I’m always amazed and thankful for life’s most interesting coincidences (are they really coincidences?).  I ran into long time industry friend, Cherie Rood last Friday afternoon as I boarded my flight home to ATL after a good week at Envoy headquarters.  She was with her husband and son, Charlie and Trey.  They were hanging at the gate, hoping to grab 3 standby seats on our very full flight. 

Fortunately they got on and into their seats.  I, on the other hand, found myself standing in the aisle comparing boarding passes with some guy sitting with the same seat number.   OK…?  Just in case this ever happens to you, here’s how it works:   Like musical chairs, if all the seats fill and you’re the last man standing – sorry.  Off you go to the airport lounge for some quality time.  

Luckily, there was one seat left… and it was the one next to Cherie.  Wow… what are the odds?  As we talked I couldn’t help from being just a bit curious to see what I might learn from this chance meeting.  I was particularly interested to hear about progress in their journey to wellness for Trey, age 18, who is undergoing treatment for stage IV melanoma.   They had been in Houston at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.   After hearing Trey’s story from Cherie, I can tell you he’s one tough, positive and inspirational young man.

Interestingly, the Atlanta Journal Constitution featured an article about Trey on the front page of this morning’s Sunday Sports section.  You see, he’s been a leader on the football field as well, and his courage and focus has been an example for so many people – myself included.

After reading the article and reflecting on the gift of our chance encounter, I decided that I should share it with you and my industry friends.  I’d like to invite you to visit the website http://www.prayfortrey.org  and send your positive thoughts, prayers and support his way. 

I hope you enjoy the article.   Thanks Trey and Cherie!

West Forsyth’s Rood inspires his football coaches and teammates
By Michael Carvell

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6:12 p.m. Friday, June 11, 2010 

West Forsyth’s football coaches had to be prepared when they called Germany last fall to speak with their team’s All-Region safety, who was undergoing alternative cancer treatments.
Trey Rood, the AJC’s inspirational high school athlete of the year, didn’t really care to chat about any updates regarding his stage IV metastatic melanoma. Rood quickly steered the conversation to his favorite subject and lifelong passion — football.
  "All we talked about was game-plan issues," said West Forsyth assistant David Rooney, who coached the team’s defensive backs.
"He wanted to know the specifics about the coming game. ‘What are we doing on defense against this team? What are their strengths? What are their weaknesses?’ He just loves the game of football."
When Rood wasn’t out of the country for medical reasons, he was trying his best to get on the football field. He missed West Forsyth’s summer workouts and practices while traveling to Germany, but played in six of 10 games. He had to stay on the sidelines for two games while awaiting medical clearance from doctors.
"I’ve seen him after he’s lost 25 pounds out there on the field and had to take extra water breaks," Rooney said. "Then I’d turn around and he’d be next to me saying, ‘Coach, I’m ready to go back in.’
"Other times, I’ve seen him when he has felt absolutely great and been a leader to everyone out there."
Rood, whose health has deteriorated in recent months, mystified his coaches and teammates with his attitude toward the life-threatening illness. He never talked about the cancer unless someone else brought it up.
"I think it’s unbelievable," said West Forsyth teammate Nathan Teter. "I just don’t see how someone at his young age, struck down with news like that, can keep going with such a wonderful attitude.
"He always stays motivated and never gives up on anything. I think that is what has really helped him out with his treatments. He is always pushing and trying in everything he does."
Said another teammate, Dustin Gayton, "Trey always has a big smile on his face and brings out the best in everybody."
In January, Rood’s family turned to the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston after X-rays revealed the cancer had worsened. However, before Rood could begin new treatments, he woke Feb. 6 with the loss of his right peripheral vision. He was quickly flown to Houston for brain surgery to remove tumors.
"He made it home just in time to celebrate his 18th birthday [Feb. 19]," said his mother, Cherie Rood. "As always, Trey’s attitude continued to support ‘this is only another bump in the road.’ In his mind, he would soon get over the hurdle."
Rood’s vision returned enough in March that he could drive his truck again. However, there was another setback in mid-April, and follow-up scans showed no improvement. He started a new cancer trial last week.
Despite the challenges, Rood has tried to maintain the normal life of a teenager. He stays active when he’s home, working out with teammates or wakeboarding at the lake. He walked with his West Forsyth classmates June 1, graduating with honors. Rood plans to attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Trey with his Mother, Cherie Rood