WWE star Roman Reigns recently spoke to The Los Angeles Times to talk about his recent battle against leukemia. “The Big Dog” discussed what it was like explaining his situation to his young daughter, and offered a message to those who are currently battling cancer themselves. The highlights are below:
Explaining the situation to his young daughter:
I’ve been with my wife since college, so she has been through this whole process with me. My big concern was my daughter, who is 11. So she’s right at that age where she’s hearing all those misguided opinions and hearing different things from different people. I thought that as long as she hears it from me, ‘This is what is going on with Dad, and I don’t want you to worry,’ that she would be OK. And she’s been great.
It’s hard, because as fathers and providers we want to protect. I’m so used to putting them in front of me and putting everyone first and making sure everything is OK. I learned it’s OK to sometimes put ourselves first when it comes to our health because then we can get healthy and take care of everyone else again.
His message to others currently battling cancer themselves:
If anyone is struggling, I hope they can look at me and know that I am no different than them. I hope they can look at me and see that light. ‘If he can do it, I can do it.’ And that after they get through this rough patch, that there is a beautiful light that surrounds you and helps you appreciate life and those around you so much more. That they aren’t alone and that many of us know what they are going through. Take strength from me, take strength from your friends and family.
