I look to him as the ultimate example of defying the odds.

the ultimate example of defying the odds with strength, courage and hope.

I keep defying the odds, you know.

I hope before too long to be sharing news of my good health and recovery.

Your emotional state has a tremendous amount to do with sickness, health and well-being. For years, my husband and I lived on -- and because of -- hope. Hope continues to give me the mental strength to carry on.

We were having a conversation at our home, and every time he said something where one might gesture, use a hand gesture, his finger was popping up, and we both started to notice it,