Ira Mitchell Steiman | Quality of Life Fund

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"may today there be peace within.

may you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

may you not forget the infinite possibilities born of faith in yourself & others.

may you use the gifts that you have received,

and pass on the love that has been given to you.

may you be content with yourself just the way you are.

let this knowledge settle into your bones,

and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us."

My name is Ira Steiman and I have cancer.

It sounds like a 12-step program; but it’s not.

Being diagnosed with cancer has changed my life. It's been a roller coaster ride already and the incredible journey has not yet really begun. Not even close.

For those of you that may not know the details, I have been diagnosed with Stage IV squamous cell carcinoma in the base of my tongue with metastases to my lymph nodes.

I’ve been told that my cancer is inoperable but should respond to aggressive chemotherapy and radiation.

We live in a world where we believe we can somehow control EVERYTHING. But we can't.

Some things are out of our control and we have to learn to accept and believe so we may move past.

All I can do is put my life in the hands of GOD and people trained to hunt and destroy THIS DISEASE before it destroys me.

Being out of control does not mean being hopeless.

I ALLOW MYSELF to keep humor and your hope alive.

I have cancer – I also have the most wonderful support system.

I WILL NOT GIVE UP. I may have cancer - but I am not yet dead.

I speak of you….all of the people in this space….you have been my heart my soul, my courage, my support and my lifeline…I am truly blessed.

I'd like to take a moment to say thanks to all of you who are rooting for me.

All of you who call, write me, or otherwise give me your support.

Noel especially is my angel here on earth. I couldn't do this without her.

She gives everything of herself to the point of neglecting herself.

She is so strong, so wonderful, so magical. I don't know how I would get through without her - she and my family, Howard and Richard, Jeffrey and Phyllis give me the will to keep fighting. My brother Jeffrey is my hero…he teaches me how to be a survivor.

I must also acknowledge some very special people…Fe’, Alan, Jenn, Mark, Kelly, Matt…you are the brightest stars in my sky and warm sunshine on my gloomy and cloudy gray days. Together you show me what strength truly is…you all look at me with such love, trust, and devotion. You all see me as a fighter - and so I have become one…better than I ever have been before. I can't put into words how much I LOVE ALL OF YOU.

Pre-cancer Ira was blissfully unaware of his own mortality. My biggest issues in life of late were dealing with trying to find work, daily stress and trying to be as good a man as I could be. There was no urgency to my life. If I failed a friend…I had all the time in the world to make it up to him. If I upset my family I could resolve it later.

Today, with cancer I am different. I know I have no time to waste…

Every day is a lifetime in and of itself. I don’t want to waste a single day on what-ifs.

I am committed to being a better friend. A better brother.

I will every day let my dear ones know that I love them and thank god that I have them.

Tonight was truly amazing and I can only conclude with my most humble gratitude and love.

Thank you.

Ira

donations are being accepted via paypal using the secure link below. you do not need a paypal account to make a donation. simply click the donate link, enter 'donation for Ira' in the purpose line and enter the amount you wish to donate. 100% of the proceeds benefit The Ira Mitchell Steiman Quality of Life Fund.

checks made payable to

Ira Mitchell Steiman

Quality of Life Fund

may also be mailed to:

noel brown

medallion occassions boutique

1001 w. cypress creek rd, # 116

fort lauderdale, fl 33309

questions? call noel brown

studio 954.772.6466

cell 954.478.1307