only me but many to go above and beyond any challenges that life may face you with. Although I have never had to deal with anything like his situation, his story instilled in me new insight if I ever do come across such an altercation. The purpose of this essay was to tell what I would do if it were me, but honestly I can’t answer that. I can only tell you of the major plans I have or who I think I would consult with or what treatment processes I might undergo, but I won’t really know until I am actually faced with such a diagnosis. James O’Connor did the unthinkable, what most people would call the unattainable and for that reason, he is still being honored today. The only thing that I can honestly say in regards to my actions is that I hope if ever anything like this befalls upon my life that I will have the strength and the wisdom and the determination to live on and not let man determine my destiny. I hope that if ever a case occurs that I will know exactly what to do because one thing is for certain—you only get one life and it is what you make it. James O’Connor made sure of that and that is why he is remembered today. What will you be remembered for?
By: Moore, Raven
