As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on both gratitude and resilience, two themes that resonate strongly with our dysphagia community. For many of us, the holidays are bittersweet – a time of togetherness and celebration, but also a reminder of the challenges, loss, and grief that come with living with a swallowing disorder.
For me, Thanksgiving is special. After my base of tongue cancer diagnosis and treatment left me with severe dysphagia, I wasn’t even sure I’d be here to celebrate another holiday season. My primary goal during treatment was simple: I hadn’t yet finished helping to guide my then-12-year-old daughter grow up. That drive provided the motivation to continue treatment that I knew was not for the weak of heart.
Now, as I sit down to write this letter almost 20 years after my diagnosis, I’m grateful knowing that I helped my daughter grow up and to thrive. She loves adventure, nature, and the outdoors. I feel I had a hand in this. I’m also looking forward to next year when my 30-year-old daughter will wed a partner with whom there is deep mutual admiration, love, and respect.
The holidays are about the people we gather with, not just the food on the table. Dysphagia has changed the way I experience holiday traditions and reinforced my appreciation for the time I have with those I love and the ones that love me.
I’d like to give thanks to a few others as well: to my medical team at MD Adnderson Cancer Center who put the “care” back in healthcare. While I hear of others who feel abandoned by their medical team, my medical team is the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you. Also to my wife who has thrived while navigating the world with a spouse who has a disability.
This Thanksgiving, I am also grateful for the NFOSD community: patients, providers, the NFOSD Board Members and staff, and the foundation sponsors. Your strength, compassion, and shared experiences inspire me. Together, we are raising awareness, advancing research, and creating a space where no one has to face dysphagia alone.
I wish you and your loved ones the very best of health and happiness this holiday season. If you ever feel the need to share, connect, or seek support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you – always.
Warmest regards,
Ed Steger
Ed@NFOSD.com
President, National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders