Here it goes...32 months ago I was diagnosed with a very rare Lymphoma that was supposed to kill me within 24 months. It is called Mantle Cell Lymphoma and very rare for a man of my age (34 at the time, now I am 37).

I have been a marijuana user for most of my life. I stopped for the three years that I spent in the USMC but other than that, periodic use has been a way of life. Little did I know that it would be a part of a lifestyle that was instrumental in giving me the best chance to live. It has helped to save my life.

We need to make sure that people have the right to grow pot for themselves. There are many reasons for this. Recreational use is one of them. Medicinal use is another. For someone like me they both serve a purpose that pharmaceutical drugs do for others.

First, my year of chemotherapy was hell. I spent days on end in the hospital with various neon colored bags slowly draining there way into my viegns. I was given so many anti-naseau drugs to combat these poisons. Antivan, Percocet, Demarol, Benadryl, something that started with a Z...the only thing that worked was Weed. Plain and simple, it was good for my heart rate, my appetitte, my dreams and my boredom. This was just while I was in the hospital.

Marijuana was a catalyst for my recoverey as well. It alleviated the naseau, the pain, (again) the boredom, the mood swings...I mean I could go on and on.

At one point I blacked out from all the %@!#$& they were giving me. I was on my way to the airport to get my father. I never made it. I somehow got home around 4 in the morning not remembering a thing. The next day I stopped all the prescription medication that I was on. I was 6 months into my chemo and from then on, at home the only thing I did was smoke weed.

The statistics for my cancer say that 80% of us will die within two years of diagnosis. That day has past. I know, I believe, that marijuana is a part of the whole plan. It is a reason that I am able to write this letter.

I want to help, so if anyone should read this. Anyone who could use a speaker, a person who could testify to the benifits that this natural blessing has - I am here to apply.

I am on Social Security struggling with finances so any kind of possiblilities would be AWESOME! I spent 10 years in the music business working for Capitol Records. I have tons of public speaking experience and now because of my cancer - I HAVE NO FEAR!

I hope everyone that reads this is healthy and safe. Live your days with a smile inside and an outward desire to know that it really is just great to be alive.