Trying situations turned useful

Jim Chastain is a published poet, has penned two screenplays, is a widely respected newspaper and Internet film critic, and works as an attorney for the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. He is a husband and father of two teenagers.

What looked like a perfect life was overshadowed in 2001 when he discovered a tiny lump in the triceps of his right arm. After several reoccurrences, his arm was amputated.

Journaling his experiences, he shared stories with his family and friends. Those writings became a book titled "I Survived Cancer, but Never Won the Tour de France.”

You'd expect Jim's book to be about cancer, but it is really about finding meaning in life when "you are never quite sure the disease is really gone or what future problems you'll face as a result of your efforts fighting it off.”

He speaks honestly of the seriousness of the cancer, but he also looks for the funny moments. It is a book that may bring tears but will also make you laugh out loud, because he tells his story with refreshing honesty and wit.

If you'd like to meet him and hear him, I'll be introducing him as a guest of the James Hall Center for Mind, Body and Spirit in a public forum at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Pacer Fitness Center. The presentation is free, but it helps with seating arrangements if you'll make a reservation by calling 951-2277.

Jim believes cancer patients need to laugh, need to be real, need to know from one who has been there what it is like, need to be known and need to find hope.

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