A Love Letter: My Y Story, My Cancer Journey

written by Michael Roberts

The frightening grip of cancer uncovers strengths and weaknesses within the human spirit. For Ethan Clarke, a very personal battle with the disease reveals hidden demons that had been stifling his sexual identity and his connections with others. These demons had kept him from enjoying health and happiness and from accepting the healing powers of change. 

Ethan, however, had some formidable allies to face down these foes: Ethan’s close friend, Sophie, the camaraderie found at the local YMCA, the LIVESTRONG program, the idea of one day finding love, and the human will to survive. When Ethan is persuaded to mail a letter to a fellow survivor, a sporting hero from the past, and faces the possibility of meeting this hero, he realizes he must find the strength to fight the disease and the strength to embrace hope and self-confidence.

A Love Letter describes one man’s fight against cancer, the many levels of support and community found in the YMCA, and the power of friendship.