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Norm Beznoska
submitted by Norm Beznoska jr.

Norm had emergency surgery on Sept 3,1999 and was in stage three of testicular cancer. A tumor in his stomach, spots on his lungs, etc. and only four weeks away from getting his Naval Aviator wings which he spent 22 months in flight training to receive!

Since the Navy had no cancer treatment facilities in all of Florida, Norm had to drive two hours to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi every other week for 6x8 days of chemotherapy for nine weeks. His disease impacted me far more than it did him. He viewed it as his "minor incovenience". He was very fortunate in that the chemo, aided by many, many prayers, worked. He was called by Scott Hamilton, the figure skater, whom I came to know while raising funds for the Cleveland Clinic's Taussig canacer Center.Norm really followed Lance Armstrong and his war against cancer. In fact, once he completed his chemo, Norm became an avid bike rider and now rides up to 10-15 miles daily in San Diego.

Because the chemo drug, bleomicyn affected his lungs, and his ability to fly at high altitudes, the Navy tried to have him transfer out of Aviation. Norm would have none of it and instead went into helicopter flight training. He earned his coveted Naval Aviator Wings of Gold on April 24, 2001. A very proud moment in all our lives! He is assigned to Helicopter Squadron HC-11 in San Diego, and is awaiting deployment to the Persian Gulf next Spring.

They say "things happen for the best", although two years ago, I was very angry at God for afflicting my 23-year old son and NOT me with the cancer. I learned to really renew my faith and have been able to repay all those responsible for Norm's treatment and recovery. He has passed the "two year mark" and is in complete remission. He is a true SURVIVOR and his courage and temacity made me STRONG; his positive attitude and never once complaining or questioning "why me?" made areal impression on others.

I now belong to a church sponsored cancer support group and try to share his experience and fight with other cancer patients every month. My dad, who is 85 years old, is now undegoing chemo for colon cancer. He has been helped by his grandson's experience. Simply staed, my son is my hero. I have aatched a photo of Norm for you. Thank you so much for all you are doing to help eradicate this disease. Norm Beznoska 440-238-2831 Home