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BY STEVE HANLON
shanlon@nwitimes.com
219.933.4198 | Sunday, September 21, 2008 | (No comments posted.)
Dave Walker pointed his finger in P.J. Fox's face two weeks ago, just like all those unnoticed times before on the rural country roads in southern Porter County.
Conviction poured out of the former Hebron cross country coach's lips.
As did faith and fear.
"The gun just went off," Walker told Fox. "This is the start of another race. Fight the pain. See the finish line and finish strong with everything you have."
Fox, a 2002 Hebron graduate, was on his back in a hospital bed at the IU Medical Center in Indianapolis. Sapped of strength, the former Louisville track standout is fighting for his life.
His kick isn't as strong. But his legs are still moving.
Fox has a rare form of cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoblastic lymphoma. His life expectancy is unknown.
Today, Fox's hometown is cheering him on from the side of the path. From 1:30-5 p.m. at St. Helen's Church those interested can have a saliva sample taken to determine if they are a match for Fox, who is in desperate need of one.
Yet, Fox's faith has killed desperation's grip. The devout Christian had planned to attend seminary after his career at Louisville.
"It can be perceived as very cliche and simple, but Jesus is my strength and my everything," Fox said on Thursday, his voice drained by chemotherapy. "Without him, what would I have?
"I'd be sitting here in a hospital with cancer. I would feel this physical pain and that's all. But he gives me a peace that's indescribable."
Fox finished sixth in the 800 meters at the Conference USA meet his freshman year. After a redshirt season, he had six top-eight finishes in 2005, including a school record in the 800 (1:50.52).
At Hebron, where he also played volleyball and basketball, winning 13 varsity letters, Fox finished seventh in the 800 at the state meet his senior year.
Pat Fox, P.J.'s father, wrestled at Highland and then Hanover College before joining the military. P.J. was born in Germany.
P.J. recalled the late-night basketball games in the driveway with his father and playing catch on a sunny summer day.
"That was a big part of my life," P.J. said. "I will always cherish those moments."
The two have embraced, cried and prayed much recently.
Through a drug-induced coma. Through nine months of chemo. Through a six-month remission.
But three weeks ago the cancer returned.
Pat believes in today's event. He believes God will have the answer for this affliction. He believes in P.J.
"He's a strong kid, a great young man that I'm very proud of," Pat said. "We appreciate anyone in the Region who can help out with the drive. And I ask that everyone keeps P.J. in their prayers."
At his church in Louisville, P.J. ministered to many who were dealing with cancer.
"I thought I had an understanding of what they were going through," he said. "But after going through it myself, there's no way to describe it. The physical pain is tough, but the hardest is the spiritual and emotional.
"You're stripped of everything -- except for what's really true. What was left was God and the love of my family and friends. And I don't need anything more."
When he walks through the hospital, he sees people with the same pain and tries to fill them with hope however he can.
Such selflessness doesn't surprise Walker. A photograph of Fox and him hugging after a PCC race hangs on the wall of Walker's porch. It shines like a lighthouse on a stormy night.
"That picture means so much more to me now," Walker said. "P.J. was a great athlete, but an even greater person.
"I'm praying for him. I believe he's going to win this race."
SUNDAY SPECIAL
The P.J. Fox Bone Marrow Drive will take place from 1:30-5 p.m. today at St. Helen's Church in Hebron. Simply having a saliva sample taken out of the mouth could help Fox or many others fighting cancer.
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