Family. Friends. Neighbors. Acquaintances. Strangers. All with one thing in common. Kindness. It is an amazing trait. To give selflessly. To help others whenever, wherever. So many people have done so much for our family. I am truly blessed to know such kindness. To all of you I say thank you. I won’t forget. I promise to pay it forward. To pay it forward because cancer is brutal. Sadly it seems to be everywhere and it steals everything, including life. But cancer has another side. It brings out the best in others. Phone calls, visits, texts, meal deliveries, jokes and true compassion. I was lucky to have experienced it all. I have seen it. And because of that I have been truly blessed on this journey, cancer and all.
Please reach out and share some of your compassion with those that need it. Imagine our world if everyone started to pay it forward. Imagine how great it would be. We can do this, together. We can do it right here. My chemo journey is over but the blog will live on. I will keep writing and we can start planning. We have work to do, together.
My skin cancer journey started 7 months ago. My chemo journey started 40 days ago…my comeback starts Monday. I am excited to return to a place I love. To return to a job I love. Join me as I return to TV Monday night..on the air with my friends on FOX 9.
Day 40. Thanks for stopping by. Now onwards to the Polar Plunges and my friends at Special Olympics.
God bless,
-Ian
LL Cool J said it best “don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years”
Ian Leonard... 
THANK YOU!! Not only for allowing me to follow you on this journey but also for intending to continue this blog. I actually was thinking that just the other day. I intend to continue follow and work on cancer cures and assisting those with cancer and on chemo.
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Dear Ian,
What a blessing you are to those around you. I admire your strength and your love for those touched by your life in some way. You have made me stop and think of what others are going through before I react to something.
Thank you, and may God bless you. Cannot wait to see you back on the TV!!
Patty
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Glad to see you back on Monday!!
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Looking so forward to your return. We will be watching. You look terrific. We haven’t experienced cancer in our family and I am grateful for that. We have lung and heart issues. I am in the final stages of COPD. God bless you and your family!
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We have watched, prayed and wished you the very best of outcomes. We are looking forward to Monday and your return . God bless.
Sent from my iPad
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We are so looking forward to having you back on tv. You got this…You did it….and now You can pay it forward!!! Being a cancer survivor twice, my prayers have been with you and your family through your blogs. Now keep believing cancer has met its match and won’t come back in any shape or form. Adios cancer!!! Ian has a full life to live!!! ššš
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I have followed your blog and you write with such heart! Thankyou for sharing your journey Ian! You are one brave and courageous person! Looking foward to seeing you back on Monday. God bless and keep on keeping on! By the way you have such a way with words could there be a book in the future?
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Good job Ian – best wishes ever and look forward to seeing you back on TV!
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I am so happy you are coming back on Monday. We missed you.
For me your sharing was very educational.
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Welcome Home!
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Ok…have you decided on suit and tie for Monday…..I bet the whole wardrobe is already planned right?šš. I will be watching…thanks for sharing your journey…God bless……Judy
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Bought a new suit! š
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Can’t wait to see your smiling face on Monday Ian!
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This is totally AWESOME that you are going to be back at work. We will enjoy seeing you back to what you love doing. I hope I can be as brave you. I go on Monday for a breast biopsy. I have had cancer once and I am terrified. That word cancer does turn your world upside-down real fast.
Our prayers are with you.
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Happy and excited to see you on Monday.
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Hello Ian,
My name is Tom Barrett. I live in Minnetonka. I am a uncle to a person you know with initials SCH. I met you at my sister’s funeral a couple of years ago now.
Ian, I have been dealing with squamous skin cancer for years. I have had probably 30- 35 Mohs surgeries all over my body especially on my face. I have been treated by Dr Fish and others at Associated Skin Care and at the Va.
Recently I have been biopsied and found tumors on my upper lip. temple and finger. Many many other areas of my face have been operated on nose, eyes, ears etc
I have also lost my hair dye to numerous blue light treatments.
I have been interested in your issues since first hearing of them.
No one has mentioned to me using Chemo. I am not sure why after begging to try other courses of action.
I am seeking a consultation prior to surgery on my lip for I want to know how extensive it might get and treatment after.
How was the Chemo treatment spprovhed for your ongoing treatment?
It sounds like your doing fairly well and have responded well to your treatment. I wish you continued success
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Hi Tom. The chemo goes by 2 names; fluorouracil or Efudex…look it up on-line and then challenge your Doctor! .
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Hi Ian, does your new suit have “bad pants”? Your wardrobe – is always the best. Especially at the State Fair. Have fun going back to work!!! š
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So happy and thankful for you Ian! God’s dearest blessings!
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May G-d bless you for writing and telling us about your journey !! You had me reading since day1. Thank you for opening about skin cancer to us. It was such an eye- opening experience that has made us more aware. Again, Thanks!!
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You and your blog are an inspiration. What a wonderful attitude you have. I am so happy you are going to continue the blog. In my family, if heart does not get you, cancer will! Or Dementia/Alzheimer’s, I look forward to seeing you once again at the Purple Gala. Thanks for being onboard for our 25th Gala.
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