Sheriff Speaks Openly About His Cancer
Many of you have likely heard the news that Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson has blood cancer. Sheriff Wilson sat down with us this afternoon to shed more light on his multiple myeloma.
Sheriff Wilson also wants to thank the thousands for their prayers. He says the support has been unbelievable. Understand this type of cancer usually strikes people 50 or older. The sheriff is 52. And only five thousand diagnosed with it have the same type of cancer Sheriff Wilson has. Despite this rarity, his outlook and sense of humor are untouched.
"I joke I probably would have had a better chance of getting a powerball ticket and winning than being diagnosed with this," Sheriff Steve Wilson said as he remains upbeat, even after discovering about a month ago he had multiple myeloma or blood cancer.
Right now, this cancer of the white blood cells can be treated, but not curable. "What I'm hoping for is the doctors and the scientists find a cure for it, it's on the horizon," Sheriff Wilson said.
And he chose to go public about his cancer to raise awareness. It's known as multiple myeloma because it strikes more than one area. White blood cells produce in excess and go into the bone marrow. And one symptom of this cancer is pain in your bones. "Many people who are diagnosed don't even know they got it, don't know anything," Sheriff Wilson cautioned.
The Walker County Sheriff has seen national exposure in the Tri-State Crematory and Sam Parker murder cases. He chooses to be an open book about his illness.He's taking about 45 minute treatments on Mondays and Thursdays. And after three sessions, he's seen no side effects. As is typical with chemotherapy, fatigue has set in, but he's rolling with the punches. "With laptops and emails I can be at home in my pajamas and still run the office from the laptop."
Speaking of e-mails, friends, family and even strangers from Alaska have been overwhelming in support with cards and prayers. The Sheriff hasn't yet missed a day.
"My prayer is that I would be healed from this and be restored to wonderful health and be able to continue in my role here just as I have for the last 13 years," Sheriff Wilson said.
Sheriff Wilson says he has leaned heavily on his Christian faith over the last month. He says being diagnosed caused him to do some self evaluation of what's really important in life. He adds if the Lord is willing he plans to run for reelection in three years.
