Husband, patient, survivor, advocate. I'm happy, loved and grateful. I love to spend time with the people I love and those who love me. The best day of my life was marrying my wife, Amanda. My perfect free day is a beautiful summer day down the cape with family & friends. My greatest gift is my ability to inspire and lead others. My worst day was September 15, 2017 the day I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at 29. When I was first diagnosed I'd walk around in public and think everyone was looking at me - knowing I had cancer and thinking I was doomed. Many people are afraid to ask how I am doing or nervous to ask any questions regarding my situation. I want people to know I am an open book! The more people I can inspire or help the better. Not just people battling cancer, but anyone who is going through a physical or emotional challenge. Sure, I have my bad days when chemotherapy barely allows me to get off the couch. But my good days far outweigh the bad. As odd & horrible as it sounds my diagnosis has changed me in so many positive ways. People get so consumed with such trivial issues and concerns - I was one of those people! I was so occupied with what people thought of me, how I looked, how much money I made... All of this truly means nothing in the grand scheme of things. Sure I wish I never got this diagnosis and I wouldn't wish it on anyone in this world, but as backwards as it sounds, I am happier than I've ever been in life. I wake up and go to bed praising God for just giving me another day and for giving me all I have - and I'm not talking about any material items. I think this is how everyone should think. I cherish life and love so much more deeply. I don't fear death; I have my faith. I worry most about leaving my wife and family alone in this world. I fear being forgotten. I overcome the hard days with the support of my family and friends. My biggest emotional insecurity is not being good enough for Amanda and and those I love. I worry about the possibility of bringing children into this world and me not being there. I still hold onto the old story that I am a Marine who didn't get the chance to deploy and truly serve my country. I missed out on our generations war and feel I didn't serve when I should have. But the new story I'm living by is an inspiring one of beating the odds and surviving- which in turn inspires and motivates others going through similar struggles. I'd tell a 12 year old me not to sweat the small stuff, to cherish what matters most: family, friends, love and faith. I wish there was more gratitude and selflessness in the world and less complaining and judging of others. Success to me is being happy in life and being a person that anyone can come to for help, advice, support and love. The ingredient to happiness is love. Beauty is found in someone who is confident in themselves and compassionate to others. A year from now... to be honest, I just hope to be alive! Statistics of people with my disease have an average survival rate of 14-19 months. I am now 17 months out from my diagnosis and doing well. I want nothing more than to continue beating these odds and continue to live many happy years into the future. Down the line I want to be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother and son. As someone who was compassionate and inspiring to others. As a man who was honorable, reliable and selfless. I believe in love, honesty and integrity. I am Pat. I'm proud of my unbreakable spirit. I am strong. I am Blessed. I WILL BEAT THIS.