Facing Death, CNN sports legend embraces life

[BillD1984]

I referenced CNN Sports Tonight in another thread yesterday, and today I googled my favorite sports show for over a decade and a half. What I found was one of the most poignant and touching stories I've ever read!!

The Red Sox lose their first six games of the season? The Patriots are once again one and done in the NFL Playoffs? Tough day at the office? Nah, NONE of that matters when you read a story like this!

God's Speed Mr. Charles.........


Facing death, CNN sports legend embraces life - CNN

Yet this is the toughest taping he'll ever deliver, a message from beyond the grave. For his little girl.


As Charles stares into the lens, he projects the essence of a fighter -- tough, rugged, still smiling despite the bruises of battle. His wife of 13 years, Cory, holds the camera.
Gone is his patented mop of black hair. Twice voted the sexiest sportscaster in America, Charles has undergone rounds of chemotherapy that darkened the circles under his eyes and "make me look like I'm halfway in the grave."
On August 4, 2009, Charles was told he had incurable bladder cancer. He was given four to six months to live if he opted for no treatment. With treatment, he could expect about 20 months.
"I want the biggest guns you can fire at me," he told the doctors.
He's into his 21st month now. Each day, each hour, each breath is a gift.
He's fought this hard for Giovanna and Cory, to build a foundation for them after he's gone. He knows what it's like to long for a father's love. He only has a dozen or so memories of his own father.
"My little girl needs a good daddy more than anything right now," he says. "This is a gift from God where I need to build these memories for her, so that I'm not a blur."

 

[salsadancer7]

EXCELLENT article! I loved this guy... he was intelligent, classy, ballsy and a guy that did not bullsh** his way through sports reporting. He was ALWAYS on the mark with what to ask.

I hope he kicks that cancers ass!

 

[Jimbo]

Sports Reporting was much different (and better) back then.

Good luck with your battle Mr. Charles !