GratiTuesday: Ed Vinyard

Kicking Cancer’s Butt

I first met Ed Vinyard in 2014. It was my first year performing at the Hospice of Southern Illinois Red Carpet Gala. Ed’s wife, Jennifer, is the coordinator of this spectacular event and the glue that keeps it all together. I’ve known Jennifer for years, dating back to when she worked for another company in southern Illinois.

One thing about Ed that has always impressed me is his friendly demeanor and smiling face. He’s there the night before (probably days before to be exact) the Gala setting up the silent auction area and helping any other way possible. Each year when I talk to Ed he’s upbeat and happy, never once saying anything negative.

This year I found Ed’s outlook even more inspiring. He was recently diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing treatment at the SIH Cancer Institute. Ed and his family celebrated the completion of his radiation treatment recently with custom t-shirts. That same smiling face I see each year at the Gala was taking over Facebook that day. Ed wants to share his story with others and encourage and inspire about the importance of early detection.

Ed is still fighting and I have no doubt with his spirit and positive attitude, cancer will be handed a huge defeat. His family and friends are firmly behind him, just like Ed’s been there for so many other people. His outlook is contagious and I’m glad to say I know Ed Vinyard. Thanks for all you do for Hospice of Southern, your family and the community.