Wednesday, March 7, 2012

6.5% Body Fat, ± 2%

“I don’t know why you put yourself through it,” JD said.

I do it because I have the capable genetics. And the willpower to deprive myself and suffer, day after day, month after month. Because I can.

I do it because I established a goal that needed to be achieved, to perfect what I reasonably can of myself; to strive for my peak potential. I do it to regain my arrogant cancerslayer aura. Consider that aura now fully radiating.

I do it because the technician who performs my echocardiogram says I "take really pretty pictures," clearly displaying my strong heart through my lean tissue.

I do it because now there will be fewer places for something to hide inside me.

I do it to get the girl, not in the general sense, but the girl. If only it worked that way.

I do it to show that we can—us pediatric and young adult cancer survivors who face challenges that society can’t fathom, and not because of poor morals or decisions, but because we accepted the cures, one of which is derived from mustard gas, with the promise of future struggles, in defiance of death.

Young cancer survivors choose unhealthy lifestyles. I understand some of the reasoning: I’ve already survived cancer so what is the worst that can happen? Or, Nothing I do will compare to what’s already been done. I challenge this group to think differently. I want to educate young survivors on the risks we inherited and ways to mitigate them—not to scare, but to uplift.

With immense pride in conquering one of my life’s toughest challenges, I share the results of my ten-month journey towards physical transformation (or four years, depending on how you look at it). My unique challenge, case in point: I can’t run (cancer stole my hip), and I have anemia (acquired from my bone marrow donor), meaning I have to work harder, with limited calorie-burning options, to accomplish this goal. Did the Super Man Cancerslayer hear challenge?

Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
My cancerous left hip was removed, and the radiated joint was left deformed and necrotic. After 16 months of intense re-hab I could walk without a cane or crutch. I feel very fortunate to function pain-free. In order to maintain that, my physical therapy is lifelong—or what I like to call, "maint-hab".
Benjamin Rubenstein six percent body fat
Make the best with what you've got. To Health!
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Keep reading:
6.5% Body Fat, ± 2%: The Sacrifice

Photographs Copyright Rebecca Ames © 2012. All Rights Reserved.

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