7 Years Cancer-free!

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My cancer journey with Stage IVc Carcinoma Ex Pleomorphic Adenoma began on March 10, 2010. For six horrific months, I endured 3 surgeries, daily head and neck radiation treatments, and weekly chemotherapy. Wow, a lot has happened over the past seven years and most significantly regarding my health, I now have an update to share. After finally reaching the annual follow-up schedule with my oncologist and surgeon, I continue to be cancer-free! A lot of “parts”, muscles, glands, nerves and lymph nodes were surgically removed from my face, neck, and shoulder. I have left facial paralysis, limited strength, and range of motion issues in my arm and neck, my body is compensating and continuing to heal. Adjusting to the new, ‘normal’ is strange, but getting better.

I have launched a website called CXPA Cancer Foundation. Its goal is to distill and provide relevant information, encouragement and hope to cancer patients and their caregivers. Please check it out and let us know what you think: www.cxpacancer.com. I’m beginning to add a passionate, medical advisory board to the Foundation. Thankfully, I’ve connected with dozens of amazing people who’ve been impacted by carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and related cancers.

My three sons are doing great; Chandler is working and completing his Associates’ degree this semester, Mitchell started his first full-time job as a mechanic at a great dealership and plans to start Technical College in a few weeks, and Tristan started fifth grade and looks forward to his science class.

Thankfully, my incredibly talented team at Digital Lightbridge continues to be blessed with many new and exciting organizations to serve, brand and guide towards success. Last April, Digital Lightbridge celebrated its 16th anniversary.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me and my boys during this strange, horrible, wonderful and incredible journey.

Love and press on, Rich

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About Richard Hayes

Richard William Hayes is the Chief Executive Officer and managing partner of Digital Lightbridge®. Hayes founded the creative digital agency in early 2001 and remains faithful to its mission of helping companies achieve their business objectives through strategic marketing solutions. Richard is responsible for managing the firm’s day-to-day business operations, as well as sales, and delivering exceptional client service. Richard has over 30 years of experience in advertising and marketing, having held executive positions with Fortune 500 companies and several major communications businesses. Past positions include Chief Operations Officer for Inteledigm Communications, a web development company; Vice President of Cortex Communications, a leading medical education firm; Senior Project Manager and Creative Director for TechData Corporation (TECD); and creative leadership positions with The Tampa Tribune (MEG) and several innovative advertising agencies. Richard is a proud graduate of LeadershipPasco and the Pasco County Citizens' Academy. Senator Mike Fasano presented Hayes and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco with “Good Scouter Awards” from the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. He was twice awarded the “Business of the Year High Impact Award” by Somebody Cares Tampa Bay. Richard has also been a two-time recipient of C12 Tampa Bay's “Member of the Year Award” and Servant Leadership Awards. He was bestowed the “Hero Award” by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Hayes co-founded and published a national Christian leadership publication called TwoTen Magazine. The publication has featured a wide variety of leaders, including Coach Tony Dungy, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, best-selling author Dave Ramsey, Dr. Ben Carson, Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson, Shannon Bream of Fox News, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, David Green founder of Hobby Lobby, Dina Dwyer-Owens of The Dwyer Group, Ben Watson of the New Orleans Saints, and award-winning country music singer Josh Turner. Hayes is active in his community, currently serving on the Board of Directors of Feeding Pasco’s Elderly as Treasurer, New Harvest Missions International, and CXPA Cancer Foundation, and as an advisory board member for Pasco County Libraries, Marchman Technical College, Abe Brown Ministries, ICDM, Tampa Port Ministries, and a current committee member of CBMC’s Annual Tampa Bay Leadership Prayer Breakfast, Light Up The Night Tampa Bay, The Human Trafficking Foundation, and Jeepin 4 Justice. He is a member of the Westshore Alliance, Christian Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay, Gideons International, and The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. Richard has also held leadership positions with the Magnolia Valley Fire Department, where he served for five years as a firefighter, board member, and training officer. Richard and his exquisite wife Nikki, live in Dade City (North Tampa Bay, Florida). They are the proud parents of five, way-above-average, children. The Hayes’ are child-welfare advocates and human-trafficking abolitionists.

4 thoughts on “7 Years Cancer-free!”

  1. What an amazing testimony to God’s Grace and faithfulness! You are such an encouragement to me and so many who see His working in and through you. Keep Pressing On my Brother and Friend.
    Grace and Peace,
    -Pastor Marshall

    Reply ↓

    • Thank you, Marshall! I remember waking up from the first surgery and seeing your face and wondering how did you get there, not knowing the surgery was five and half hours. Thank you for helping me to the car and caring for me during that difficult season. Press on friend! 3 John 2

      Reply ↓

  2. Congratulations and Praise God!!!
    Now that we are walking the cancer journey with our daughter – we too know the
    deep meaning and celebration of each month…that then become years…of NED reports.
    May God keep his hand of protection on you!!!
    Blessings.

    Pam Jordan Wolf

    Reply ↓

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