Local cancer survivor and advocate in the war on cancer Jack Gray was recently presented a national award from the Livestrong Foundation. On Oct. 18, 2014, Gray was presented with the Livestrong Spirit Award at a dinner held in Austin, Texas – almost ten years later to the day he received a phone call informing him he had Stage IV prostate cancer.
The Livestrong Spirit Award is presented annually “to an individual who most exemplifies the spirit and mission of the Livestrong Foundation, is an ambassador for the Foundation in their everyday life, and represents (the Foundation’s) Core Values in changing the way the world fights cancer.” It’s a description Gray is humbled to represent.
“There are so many people that could stand up there and accept this award, everybody that does what we do are just amazing people all over the world,” said Gray. “I had no idea that I was being considered for it.”
Gray, a retired Shelby teacher, has been an active fundraiser and volunteer for the Livestrong Foundation for the past eight years. He has chaired the Shelby Cancer Rally for the past eight years, presents cancer awareness programs in schools around Ohio, speaks to civic and church groups, represented the foundation at One Voice Against Cancer Lobby Day in Washington D.C. twice, serves as a regional leader for the Foundation and cycles as a member of Team Livestrong. All of which he prefers to do under the radar.
“That’s what we do; we do what we do because it’s a passion, we want to make a difference,” said Gray. “We don’t do any of that to get any kind of recognition, we just want to make a difference in somebody’s life.”
After accepting the Spirit Award at the Livestrong Challenge Fundraising Dinner on Oct. 18, Gray also participated in the Livestrong Challenge and Ride For The Roses on Oct. 19, a charity bike ride held each year to raise money that supports the programs of the foundation. It was the day of his 10-year “cancer-versary,” a day that was recognized by many congratulations and even a cupcake “cake.”
“It was 10 years to the day; Oct. 19 I got the phone call saying we’re sorry to tell you, you have cancer,” Gray remembered. “It was a celebration, but it was also a pretty emotional day. It was a milestone.
“I got involved in this because when I was diagnosed, I decided there wasn’t any reason to keep this a secret. I didn’t do something to be ashamed of,” Gray continued. “I was OK with letting people know my story in the hopes that maybe it would help another person get through their story. I had no idea 10 years later that it would be where it is now.”
The Livestrong Foundation helps people affected by cancer, including survivors, family members and caregivers with the daily challenges of dealing with fighting cancer. Livestrong programs help with emotional and financial issues, one-on-one counseling, fertility preservation, job related and insurance problems and many other issues that affect the lives of people fighting cancer.
“I’m 66 years old, I’ve worked with a lot of people in the course of my life in many different capacities, but I’ve never worked with a group that has made me feel so appreciated for what I do,” said Gray. “I’ve never worked with a group that inspired me as much as this foundation does. Their commitment, their vision, their passion for what they’re doing is what keeps bringing so many of us back year after year, to do what we do. It’s a very special relationship.”
In the 10 years between his cancer diagnosis and receiving the Spirit Award, Gray’s life has changed significantly. Receiving the award and riding in his 14th Livestrong cycling event on the anniversary of his diagnosis is something he considers a significant moment. But when asked if he feels his journey has come full-circle, Gray hesitates.
“I’m not sure that anyone who has gone through a cancer journey ever comes completely around, because your life is never the same,” he said. “It could be worse, better, it could be just different. My life is different. In my ways it’s better. But I don’t think I could say it’s come full circle; it’s just evolved into another direction.”
