My grandfather, l.M. Dees, is a cancer survivor of 25 terms. Someone of you might think there’s no way. Well it's true and here's my story.

We live in the south, mississippi to be exact. We are the poorest state in america. My grandfather knew at age 12 he didn't want to struggle his whole life. So he dropped out of school and got a job. At age 18 he joined the military, his life savor. Through out his duty he married and had 4 beautiful children. When he finally retired from the air force he knew feeding his family would take more that just his retirement so he joined the army. And that’s when it happen.

One day he noticed little moles that suddenly appeared and were thick and red. He went to the medical tent and a doctor told him "oh its no big deal its just a little skin cancer." skin...Cancer? It scared him but since the doc made it seem like no big deal he didn't take it to serious. Over the years it kept coming back....But the same thought crossed his mind no big deal.

Retired again he finally saved up to buy a house and settle in. Years go by and every time an illness would appear he never let it get to him. By then he had grandchildren to play with so he really had no time to get sick. I remember being young and him taking us to appointments where he would get cancer cut out little areas then afterwards take us to the park and he would just rest in the truck. He never let his cancer get in the way of his youngins.

From lung cancer, colin, bladder, skin, kidney, even heart attacks and tumors in the brain he never had time to be sick. There were to many birthdays and christmas' to miss. First day of school and graduations. Can't forget weddings and great-grand kids. Never did he have time to miss his family.

Im not saying cancer didn’t hurt him or even scare him. But I will say he didn’t let it get the best of him. He’s still alive today at age 77. He isn’t in the same condition or even close but he made sure all his family knew what his reason on earth was…..To love. Love cured my pawpaw’s cancer. With scars all over and half a lung, with a bladder that doesn’t even work and a heart that barely beats. This man is a gift from god himself and for that I call him the miracle man.

Though I know he’s almost gone sharing his story makes me believe that you can accomplish anything whether it be war, poverty, illness, or even life. Thank you for allowing me to share with you……