MOLINE, Ill. — A cancer diagnosis is a moment many fear, but for John Morrow, it's just another challenge to confront.
Morrow, is the owner of Morrow's Academy of Martial Arts in Moline, where he's also an instructor. He's faced many opponents in his life, but his current bout is different than any foe he's gone up against before.
"I was in the hospital with pneumonia, and then they discovered a mass," Morrow said. "They did a test and told me it was cancer and then told me it was stage 4 cancer, so it spread a little bit to the lymph nodes and liver and so on."
The news hit him hard.
"Kind of an out of body experience, like 'happening to me, really?'" he said.
Despite the diagnosis, Morrow remains resilient. Although doctors have informed him that they can treat but not cure the disease, the teacher has continued to do what he loves.
"Nothing's changed," Morrow said. "I'm working out, working every day, six days a week, training, working. A lot of people have been contributing to all these medical expenses I've been facing, and that's very nice. I'm really grateful to all the people that have reached out. I'm hearing from students I haven't heard from in years."
Morrow hopes his determination can help encourage others in similar situations.
"Don't just lie down and take it, you know? Push through it. Find ways to treat it with your diet, exercise, especially attitude. Have thoughts that you want, don't have thoughts that you don't want."
Reflecting on his journey, Morrow said, "There are all kinds of other people much worse than me. I've had a good life. I've got a good business. I should be grateful, so I'm grateful every day."
A GoFundMe has been established for Morrow by members of the community. If you'd like to donate, you can find it here.