Quote

You know, once you've stood up to cancer, everything else feels like a pretty easy fight.

Cancer softened me up. I like the old me better. I liked being angry. It made me feel strong.

So I don't cry anymore, I just beat people up. It's a lot more fun.

I cry so much less than I used to. I used to be one of the most teary people.

I'm not used to crying. It's a little difficult. All my life I've had to fight. It's just another fight I'm going to have to learn how to win, that's all. I'm just going to have to keep smiling.

The battle against cancer has made me strong. It's like winning a war! When I was diagnosed, I was told by doctors my kidney, liver and other organs could fail. It was tough. I didn't know if I could save my life. But I was positive, and because of that, the doctor told me that I would be a man who would never have cancer.

This experience has also humbled me by giving me a true understanding of what millions of others face each day in their own fight against cancer.

When I had cancer, people were surprised at how cheerful and upbeat I was, but I couldn't let myself go to depression - to go there, that defeat would allow everything in. If you look too far into the abyss, you might never come out again. You can stand on the abyss and peep but not give in to sadness.

I cried when I found out I was a finalist, I kind of went limp when they called my name. I felt like my spirit jumped out of my body, and I was just flesh - it was just amazing.