VIDEO: Roman Reigns is NOT faking cancer

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Some have speculated Roman Reigns' announcement about battling leukemia is a work, something to make him a more sympathetic babyface. I share my thoughts on that notion and why it's that's not the case in today's YouTube video.

Stride Pro Wrestling adds second Aug. event

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling has been on a bit of a hiatus. But in 15 days, your favorite indy wrestling company returns to John A. Logan College in Carterville. The show is Saturday, Aug. 4. Bell time is 6:30. You can learn more about the card here. 

You now have another chance to catch the action a week later. Stride heads to Duff-Kingston Gymnasium at Eldorado High School in Saline County for a very special fundraiser show. Every penny raised that night goes to the family of Sarah Miles-Keltner. The young mother of three is battling cancer. This fundraiser will help with mounting medical expenses. By the way, newcomer Kaleigh Miles makes her pro wrestling debut that night as well. 

Bell time is 7 p.m. on Aug. 11. Not only are the men and women of the Stride roster donating their time and talent to this event, but several area businesses are donating to the fundraiser too. Nancy Braddock-State Farm, Tison Financial Group, Brannock Insurance and Legence Bank are all helping the cause. If you'd like to get involved send us a message on our Facebook page.  That's where you'll also find updates for the show. Please consider attending and supporting Sarah's family and Stride Pro Wrestling. 

The HunsBurger 2.0

Yum
Courtesy: Tom Harness

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Four years ago CrossRoads Coffee Company in Carterville created the Kevin HunsBurger. I've written about it plenty of times before, but bring it up to set the tone for the today's post. I wrote a blog recently about hoping that a burger joint here in southern Illinois would bring back the HunsBurger. It was, for the most part, a joke on my part, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear back from two restaurants.

The HunsBurger

S&B's Burger Joint in Carbondale got to work on the idea. I exchanged a few emails with the owner and we worked out the details. It was decided the month of March the Reuben would be the HunsBurger. The burger is "a blend of corned beef brisket & ground Angus beef grilled to perfection, topped with Bavarian sauerkraut, loads of melted Swiss cheese, deli mustard and 1000 Island." 

The burger concept is not about me. Because of my last name and the fact that I was called Kevin Hunsburger a million times as a kid, it has made sense to work with restaurants on this. But the reason I've endorsed the idea both times is because a portion of the sales from the HunsBurger goes to charity. At CrossRoads, we raised hundreds of dollars for the American Cancer Society. Now S&B's is donating one dollar from each HunsBurger to the Austin Wade Foundation.

Austin was a classmate of my oldest son. When the boys were in sixth grade Austin died as the result of a brain tumor. His family and friends have honored his legacy some five years later. The Austin Wade Foundation helps families with a child battling cancer pay for expenses associated with the disease. My hope is that S&B's sells at least 250 HunsBurgers and the foundation receives $250 to continue helping families during a difficult time.

Thumbs up
Courtesy: Tom Harness

So if you live in southern Illinois, please stop by S&B's Burger Joint in the University Mall in Carbondale and try the HunsBurger. The promotion goes on until March 31. Thank you, all and thanks to S&B's for supporting such a great organization. 

Mom's medical rollercoaster ride

My wife, daughter and mom carefree at Disney

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I'm sitting in the hospital waiting room as I write this. We've been here since 6 a.m. for my mom's surgery to remove her bladder. In late 2012 she was diagnosed with bladder cancer. She went through an aggressive treatment. By spring of 2013, the disease was gone, but doctors told us there was a high chance of it coming back.

First round of chemo

Fast forward to July 2016, mom texted me and said the doctor found something suspicious on the scan (she was getting checkups every six months). As much as I wanted to stay positive I knew the cancer was back. Sure enough, after a follow-up test, the news was confirmed. She started a very aggressive chemotherapy regime that kicked her ass. She got sick a lot. She ended up in the hospital early on in the treatment. And she lost her hair, but she never lost her smile. She stayed positive and strong, preparing for surgery to remove the bladder.

Finally, that day has come. The six-hour procedure is over and the doctor just talked with us and said things went well and it doesn't appear that there's any cancer outside the bladder. I'm excited beyond words right now, but she's still not out of the woods. Recovery time in the hospital is at least a week, then she'll have to take it easy and rest for the next six to eight weeks.

Get well card my daughter made

I'm not an overly religious person, but I have many people who are in our corner, praying for my mom, her doctors and our family. Words cannot express how grateful we all are to God for this support and love. Thank you isn't nearly enough, but it's all I've got for now. 

Editor's note: I used the rollercoaster pic because it's one of my favorite photos of my mom. It's from our 2014 trip to Disney World.

Merry Christmas

Hunsperger family Christmas 2016

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Regular readers of this blog know that earlier this year I started a blogging streak. Christmas Day marks day 214. Since it is Christmas I decided to share a little holiday spirit.

Skiing in Michigan

I am grateful that I got to spend the past week with my family and not have to worry about getting up at 1:30 a.m. The break has been amazing and I got to knock two things off my bucket list: visiting Michigan and going downhill skiing. 

Christmas Tsum Tsums

My mom's health has been a big concern this year as she is battling cancer for the second time. Last month we learned that the chemotherapy has contained the disease to the bladder and next month surgeons will remove the infected organ. Spending the last few days at home with my family has been very important to me. For me to be able to do that my friends and coworkers had to hold down the fort. So thanks, guys.

A dip for the Ugly Christmas Suit

I can't go without recognizing my buddy Tom Harness, the Ugly Christmas Suit Guy. This year he raised more than $5,000 in his suit for a group called The Promise. They provide for those in need in southern Illinois. Tom worked tirelessly since Giving Tuesday to raise money, food and awareness for The Promise. Mission accomplished. Thanks to all who gave and to Tom for putting himself out there once again and reminding people what the spirit of the season is all about.

From My 1-2-3 Cents and the Hunsperger family, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Thanks for your friendship and support.

THANKSGIVING: What I'm thankful for this year

Garden of the Gods 2016

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I have many things to be grateful for this year. But I'm going to narrow it down to a few of the biggest in this post. I'm trying to adopt a more positive outlook on life in general and remember no matter what cards you get dealt, make the best of them. It's not always easy, but it is possible.

First and foremost I'm thankful for my mom's health. Over the summer we found out she had bladder cancer. This was the second time in the last four years she's waged battle. In September she started a rigorous chemotherapy treatment with the goal of containing the cancer to the bladder and eventually removing the infected organ. 

My mom and dad

A week ago my mom underwent her final chemo treatment and on Monday we got word that the chemo did its job. It's been a huge burden lifted, and now we're asking for continued thoughts, prayers and well wishes as "Memaw" gears up for January's surgery. So many friends and even strangers have been extremely supportive. For that, I'll be forever grateful. Thank you simply isn't enough.

Holiday World 

I'm also thankful for my wife and kids. Raising teenagers and a tween is no picnic, but I couldn't think of a better partner in this life mission than my wife Lisa. We've had some good times this year including a trip to Disney World over Spring Break and some closer to home excursions like Garden of the Gods and Holiday World. It's been a good year and I'm looking forward to celebrating Christmas too. 

News 3 This Morning fam

When I'm not a home, I'm at work. My work family is a true blessing too. We laugh and argue together just like a real family. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of an amazing team and being a part of the WSIL Family for nearly 13 years has been a great ride.

Craftbeericans on location

I've got some amazing friends too. From my Craftbeericans buddies to Yellow Donkey racers to my friends from all other walks of life, I always have a good time. I've also made a lot of new friends this year through Stride Pro Wrestling. It's never a dull moment for sure.

Finally, thanks to all of you. Since creating My 1-2-3 Cents in 2010, I've seen steady growth in readers and listeners on the podcast. I'm humbled that people care enough to read and share my thoughts on everything from pro wrestling to the crazy adventures in my life. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. 

HOPE is my favorite four letter word

Tom, Roxi and Kevin
#WillCoRelay

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Over the weekend I encountered one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I was

asked to co-emcee the Relay for Life of Williamson County for the American Cancer Society. My buddy, Tom Harness and I did our best to encourage those in attendance to donate and help support the projects in this area and the research efforts happening on a grander scale.

Isabella singing
Photo courtesy: Wes Bennett 

The evening started with a song by a young girl who has bravely fought a brain tumor the last two years. Six year old Isabella Borgens moved everyone to tears with her rendition of "Fight Song" to kick off the 2016 Relay for Life. Survivors and caregivers then walked the first lap of the night.

Courtesy: Melissa Lanelle

Throughout the evening I met and talked to many survivors and people still fighting the disease. Cancer does not discriminate. It does not care what race you are, what religion you practice or how old you are. Men, women, children, rich, poor, gay or straight. Anyone can be diagnosed.

Veterans' lap

Besides their cancer diagnosis, the people I met Saturday night had something else in common: HOPE. Each one of them smiled and spoke with such positivity it was encouraging. As new treatments and advancement are made, we know the phrase "you have cancer" is no longer a death sentence. There were plenty of fighters to prove that. 

Courtesy: Tom Harness

During the chalk lap, I took a moment to honor my mom who is in remission from bladder cancer. She received her last treatment more than three years ago and continues to be closely watched by her doctors. She fought very hard, stayed positive and had a lot of people praying for her and her doctors. I also remembered three friends who had their lives cut short by this dreadful disease.

The rain didn't dampen the spirit of the luminaria ceremony. Hundreds of paper bags with the names of survivors or people who have died served as a reminder of why we were all there Saturday night. I remembered my Aunt Rita and Uncle Dan who each died of cancer.

Courtesy: Tom Harness

Even though storms coming through ended the evening earlier, I learned that HOPE goes a long way. This disease is horrible and even though some people do die from it, there are many who don't. More birthdays are being celebrated, thanks to the support given to programs like Relay for Life. Learn more here.

Cancer battles are not 'lost'

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Heavy subject for an otherwise lighthearted and fun blog.  But I have to share some thoughts on a subject I feel very passionate about.  We often hear in the media that a person "has lost their battle with cancer."  I hate the phrase and as a journalist I refuse to say or write it.  

Mighty Mouse

In less than two years, three of my friends have died from cancer.  All three of these women were 41 years old or younger.  The most recent I've known since grade school and she was nicknamed Mighty Mouse.  These women had husbands, children, loved ones, friends, students and patients who looked up to them.  Each of my friends were in a long and painful battle with this horrible disease.

Stewart Scott

I have had loved ones who have died from cancer too.  With their deaths I avoided that dreaded "lost the battle" summary of how they died.  Stuart Scott's speech during the 2014 Espy Awards reminded us all why people don't lose this battle. He said in part, "When you die, that does not mean you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and the manner in which you live."

I don't view cancer or any other illness as a win-lose situation.  Saying one lost minimizes their battle.  As Stuart said, victory comes from how you live. I'm sad that the friends and loved ones who inspired me to write this blog are no longer here.  But I know they're no longer suffering.  They lived just like Stuart suggested and made the the most of their time here.  

No matter what battle you're facing you have three choices.  You can give up.  You can give in.  Or you can give it your all.  I encourage you to give it your all.  Let's love and encourage each other more.  Thanks.

Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

Malia Grace: Fighter

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

A couple of weeks ago I was looking for unique "holidays" online to share on our morning newscast. I remember seeing February 18 as "International Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day."  Regular readers here know that I'm in the midst of a health kick so I didn't click the link for the details of this sweet sounding day.  Honestly, I didn't want (or really need) a temptation to eat ice cream anytime. 

Then on the afternoon of February 18 I saw a post on Facebook about WHY the day is devoted to eating ice cream for breakfast.  It's all in honor of a little girl named Malia Grace.  She was born February 18, 2001, just a few months shy of my middle son's birthday.  Sadly, in 2010 Malia died after a long battle with cancer.  As a way of honoring the creative and energetic girl, friends and family members posted a few pictures of themselves eating ice cream at the start of their day. The idea quickly went viral.

Eating ice cream for breakfast

Eighty-three countries now participate in the holiday, not just to honor Malia, but all children who have or are battling cancer.  Life's too short to save dessert for the end of the day. After I read the article about the reasoning, I quickly decided I wanted to participate, even if it was a day late.  So I hid the last drumstick in our freezer behind a bag of homemade soup so my kids wouldn't find it.  When I went into work the next morning, instead of heating up my usual scrambled egg or oatmeal, I happily indulged and enjoyed the caramel and chocolate goodness I'd safely tucked away in my lunch box.  As I ate the treat, I thought about why I was doing it and was reminded how lucky my wife and I are to have three healthy children.

RIP Malia

Malia's family has a Facebook page and a website to keep their young daughter's memory alive.  People have been sharing their photos and thoughts for the last couple of years. It's a new tradition I'll gladly participate in every February 18.  Hopefully after reading this and understanding the meaning of the day, you too will have a scoop (or two) in honor of young ones fighting a horrible disease.  If you do participate, upload a pic and use #IceCreamForBreakfast and #KidsGetCancerToo 

Wage Hope: The Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

Wage Hope!

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents Twitter

November 13 is World Pancreatic Cancer Day.  It's a time to raise awareness about this deadly disease by wearing purple.  I hope that it will spark a conversation because quite frankly, more needs to be done in fighting pancreatic cancer.

Right now the five year survival rate is just six percent.  That blows my mind.  It's a hard disease to detect and once it's found it's often too late.  The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network hopes to double survival rates by 2020. They have just over five years to do that.  Raising awareness about the disease and funding research is critical.  Even still, 12 percent is still a long way from 100, but it's a step in the right direction.

The late Patrick Swayze

We've seen well known celebrities like Patrick Swayze, Steve Jobs, and Luciano Pavarotti bravely battle, but ultimately die from pancreatic cancer.  I have a personal connection to the disease.  In late 2001 my Aunt Rita was diagnosed with it.  She put up a good fight, but sadly we lost her in January 2002.  She was only 52 years old.

Grandma, mom, and Aunt Rita in 1980 something

Not only was Rita my aunt, she was also my Godmother.  She was always soft spoken and very loving to both me and my brother. We'd spend time with her and my uncle and cousins every Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and various family birthdays. When we were younger there were camping trips and adventures to Silver Dollar City.

When I hear the news of someone being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I think of Aunt Rita.  I remember the sadness we all felt when she passed away and how I wish there was no such thing as cancer.  But here's the deal, cancer exists.  Sweet, loving, and caring people, even little kids will die from it.  But there are many survivors too.  We have to talk more about all types of cancer and help the men and women working toward a cure.  Without the hope that one day six percent will double and gradually climb, we have nothing.  I encourage you to wear purple on November 13 and support the cause monetarily if you're able.

Here are a few other resources on pancreatic cancer:
Walk With The Dogs
The American Cancer Society
The Purple Page