FREE Subscription
The World’s Most Popular Natural Health Newsletter   
 
 
POSTED BY
Dr. Mercola
October 16 2007
112,511 Views
ARTICLE TOOLS
Email a Friend
Print Article
Save this Article
Bookmark & Share


BROWSE BY CATEGORY

Online Shopping Click Here!
Share your stories here!
Current Newsletter
Next Article
Powerful Life Lessons From this Inspiring Professor -- Who is Dying of Cancer

Universities across the United States are increasingly asking their professors to think deeply about what really matters in life -- and give hypothetical “last lectures.”

But for Professor Randy Pausch of Carnegie-Mellon University, the lecture is not hypothetical, it’s reality.

At the time of this video, Pausch was battling pancreatic cancer, and expected to only live for another few weeks. Yet his words on how to achieve your childhood dreams sound as though they’re coming from someone who is on top of the world.

"If I don't seem as depressed or morose as I should be," said Pausch, "Sorry to disappoint you."

The video that follows is filled with some of Pausch’s most poignant reminders of how to live out your dreams to the fullest.



Dr. Mercola Dr. Mercola's Comments:
It is very easy to rush through your days, scarcely taking the time to appreciate your health, your family, and the other gifts your life has been graced with. This video makes a poignant statement about cherishing each day of your life.

It often takes a crisis -- an illness or an accident -- to remind you of what really matters in life, but I think simply watching this video is as good a reminder as any.

Many VitalVotes readers have, understandably, expressed frustration that Professor Pausch was apparently not open to alternative treatments. This is clearly coming from a place of compassion and desire to help a fellow person in need, and ultimately it is up to each of us to make our own health decisions, but I do share those concerns.

It is tragic that a brilliant teacher like this is so removed from the truth that he has accepted -- hook, line, and sinker -- the conventional model and is going to most likely generate hundreds of thousands of dollars of profit to the drug cartel before he dies. This is tragic because there are a number of options that could have likely eliminated his cancer and allowed him to achieve a normal lifespan.

However, we are all going to die at some point, and my purpose for sharing this video was certainly not to judge the Professor for his decisions, but to applaud him for his inspiring message, which he was able to deliver even during the toughest time in his life.

That is the reason I decided to post this video.

His message comes through loud and clear: “If you lead your life the right way,” Pausch says, “the dreams will come to you.”

I urge each of you to take this message and run with it, toward whatever dream you are currently pursuing. Tenacity is your ally, and if you keep moving forward in a positive and moral way, you will achieve your goals. Remember, this also applies to your health, and it is never too late to take control of your health for the better.

Even beyond achieving your goals though, this video is a reminder to take time out to simply cherish the good things in your life. To really get right down to it, think about what wisdom you would share with the world if it was your last chance… then make an effort to live by that wisdom every day.
Current Newsletter
Next Article
Did you find this article interesting?  Interesting Not Useful
Community Comments ( 97 )
 		Comment on this Article
  
  
shiva
 [ Joined on 10/06 ] [ Posted on September 28, 2007 ]
26 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
Obviously this professor gives his power away to the medical system that is in place in western culture (which is not at all unique in the world today). As so many know who frequent this web site, .. and as I have witnessed time and time again,..  when it comes to the likes of cancer, modern medicines approach to addressing it,.. kills the cancer patient, more times than not.

The body invariably cannot heal by assualting it with poison to attack the expression of the illness. That is a sure way to kill the one whose body is expressing the illness called cancer (and most any form of systemic illness).

Build the immune system, cleanse and strengthen the blood / body and work with the time tested natural modalities and wisdom that have helped people to heal for thousands of years. Classical Taoist Chinese Medicine is one such system, which involves a Holistic approach of classical acupuncture, chinese herbology, dietary healing, etc.

There is also an herbal remedy which originated with the Ojibwa Indians in Canada, which has an excellent reputation for helping to cure cancer. That remedy is called; ESSIAC TEA and is also sold in a prepared liquid mixture called;  FLOR-ESSENCE. ... These can be obtained in or thru most health food stores.

http://www.essiacinfo.org/

Whatever you do,.... don't choose to buy into modern medicines death sentances when they tell a patient that "there is no cure" for the particular illness they may have. ... Nine times out of ten, that is simply not true. ............ Many have found healing and new lives after addressing their so called "terminal illness" thru a properly utilised regimen of natural healing modalities.

I have known more than one individual who has successfully healed from HIV AIDS via the use of natural approaches, and I have met even more who have healed themselves of cancer.
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
BeyondOrganic
 [ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on September 30, 2007]
14 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
I have always agreed with most of this, it just sucks that my dad I guess was that 1 out of 10 where nothing cured him.  He knew more than anyone at this site about health and natural cures and was a total extremist about food and nutrition.  He helped so many with their health issues.  He had a mind  that knew all the facts to every health question and could back up everything. I never thought that cancer would have defeated him.  I have  to believe that God must have wanted him.  I just don't understand why nothing worked with all that he knew and all that he did.  And I just don't understand why he had to suffer the way I saw him suffer this year.  I have never seen anyone go through so much pain.
Mercola
  
shiva
 [ Joined on 10/06 ]  [ Posted on September 30, 2007]
5 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
BeyondOrganic - -
I hear your pain where the passing of your father is concerned. I am sorry for your loss.

I appreciate your statement here. It speaks to an extremely deep understanding and awareness where the issue of disease and healing is concerned. .... Deep in the fact that when one looks closely enough, one discovers that what makes up the totality of our Being is found on four main levels or "bodies" of what we are. This includes the Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual levels of our being.

As you stated where your father was concerned,.. the Spiritual agenda that lay within the source of our Being is the ultimate determination of our destiny in this life, .. and no amount of health knowledge or skill in the healing arts or medicine will ever change that.

One most important awareness I have learned in this life is that,... there is purposeful good in every-thing. ......... We may not know what that perfect purpose is,.. but it is there.

Peace *




Mercola
  
ButterflyGirl
 [ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on October 16, 2007]
18 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

I used to ask myself why do some people, though few, do all they can to stay healthy, such as, eating the right foods, exercising, maintaining a positive outlook, doing regular cleanses, etc. and still die of some disease. Then I learned, and this will only make sense if you believe in God, that we live in a fallen world. There are some people whose time has come and no matter what they do, they die because their creator is calling them home. Then there are those (more often than not) who simply are not proactive about their health and so essentially give up, these are the ones that die before their time. Regardless, getting and staying healthy should be important life goals for everyone because one can never reach their full potential if their health is compromised. How can you do all the great things you are meant to do or dream of doing if you can barely get out of bed in the morning.

Our body is an amazing gift from God--how we take care of our body is our gift back to God.
Mercola
  
emsue
 [ Joined on 10/07 ]  [ Posted on October 16, 2007]
6 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

I've been on both sides of the cancer coin.  Pharma and alternative health and I have to say both work and both don't work and it isn't up to me to tell someone that they should have taken some other vitamins or had a different treatment beaause that isn't my path.  Some people, like the prof, chose his path and he was so happy with that path and I don't think we should judge him for that choice.  Some people get cancer and choose not to have any treatment at all b/c their choice is to die while others travel to the ends of the earth to have every standard of care and alternative treatment to kick the cancer and they still die.  That is the sad truth of cancer.  Cancer is a *** and terrible enemy and we still don't understand and we don't know what works for every cancer.  Some treatments work like a charm and some alternative treatments work like a charm as well, but for some nothing works and that's when we all make a choice - the choice to live or die and it's up to that very person and that person alone to make that choice.  It's not my place to tell someone that they're making the wrong decision even if we disagree with them.
Mercola
  
Raphael
[ Joined on 10/07 ]  [ Posted on October 16, 2007]
1 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

Hi,

This is Raphael again.  

Please to anyone that has posted any stories of recoveries of pancreatic cancer, do get in touch with me.  I'd like to find out more about your stories.

My email is garciaraphael@hotmail.com (last name followed by first name, not the other way around; that's someone else).

Mercola
  
jwags
 [ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on October 16, 2007]
1 Points        
   
Apprentice User
  Mercola

I think you're preaching the the choir here, but I do agree modern medicine around the world is dazed and confused (and very greedy).
  
  
Arizona
 [ Joined on 06/07 ] [ Posted on September 30, 2007 ]
14 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
Beyond Organic, your story about your father is piercing to my mind.  It just goes to show you that we don't have all the answers sometimes.
 [ Reply ]
  
  
Arizona
 [ Joined on 06/07 ] [ Posted on September 29, 2007 ]
11 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
Russ, your story is inspiring!!! A lesson for all :)  ( including the good professor)
 [ Reply ]
  
  
Arizona
 [ Joined on 06/07 ] [ Posted on September 28, 2007 ]
11 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
Kathie,    this may be a brick wall that he is not willing to go over because he doesn't want it bad enough. Choosing alternative methods could be what would get him over his brick wall.
 [ Reply ]
  
  
Arizona
 [ Joined on 06/07 ] [ Posted on September 28, 2007 ]
11 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
 I heard the good professor on local tv stating that he wasn't interested in getting any alternative methods going. He stated people were sending him information on alternative methods which he is choosing not to pursue. Sounds selfish to me. Afterall he has 3 small children and a wife. He may be intelligent, but not too smart. I can remember bristling when I heard him say that.
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
JL
 [ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on September 28, 2007]
16 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
If the medical system tells him he will die and if he thinks he has a few weeks to live then I´m sure that is what will happen.  He is writing his own self fulfilling prophecy. 

I have more admiration for people who fight it till the end and look for truth.   Sure all the information on alternative cures might be overwhelming, but that is no reason to give up.
Mercola
  
Vicki Marie
 [ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on September 29, 2007]
13 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
I would think for his wife and children he would try natural or alternative methods. The doctors did say it was the most agressive case they had seen when it came back full force. I hope it is not pride that keeps him from trying. He may view it as a desperate attempt and wants to keep his dignity and die without even trying, as apposed to trying and failing. No quotes here, just my view of the situation.

We should pray for the professor and his family.
Mercola
  
Sheila C
 [ Joined on 12/06 ]  [ Posted on September 29, 2007]
9 Points        
   
Apprentice User
  Mercola
How true, JL.  Here is a government sponsored website, so please take it with a grain of salt.  But it basically lists all the alternative cancer treatments available.
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/  and click on Unconventional Therapies on the left side. 



Mercola
  
Mercola Fan
 [ Joined on 11/06 ]  [ Posted on October 2, 2007]
5 Points        
   
Apprentice User
  Mercola
I feel the same Arizona.
It is selfish and cowardly to embrace death so enthusiastically when he is leaving his wife with three small children to raise. I do not hail him as a brave and inspiring academic. I wonder if his children will once they are old enough to understand.

I was almost sickened when I heard the college speaking of the bridge they will name in his honor when he is dead...while he was standing right there! His wife spoke after the event and said she is already visualizing herself walking over that bridge with her children when they are college age.

Purhaps they all need to spend some time visualizing healing. Many folks in much worse shape than he is have found it. He seems to be embracing the ever popular "Serenity prayer" or as I like to call it...
"The lazy coward's mantra."
  
  
Arizona
 [ Joined on 06/07 ] [ Posted on September 30, 2007 ]
8 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
Yes, Russ, chronic fatigue syndrome.
 [ Reply ]
  
  
Jasked
 [ Joined on 11/06 ] [ Posted on September 28, 2007 ]
8 Points        
   
 
Apprentice User
You can find his full speech here:
mms://wms.andrew.cmu.edu/001/pausch.wmv
He starts at about 8:20
 [ Reply ]