billwixey.com

When I was diagnosed with cancer last May, I walked into my bosses' office and said,  "I need to to talk to you." 

I sat down with my News Director and Managing Editor and revealed the breaking news.  I had cancer.  Hodgkins Lymphoma.  I didn't know what it meant for my long-term health, but was told that there was a very good chance that I would beat it.  I went on to tell them that I had discussed this thoroughly with my wife, and had decided that we were willing to go public with my diagnosis and do some stories on my treatment.

As my photographer Walker Anderson and I started doing stories on my treatment, I decided not to shy away from any aspect.  We took viewers inside my chemotherapy sessions, and showed what it's like to receive intravenous chemotherapy infusions.  We showed what it's like to lose your hair.  We showed what it's like for the family dealing with cancer.  We took viewers inside the radiation chamber, and showed what that process is like.  We did 16 stories on my treatment over a four month span, and covered it from the beginning of treatment to the end. 

Viewers have responded overwhelmingly.  It's clear that we've done some good.  We've raised some awareness and some money to fight cancer.

                                   

On Saturday, Walker and I were honored with Emmy awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for "Bill's Journey".  It's a pretty rough way to win an Emmy, but it is still gratifying.