Over the past week, I have spent a lot of time in doctors' offices and hospitals. And last Thursday, my worst fear became a reality when my son, Noah, was diagnosed with cancer just three days before his 14th birthday. He has rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that affects skeletal muscles, and in his case those in his face.
At Levine Children's Hospital and Hemby Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Center at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, references to Keep Pounding are everywhere. It is amazing how prevalent this team mantra has become.
What started as a phrase used by late Carolina Panthers player and coach Sam Mills in an emotional speech about commitment, dedication to teammates, team effort and never giving up prior to the team's playoff game versus the Dallas Cowboys on January 2, 2004, has taken a life of its own.