Fourth and Inches
How to Win When Cancer is the Opponent
by
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Cancer is a six-letter word that even a fifth-grader knows all too well. And cancer does not discriminate. Cancer doesn't recognize the difference between a Wall Street banker and a south Alabama redneck. It treats us all the same. As a result, many cancer self-help books have been written about the diagnosis, prognosis, and care of terminally ill cancer patients. Most are technically sound. Many even give hope through spiritual and psychological teachings and thought patterns; however, very few authors have dared to write about the funny, sometimes goofy, aspects of breaking the bad news, treatment, and healing. As expected, cancer is a subject treated with humility and soberness. But not so with these writers...who happen to also be my friends! Both Barbara and Debbie are cancer survivors and I'm sure that I am correct in assuming that only those who have first hand experience with the terror of hearing those three dreaded words "you have cancer" would dare approach the subject with such insight and funny truth. A lay person couldn't pull it off. A comedian couldn't pull it off. I couldn't pull it off. But these two bulldawg-loving southern women are telling their stories with a fresh take on just how to handle things like losing their hair, indeed, their crown of glory! These GRITS (girls raised in the south) offer readers a very sincere and real account of their cancer experiences. And while so many of their experiences are different, their outlook and positive message to others are a common bond which binds their friendship with each other. Did I mention that Barbara Dooley is the First Lady of SEC football? As the wife of legendary University of Georgia head coach, Vince Dooley, Barbara relates her cancer experience against a backdrop of 50 years of college football. Likewise, Debbie is a University of Georgia alum and member of the 1980 National Championship Redcoat Marching Band. Together they offer you, the reader, an upbeat strategy for dealing with cancer when you are down to your last chance. FOURTH AND INCHES: How to Win When Cancer is the Opponent is a playbook worthy of a national title!
I wish I could say that my interest in this work is just about my relationship with the authors. Unfortunately, it goes far beyond just friendship. Over the past two years my wife, Pamela, and I have learned more about this disease than we thought possible. We’ve become intimate caregivers for close family members fighting this disease. It's a hard road and the disease is definitely not funny, but thanks to my friends, I have found a way to smile at the little things. We can win by the way we live regardless of how long we live. Thanks, girls!
Jeff Foxworthy, Comedian, Celebrity, Cancer Caregiver
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About the Book
“This book offers help and hope to cancer patients and their families through laughter and humor presented in the context of sports and sports analogies.” Vince Dooley, Speaker, Author, Coach
A positive and uplifting chronicle of two friends and their individual experiences with breast cancer. Both women are deeply in love with football and have framed their encouragements within football and sports jargon with a special twist to appeal to women and men, young and old alike! Barbara Dooley is the wife of legendary University of Georgia head football coach and athletic director, Vince Dooley, who coached Hershel Walker, among others, to the 1980 NCAA National Football Championship. She is a writer, speaker, and radio personality. As a Journalism major and member of the University of Georgia’s famed Redcoat Marching Band during the same Championship era, Debbie Crowe fully appreciates the dominance and importance of college football then and now. She is also a motivational speaker and leader. Barbara and Debbie offer a poignant and, often, downright funny glimpse into the reality of cancer diagnosis and treatment and suggest practical coping suggestions for patients, caregivers, and friends.
About the Author
Barbara Dooley and Debbie Crowe share their stories out of their common love for college football, the love of God, and each one’s desperate fight with cancer. Both have enjoyed highly visable lives and careers in the public spotlight, yet their uplifting message resonates for all cancer patients and caregivers. The encouragement of their friendship is evident throughout the book and you can almost hear the melodious southern drawl of the snickers and giggles they share while describing many of the painful but funny treatment experiences! Cancer may have slowed Barbara and Debbie for a season, but both are back on the playing field, stronger than ever, and sharing their wins with audiences around the country.