The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 21: Jerry Sychowski
“Be kind, for everyone you know is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
Today’s dedication goes out to a father and grandfather fighting cancer for the second time. Although, you wouldn’t know it by looking at him. “My dad inspires me personally to be intentional about remembering people always have a battle we’re unaware of. To show compassion and empathy toward others at all times. One would never know by looking at him that he’s fighting this battle,” says daughter Claire.
In June 2020, Jerry went in for a checkup because he noticed some blood in his urine. After initial tests, they proceeded to do a diagnostic surgery, and found a mass attached to one of his kidneys and ureter tubes. A surgery followed not long after where they removed his kidney, ureter tube and part of his bladder. The official diagnosis was stage 2 ureter cancer. Fast forward to May of 2022 when the cancer came back followed by a second surgery which showed additional cancer in Jerry’s bladder.
When we asked Claire about her dad’s fighting spirit she said, “it’s probably best reflected in his ability to wake up every day and proceed with his routine. Taking his black lab on several long walks a day and golfing.”
Jerry’s story is a great reminder to all of us to keep moving despite what challenges or diagnosis life throws you way. To have compassion and empathy toward each other knowing that everyone has a battle.
Every Day We Fight is grateful to dedicate Day 21 of 32 to an every day fighter, husband, father, and grandfather, Jerry Sychowski.
Team Murph: 25:35
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website