Man of the Year
It's been a few weeks since I updated my blog. I just needed a little time to get back to my life. I am working full-time once again, and am feeling much better. But I needed to tell you about what has just gone down. It's too juicy to pass up. Check this out:
I got a phone call last night from our assignment desk. It was one of the editors, Angela. She said, "Yeah...I was just watching Evening Magazine, and you won the Man of the Year?"
I was more than a little surprised. Several weeks ago, I learned that I had been nominated for Man of the Year in the Best of Western Washington poll on KING5.com and Evening Magazine. I didn't ask for it, but I figured if I am going to be in the race, I might as well make a decent showing. So I sheepishly sent out a few requests for my friends to vote. As has been the case ever since I went public with my cancer diagnosis, the response was overwhelming. Hundreds of people flooded that site and clicked on my name for the Western Washington Man of the Year. When the results were announced last night, my name was on the top of the list. Bill Gates, last year's Man of the Year, finished fourth.
Once again, I am deeply honored and humbled.
I really don't know what to say about this other than I believe that all of this has happened for a reason. I believe that God gave me cancer to change my perspective on life (which has changed profoundly), but also to share that perspective with others. I have used my gifts as a writer and storyteller to reveal what cancer treatment is really like, and how I dealt with it. I had a feeling going in that simply shedding some light on that process would be valuable and helpful to others, and from the response I've received, it certainly has been, but it's a lot more than that. I have taken on an enormous responsibility. I have become a sounding board for cancer patients, family members and survivors from all over the world. Every day, I am approached by people--most of whom I have never met personally--who share with me some of their most intimate and painful secrets about dealing with disease. I am able to offer some encouragement, some comfort, and sometimes maybe a little bit of wisdom. Even though I had no idea that this would be part of the gig, I relish this responsibility, and take my new role very seriously.
I know a lot of folks have lost interest in my blog since I no longer whine about chemo, joke about losing my hair, and decry the side effects of radiation. The station has removed the "Bill's Journey" page from the website. But the "Journey" is far from over. I look forward to sharing some interesting insights that have come about during this process. I have a whole new outlook on life. It's pretty cool. I can't wait to discuss this stuff with you.
Stay tuned.
I got a phone call last night from our assignment desk. It was one of the editors, Angela. She said, "Yeah...I was just watching Evening Magazine, and you won the Man of the Year?"
I was more than a little surprised. Several weeks ago, I learned that I had been nominated for Man of the Year in the Best of Western Washington poll on KING5.com and Evening Magazine. I didn't ask for it, but I figured if I am going to be in the race, I might as well make a decent showing. So I sheepishly sent out a few requests for my friends to vote. As has been the case ever since I went public with my cancer diagnosis, the response was overwhelming. Hundreds of people flooded that site and clicked on my name for the Western Washington Man of the Year. When the results were announced last night, my name was on the top of the list. Bill Gates, last year's Man of the Year, finished fourth.
Once again, I am deeply honored and humbled.
I really don't know what to say about this other than I believe that all of this has happened for a reason. I believe that God gave me cancer to change my perspective on life (which has changed profoundly), but also to share that perspective with others. I have used my gifts as a writer and storyteller to reveal what cancer treatment is really like, and how I dealt with it. I had a feeling going in that simply shedding some light on that process would be valuable and helpful to others, and from the response I've received, it certainly has been, but it's a lot more than that. I have taken on an enormous responsibility. I have become a sounding board for cancer patients, family members and survivors from all over the world. Every day, I am approached by people--most of whom I have never met personally--who share with me some of their most intimate and painful secrets about dealing with disease. I am able to offer some encouragement, some comfort, and sometimes maybe a little bit of wisdom. Even though I had no idea that this would be part of the gig, I relish this responsibility, and take my new role very seriously.
I know a lot of folks have lost interest in my blog since I no longer whine about chemo, joke about losing my hair, and decry the side effects of radiation. The station has removed the "Bill's Journey" page from the website. But the "Journey" is far from over. I look forward to sharing some interesting insights that have come about during this process. I have a whole new outlook on life. It's pretty cool. I can't wait to discuss this stuff with you.
Stay tuned.
Posted by Bill Wixey at 10/31/2009 4:32 PM 
Categories: Bill Wixey, Best of Western Washington, Man of the Year
Tags: Bill Wixey Best of Western Washington Man of the Year
Categories: Bill Wixey, Best of Western Washington, Man of the Year
Tags: Bill Wixey Best of Western Washington Man of the Year
I havent lost interest in the Blog! Keep em coming! And Congratulations Bill - you deserve Man of the Year! Thanks for sharing with us this year.....truly inspiring!
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IMHO, this is where people need to stay tuned to your insights more than ever. As a cancer survivor I can say that the journey has just begun. The jolt at the beginning is about enduring in a high stress, very intense situation. Now the emergency is over, and it's about enduring the more subtle aspects of recovery. This includes residual stress, synthesizing the experience into your being, and learning to live with the fact that this has happened at all, and fear that it could happen again. One thing people can learn from your experience (and friends have learned from mine) is that it's not over at the end of treatment, and that you will never be the same again. The fun is that it is a blessing in disguise. Enjoy the gift.
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That's awesome news, Bill -- they picked very very wisely this year (the voters, that is!).
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Congrat, Bill.
It is so nice to have you back on the air. In this very crazy and unpredictable year, It was nice and kinda comforting to see you on TV Fri. To hear your stories and let us know your alright. Thank you and keep us informed.
It has been a real rough year. Personally, we have lost so many loved ones this year.....cancer mostly. It is nice to see someone healing from this horrible sickness.
Keep telling us your stories, keep writing, and keep smiling.
Take Care of you
Gloria
a fan.
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Dear Bill,
Thank you for your post. I think those of us who have been in your shoes can relate entirely. One bit of advice. Before you jump into any time consuming commitments, take time for yourself, your famiy and friends. When my treatment was complete in January, 2008, I got on a plane each month for a year visiting and exploring. It was only after I'd had my fill, that I settled down to start the Houston Chapter of the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
And as for your blogs, the best is yet to come Bill. Keep the faith!
Donna : )
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I just had a friend diagnosed with breast cancer and she wants to know about my experience (testicular)ive been telling her but referred her to your story to hopefully give her a good understanding what she is up against
you deserve man of the year for your story and battle
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Chemotherapy for my non-hodgkins B cell/CLL lymphoma starts soon. Reading your experience gives me courage to have treatment. So wonderful that you are cured. Your story helps so many. You never gave up. I hope I can be so brave. Thank you Bill. Bonnie Nielsen, Bellevue
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Hi Bill,
I have been following your story and wanted to invite you to share a few words at our first in the nation "How to be a Powerful Patient" event, see patientpower.info/events. It a pretty big deal and you would get a lot out of it as we would from you. Let me know, andrew@patientpower,info 206 295 2196 Thanks!
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Thank you Bill--your sharing with all of us has meant the world to me. I am so inspired by you!
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keep up the good work.
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I've always enjoyed reading your blog - I enjoy your writing and honesty. Congratulations on the win!
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