Houston Astros Amateur Scout Chris Forbes has an inspirational tale to tell- MLB News
We all have our fair share of problems in life. Some of us fight them out while others give up the fight early. Colorado Rockies scout Chris Forbes is an inspiration for all those who seek a greater will to fight their challenges.
Forbes is a former Class-A player in the Minors and later turned into a coach. In 1999, things took a turn what appeared to be for the worst as he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer related with blood and soon came to know that he also had
two inoperable brain tumors.
Chris says that he was given about six months to live and was giving up hope. He was the guy who would teach others to not give up and yet found it hard to do the same himself.
Forbes believes that it was an attempted robbery that changed the matters. He was shot in the stomach while returning home after a routine treatment session and was lucky to survive as the bullet missed the lining of his stomach by an eighth of an inch.
The event made him realise that he needs to keep hope and try his best.
"That was the point that shakes it up and gives you some fresh air," said Forbes. "It makes you realize you can bend without breaking. That was the best thing to happen to me."
With a rejuvenated desire to live, he began an online research, which led him to a doctor in Los Angeles who eventually removed his tumor. His treatment for lymphoma continued at the MB Anderson Cancer Center which is located in Houston.
Forbes has had associations with a number of educational institutions as a coach and now is an amateur scout for the Rockies.
He had a relapse in 2007 when he was diagnosed with a secondary leukemia, caused by the reaction to the radiation treatment he had earlier gone through to treat his cancer. Chris was able to see the funny side of things this time around.
"What's funny is I was living in Rice Village, about three blocks from MD Anderson, and I went back there for treatment," said Forbes. "You know, I signed a big leaguer during all that, Tommy Field."
He believes that we take things in life for granted and do not understand their value. He also said that he wants to give back to the community that has done so much for him.
"I recognize the importance of so many things that I used to take for granted," said Forbes. "And I want to give back to the cancer community. I want to help others."
Chris Forbes is a healthy person now. He is a true inspiration for anyone who thinks life is too tough. Its people like Chris Forbes who motivate others make use of their life to the fullest.
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