We are in the magic season between Thanksgiving and Christmas and I wanted to share a story of an incredibly strong person who chose to fight one of the strongest foes we know, cancer.  The way in which he did it is remarkable and the legacy he left will change lives for some time to come.

I did not know Matt Ellefson, a South Dakota resident who refused to take his diagnosis sitting down.  But I can guarantee you that anyone who did meet him never forgot him. His energy … contagious and his perseverance, even with cancer, incredible…but his resolve to make something lasting, to turn outward instead of turning inward, to say oh no, I’m not giving in rather than I’ll just take my lumps or complain about the bad hand he was dealt, is the unusual and inspirational part.

www.SURVIVEit.org is the site where you can learn more about this organization inspired by cancer survival but founded to help people.

Look up the site and I dare you to ignore that big lump in your throat or try to continue reading with tears streaming down your face.

Watch the video and hear directly from Matt and others how they discovered and relied on this organization to help them fight fearlessly through their cancer diagnosis.

Matt recently lost his battle after years and years of defying his terminal diagnosis but left an amazing legacy.  Consider how you will celebrate the holidays and perhaps make a donation to this cause or any other where their core mission is to help others.

We all know someone fighting a battle with cancer, physical or mental disabilities, loss, anguish, acrimony or pain that may not be obvious to everyone but if you know them, let them know you are aware and let them feel how you feel.

Have a blessed weekend!