This is a speech that my Dad delivered at a Cancer Walk Fundraiser in March 2007, a year and a half after receiving his Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis.   I helped him craft the speech, and he wanted to focus on how he was striving the thrive during treatment, not just survive.  His attitude has been a blueprint for me in my journey.  He thrived for 6 years with treatment.  The weekend after ending treatment and being put on hospice care, I helped him plant the flowers and trees, knowing he might not see it, but knowing his family would enjoy it, was his motivation.