The "Why Not Me" tee shirt is in memory of my father who passed away in 1994.  When Dad was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the age of 50, our small family was sent into a tailspin.  In less than a week, he was scheduled for surgery to remove a brain tumor.  The Doctors could offer no guarantee, only that they would do all that was possible. As Dad was being taken to the operating room, he shared with my Mom and us three kids that he was at peace with whatever God had in store for him and that he had never questioned  God, "Why Me?" but instead,  "Why Not Me?"   Dad knew that God had a plan and a reason and he didn't question God's wisdom. I wish I could say that I was as accepting as he was. 

We didn't know it then, but Dad's battle was just beginning.  Dad did survive the initial surgery and radiation that followed, but recovery was slow and he was never able to return to his ‘normal’ physical self. The Doctor's only predicted him to live for 3 to 6 months but God had other plans.  A couple of years later, the cancer returned in the form of a tumor wrapped around his spinal cord.  Once again surgery was needed.  The radiation that followed gradually 'ate' Dad's spinal cord in two and paralyzed him from the upper chest down.  Even though paralyzed, the pain was constant.  Simply rolling him back and forth in bed or small bumps in the road would send pain through his entire body.  Gradually the cancer spread throughout Dad's entire physical body.  Seven years after the initial diagnosis, God welcomed Dad to heaven at the age of 57.  Dad remained a positive influence, not only in our lives, but in the lives of everyone he came in contact with during those 7 years. 

We will never forget the church family and community and how they rallied around us-  from building a ramp, providing daily meals so my mother could care for him once he became paralyzed, to financial assistance for the many medical supplies that insurance did not cover.  Our family had never been financially rich, but we were rich with friends and family that loved and supported us through Dad's illness.

 A portion of all sales proceeds of the “Why Not Me?" tee goes to the American Cancer Society in Dad’s memory.   His words “Why Not Me?” along with the scripture, "we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." from Romans 5:4-5, has sustained me through many of my own life challenges.  It is our hope that these simple words can help others as well as they are faced with difficult challenges.