Book 1: Prostate Cancer
Thriving Amidst Cancer: A General’s Strategy to find Hope While Fighting Prostate Cancer
Although not a household name, by all measures Bruce VanderKolk achieved the American dream: He rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the Illinois National Guard and at the same time was Commander of the Illinois State Police Forensic Division. After retiring early to spend more time with family, Bruce’s world was rocked by one cancer diagnosis after another. After beating prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, several types of skin cancer, and finally bladder cancer, Bruce unexpectedly passed away in February, 2018.
Despite all of these diseases, Bruce strove to live a life that would make a difference in the lives of family, friends, acquaintances, and even those he didn’t know. He detailed his journey through all of these struggles with the hope that his struggles would make it easier for others.
“Thriving Amidst Cancer: A General’s Strategy to Find Hope While Fighting Prostate Cancer” is a synopsis of Bruce’s journey. The reader will experience the lows and highs of Bruce’s medical situations and will be reminded life is measured by the way life is lived. More importantly, whether the reader is a patient, a caregiver, or knows someone that is fighting cancer, the reader will find 21 lessons from Bruce’s example on how to Thrive during the cancer struggle.
“What I have found so wonderful is the book’s honest look at how devastating cancer is – the outward persona of everything is okay to the internal persona of everything cancer takes from us. I am so glad to read someone else’s faith as he progressed through his illnesses. I have had a successful outcome from cancer but i was always haunted by…what if they did not get it all? I know for a fact that I would not have been able to come through this crucible without my faith and trust in God.” – Lynn H., Cancer Survivor
“On July 11, 2021, I was involved in an auto accident caused by someone who should not have been driving. In this accident, I sustained multiple severe injuries that have kept me from working for nearly 1 and a half years! I will be back at work before 2 years though. I found reading ‘Thriving’ to be extremely inspirational and encouraging for my journey back to recovery, as well as my remaining years! The ‘General’s’ stubbornness and steadfast faith in our Father’s Love enabled him to persevere throughout his several trials of cancer. Thus leaving us an awesome battle plan for trails we are going through or may encounter later in our lives!” – Greg M, Trauma Survivor.
“I have ministered to people going through struggles for over 40 years. The principles outlined in this book are of significant benefit to those facing cancer and other serious illnesses. I highly recommend this book” – Jeff Chitwood, Senior Minister, Anchor Christian Church
