It was a beautiful day with clear blue skies when a group of courageous Fort Worth police officers, who had triumphed over cancer, were ready to embrace the thrill of skydiving. It was more than just a jump; it was a celebration of their strength and resilience. Listen to what two of them shared as they eagerly anticipated their upcoming adventure:
"I can't believe y'all do all this for us!! My work partner, Andrew will also be jumping that day. We work in Gang Enforcement with the Ft Worth Police Department, and he JUST kicked cancer in the teeth. In our line of duty, partners become brothers, so getting to do this together means the world to both of us!! Seriously, we are grateful to y'all and can't wait for this experience!!"
Fort Worth, Texas; Police Officer JR
I was born and raised in the great city of Fort Worth and I’ve been a police officer there for the past 16 years… and I’m also a cancer survivor. A friend of mine sent me this and…wow, I can’t put into words how ridiculously awesome this is. In 2010, I was diagnosed with stage 3B testicular cancer that spread and metastasized in my lungs. I went through about 6 months of chemotherapy. In the middle of all of that, my port became infected with MRSA. The infection spread to my heart and I spent 13 days in ICU. The doc told my parents that, if I would have waited any longer to go to the hospital, that infection would have killed me. Needless to say, it wasn’t the best summer. Anyways, skydiving has always been a dream. I’ve never been and I’d love to go.
Fort Worth, Texas; Police Officer Greg
**A Day of Adventure and Courage**
The event, which took place on a picturesque day, brought together a group of courageous police officers, along with their family and friends. Each of them with a unique story of resilience and determination. What makes this event truly extraordinary is the fact that three of these officers and one of their companions are cancer survivors. They have proven their strength and resilience when confronting cancer, and now they were looking to demonstrate their courage by jumping out of an airplane falling at a speed of 120 miles per hour during free fall.
**From the Streets to the Skies**
Fort Worth's finest are no strangers to facing challenges on the job. They protect and serve their community with unwavering dedication, day in and day out. However, for some of them, the battle didn't end when their shifts were over. They fought and triumphed over cancer, requiring a unique kind of courage.
This event was not just about the thrill of jumping out of an airplane, it was a celebration of life and the bonds created within the law enforcement community. Partnerships established in the line of duty transformed into genuine brotherhoods, where officers stood by each other during their struggles with cancer and continue to do so as they embark on the adventure of skydiving.
**The Day Unfolds**
As the day began, there was a mixture of nerves, excitement, and anticipation. Our group of six skydivers prepared themselves for an experience that many would hesitate to undertake. The event aimed not only to conquer fears but also to instill a sense of empowerment, enabling our skydivers to declare, 'If I can jump from an airplane, I can do anything.”
For the spectators, it was a heartwarming sight. Families and friends gathered to witness this extraordinary feat and to celebrate our participants’ achievements. The skydiving event created an atmosphere of unity and support, to honor these brave individuals.
**A Day to Remember**
The cancer survivors and their dedicated companions leapt from the plane, proving that life's battles had only made them stronger.
As they landed safely, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and celebration. The day was more than just about conquering the skies; it was about conquering fears, battling adversity, and ultimately, coming together as a community to support one another.
**A Legacy of Courage**
The cancer survivors who participated in this skydiving event not only demonstrated their courage but also created a story that serves as a guiding light for others. Their experiences inspire us to face our own challenges with determination and to cherish the moments that make life truly special.
This event stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Fort Worth police officers, who protect their community and fearlessly embark on new adventures. It was also a tribute to those who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with individuals battling cancer, offering steadfast support every step of the way to battle cancer and emerge victorious. It was a day of unity, support, and celebration, and it will be remembered as a remarkable chapter in their journeys.
**Looking to the Future**
As we reflect on this unforgettable day, we are reminded that life is an incredible journey, filled with both challenges and victories. Today our participants triumphed in the blue skies and landed with a renewed sense of accomplishment. They are an inspiration to us all and proved that we can overcome our fears and reach new heights.
This event was not just about skydiving; it was about coming together as a community, celebrating life, and demonstrating that the human spirit knows no bounds. It was a day that 2 Miles of Smiles feels privileged to have organized, and it will go down as one of our most memorable events. It leaves us anticipating the opportunity to take the next group of cancer patients and survivors on their own voyage of courage.
Watch the video below to share in their skydiving experience.
**Apply if you want your own skydiving experience**
If you’re a cancer patient or survivor, you can have this experience by applying for your FREE tandem skydive in Dallas, Texas at www.2MilesofSmiles.org
We look forward to seeing you in the blue skies.