April 3, 2012 - This is a message from Spencer

Message from Spencer

         

        Lou Gehrig once said, “I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.” I feel it takes a situation like what God has presented me with to understand the full meaning and emotion that comes from this statement.  Over the past few weeks, I can honestly say “I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth”.  Every morning when my feet hit the floor I feel blessed to be able to get out of bed.  Everyone has their share of challenges. Too often we’re using up our time thinking about what we don’t have, what we need, or our misfortunes. God has shown me how lucky I am to be surrounded by family, friends, love ones, strangers, and God fearing Christians that want nothing more than to give me their prayers, blessing, and words of wisdom and faith.  Every letter, text, Facebook message, voicemail, and/or phone call that has been sent to Lindsay and me are greatly appreciated.  A reporter caught me off guard during an interview this week when she said, “Spencer you seem so strong and composed. Please tell me something you are scared of?” I thought for a second and the first thing that came to my mind was that I am simply afraid that I will never be able to express to everyone involved how deeply touched and grateful I am for everything that has taken place over the past few weeks. 

          

          What this community has pulled together and done for Lindsay, my family, the Styons’s and me in such a short period of time can only be described as a miracle. I just want to give a special thanks to some very important individuals who have been the back bone for this event and my support system.  I don’t know what I would do without them and from the bottom of my heart I thank Sandy Patchkofsky, Renea Baker, Kim Weaver, Connie Corey, Jordan Aldridge Robertson and the entire office at Aldridge & Southerland.  I also would like to think Mike Slocum for all the T-Shirt, decals, wrist band, cozies etc. that was designed and provided for this event. The product and detail of his work is second to none and the best part about doing business with Mike Slocum is you get to meet an amazing person.   Lastly, I would like to thank Marie Manning for organizing a Relay for Life team in my honor.

          Billy Weaver, I hope one day you might be able to realize how grateful and overwhelmed with excitement I was to see the video you put together of my former coaches and Alex White.  The video touched me in the deepest part of my heart and there is no amount of money that could come close to making me feel the way that video did. You have gone above and beyond everything I could have possibly asked for during these past few weeks and I am extremely grateful.

        I would also like to think all the local businesses and generous donors in and around this amazing community for their donations and overall support of this event.  It is the people of this community that make Greenville a special place to live and I can’t think of anywhere else I would rather be.  Thank you to the Pirate Nation both past and present.  You don’t just take off the Purple and Gold when you’re playing days are over.  You are a pirate for life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

          I want to think Pitt County Schools for their support and understanding nature during this time of uncertainty for my family.  My father is a teacher at D.H. Conley High School.  The understanding and support that Principal, Mary Carter has provided for my father to be with me during this situation is truly a blessing and provides a peace of mind for all of us.  A special thank you to all of dad’s teammates who are pulling the weight during his absence. It goes without saying that a large majority of our support system for our family has been made up of teachers in this school system. I would also like to thank Vidant Health for all the care and support provided to me.  Also a special thank you to Mark Pittman and his crew for all the support with my mom at work.  Lastly, I’m very appreciative for all that Lynn Williams has done with helping my nephew, Jayce as we get through this. I am sure that I have left someone out of my thank you list…but please know my intentions are good and I am grateful for everyone that came out and supported me and my family at the Benefit.

          I would like to end this by saying please don’t feel sorry for me.  My heart, my soul, my peace of mind, and my faith, are sitting in a special place right beside God.  I believe God has a plan for me and I am waiting to see what play he wants me to run.

                                                                               -Spencer Hampton 

Blake Cline - "Against All Odds"

         This is Blake Cline holding the poster that her kids in her classroom made for Spencer.  She is the first person among a huge group of people who I hope participate in letting Spencer know that they are thinking of him constantly, and spreading God's will.  People need to hear his story and realize the power of God and prayer.  God's glory is truly being spread throughout Pitt County and beyond. Thanks Blake!

March 30, 2012

             
          I am pleased to inform everyone that with the benefit coming up on Sunday, the morale of everyone’s spirits are lifted. Spencer is working effortlessly during the day to continue his radiation treatments and continually fighting this uphill battle each day. Everyone is really coming together for this great benefit Sunday. I hope that everyone will be able to attend and really focus on having a good time. There is plenty of time for everyone to have their moments to reflect and even sulk, but Sunday is a time of family, friends and fun. We want everyone to drink, laugh, and be happy that we can gather in a place where God's hand is reaching out. We are truly blessed.

             I would like to thank so many that are responsible for Sunday. Thank you to Mrs. Renea Baker who helped make the flyer and get them to businesses around town. To all the people who made phone calls, and had items donated for the auction. I would like to thank Tie Breakers for being such a gracious host.  Also to everyone at Aldridge and Southerland and specifically Connie Corey and Jordan Robertson.  Everybody has really done their part. The t-shirts, decals, wristbands and huggers all look wonderful and really make you proud to be a part of the cause.  If you cannot make it Sunday, you can go by Aldridge and Southerland Realtors to donate and recieve any of these items.

           With the benefit coming up and everybody helping out and playing a part in the support of Spencer’s fight, I want to propose something. I recently came across a great idea with the help of Mindy Hill.  I want everyone to get more involved in the website, instead of just me rambling on so I suggest this; I want everyone to send me pictures of you with the theme "Against All Odds" somewhere in the photo. To be more specific, I suggest that when you are thinking or praying for Spencer, or if you are in a place that is special to you, just take a picture. Make sure you are in the picture, and somewhere in the picture you have written "Against All Odds." This can be a picture at the beach, out of town on vacation, at church with the family; wherever. This will show all the people who are out there thinking of Spencer on a daily basis, and how much the word is spreading about the God and one of his child’s will to fight.
       
         If you have any more questions about this, or want to start sending me pictures my e-mail is.. RES6122 @UNCW.EDU ... I hope you all take this opportunity to show Spencer your support along with Lindsay and the entire Hampton family.  I have also had people ask me where they can donate money directly to Spencer's Hampton Fund.  If you would like you can pay in cash or make a check out to the Spencer Hampton Fund, and mail to:

Aldridge and Southerland
ATT: Spencer Hampton Fund
226 Commerece Street
Greenville, NC 27858

I am very excited for Sunday and I can't wait to see you all there!


Matthew 18:20
       "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

March 29, 2012

   
    Today, was a rough day.  Spencer got back the results back from his pathology report to see which mutation the melanoma was.  We were hoping and praying for a certain mutation that has great success rate with a certain chemotherapy drug.  Unfortunately, that was not the mutation that came back.  I found myself for the first time in this whole process very angry.  Angry at God, angry with this disease, and angry at the doctors.

      Most of the time I am very level headed and have a sense of the bigger picture.  The moment got the better of me today, and I found myself cursing God.  I asked why couldn't we just get one shred of some good news.  Something to cling onto and help us in our prayers for hope. 

     Today I officially gave it ALL to GOD.  I am done praying for what I want to happen.  I have been going about this the wrong way, and instead should be praying for God's will.  I am sorry if this article is being blunt, but I just want everyone out there who continues to struggle like me, that I want them to give it ALL to GOD also.

Romans 8:28
     And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

WITN News Video Link and the Audio Archive from Pirate Radio

Support Pouring In For Former ECU Football Player Spencer Hampton

      Mr. Billy Weaver did an amazing job on this piece.  I know Lindsay and Spencer did a great job telling Spencer's story and they thought Mr. Billy couldn't have done a better job of telling it.  It is a tear-jerker so be prepared, but it is also very inspiring at the same time.   

http://www.pirateradio1250.com/pod/pressbox/pb032712.mp3
 
     This audio feed is from the show "The Pressbox."  It is Mr. Billy Weaver and Mr. Brian Bailey discussing Spencer's story and the benefit.  The audio about Spencer starts at about the midway point of the show if you would like to fast forward.  Again, they did a great job and you can tell that both of these two men have a personal relationship with the families and have a strong connection to this story.

March 26, 2012

    

      The most up to date news on Spencer is that he continued his radiation therapy today after taking Saturday and Sunday off.  Unlike we originally thought, he did not start chemotherapy today.  He will not start the chemotherapy until after the radiation is done.  So far Spencer says some of his symptoms are digressing with the radiation and steroids which is positive news.  The process of treating this cancer is not an over-night process.  We have to show our true patience in this time, but Spencer is working hard each and every day.

       Over the weekend Spencer was able to enjoy being out of the hospital and back home with Lindsay.  He very much enjoyed sleeping in his own bed and being back in an atmosphere that is more comforting.  We were able to enjoy a good time together on Friday at Professor O'cools where we watched the thrilling Carolina basketball game together and shared laughs.  I think it really was a comforting feeling being together with all the people who are going through this with Spencer.  It truly made you feel like it was okay to laugh for a minute, and enjoy the time with people you love the most.

       Also during the weekend we started discussing different events and fundraising opportunities to help out the Hampton family.  This Sunday, April 1st at Tiebreaker's Sports Bar, we are going to raise money for the medical costs Spencer and his family are facing. The event will be held from 4-9pm and feature musical acts Jupiter Jones and Victor Hudson. There will also be live and silent auctions with items from the world of sports, entertainment and lots of local restaurants.  You will be able to receive more details about this on tonight’s news at 6 o'clock.  WITN news is going to have an interview with Spencer and Lindsay where they will be describing all that is taking place.  Everyone please tune in if possible and if it isn't available to you, then you can check the website a little after the news where it will be posted.

      There is also a relay for life team being put together by some of Spencer's close friends.  Everyone is really doing their part and trying to help raise money and awareness for Spencer.  I hope that everyone continues to look at the Facebook page and this website for more information on ways to help.  I will make sure to try my hardest to continue to take the time to post details and updates.  I also want to thank everyone who approached me over the weekend and told me how the appreciated the blog.  It is very inspiring to hear all you're kind words.  I just hope to continue to update and gain support for Spencer, Lindsay and the entire Hampton family.  The amount of friendships that are being strengthened through this is a beautiful thing to watch.  Love you all and keep praying your hardest.

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10
           Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.

March 22, 2012

     

    This Thursday Spencer began his radiation treatment.  He was supposed to receive two treatments, but the team decided to only perform one treatment today and one tomorrow.  The treatments went well, and Spencer said that is was a "piece of cake."  Also we did receive some promising news that put a smile on Spencer's face.  The orthopedist saw Spencer today about his hip to see if they might have to do a hip replacement or other operations.  To Spencer's joy the doctor said that they didn't need to operate, and that his hip and femur bone were good to go.  This was after the bone scan came back that was probable to show spots of cancer, but Spencer showed what HE thought of the word "probable."   This means that Spencer has a more likely chance of getting to return to his house an own bed possibly some time this weekend.  That is a VERY big deal to him, so let's all please say a prayer that he can return home.

      In the afternoon today, Mr. Bob and Ashley came and saw Spencer with a little surprise.  They had gone and got matching tattoos as the same as on Spencer's arm that reads, "Against All Odds."  It was a touching tribute, and even more than that, it was a stand.  A stand to let Spencer know that as a family they are united and fighting together.  It was a beautiful moment, and I know that it meant a lot to Spencer. 

     I wasn't able to post a blog until now because today I worked to help Spencer's landscaping business.  For those who don't know, Spencer has built up his own landscaping company from the ground up.  It was his hard work, perseverance and ambition that has made his company what it is today.  I can remember when it was a few yards in the neighborhood that he cut with his dad's John Deer mower.  It is now a very successful business that is thriving and ever-growing. 

     Spencer would agree with me when I say that his business wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for the help from one of his best friend's Judd Howard.  I think Spencer and his family would really want me to start thanking some of the people who have really played a big role in making this process as easy as possible.  A lot of people, and I mean A LOTTT of people have offered to do so many kind things for Spencer and his family, and even Lindsay and my family.  We are so thankful, and all you're kindness is appreciated.  Judd along with the help of Scott Hodges and the insurance agent himself, Thomas Ball (Yes, he does have a business card if anyone would like a quote. haha)  have really done a great job to really help Spencer keep his business moving forward.  They have worked tirelessly this last weekend and week to help Spencer. It doesn't go unnoticed and is very appreciated. 

      Also would like to thank Jason, Ashley's husband who has done a great job in stepping up to take care of Jayce their son, while Ashley is here for her brother.  I think for the most part the family has really been able to focus their attention on Spencer's well-being, and not worry as much about the outside world.  I know there are so so so many other people I can name, and I am truly sorry that I don't even have the slightest clue of all the people who are taking time out of their day to accommodate these two families.  From the bottom of my heart, and I am sure everyone else, THANK YOU.  As a last mention, I would really like to thank all the schools, teachers, bosses and etc. that have understood the difficult situation we have been faced with.  I have seen the true heart and sympathetic nature of some of these people, and I just hope that God may bless them for their understanding hearts. 

1 Corinthians 13:7
         Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.