Many believe that to be an all-star you have to be able to sink the game winning shot like Michael Jordan, or hit the game winning homer like Barry Bonds. All you have to do is be able to show someone that you will always be there for them and that the love they have for you is infinite. All-stars can be parents, teachers and anyone else who has inspired you. My father has done everything an all-star does. He has battled with cancer for several months and has been able to love me as much as ever. Going to great lengths to keep me happy through the difficult times.

My father was stricken with cancer and for the past months had undergone surgery and radiation. When he was diagnosed he was ordered to go to surgery so the cancer would be removed. I was very supportive, always going up to see him. As a father, he knew everything about me and my first love (after him) was the Nets. He knew how I wanted to see the Nets, and from the hospital, ordered tickets the day they went on sale, for him and me to go see them on my birthday. I was elated. Surgery wouldn't be all he was to endure. He would be going for radiation treatments until week before Christmas. Knowing it was going to be hard he would make life easy for me. He ordered tickets (before the cancer was detected) to go to Albany to see the Nets 2 1/2 hours away from our home. After only a week out of the hospital he went to the game with my uncle and me. He took pictures for me and he even cheered at times. Knowing he was there and traveled the long way was enough to make me happy.

Admiring my father is an easy thing to do. He not only has done a lot for me but for others too. He is a single parent who gives himself out to everyone when they need him. Constantly he is making a trip to my grandmother’s to fix curtains just so she won’t have to. At work he has many responsibilities and always fulfills them. His ability to keep commitments is why he is a role model to anyone. He has affected my life in unbelievable ways. He never lets me down and always supports me. It is like he is my shadow following me everywhere. Whatever I do he is there for me. His battle with cancer has taught me to appreciate life for what it is. His positive outlook on things also gives me hope. Changing my whole perspective of life. Showing me to cherish the little things.

My father is as much of an all star as any man can be. He has the heart of a winner, the drive of a champion and an unimaginable amount of love for me. He is my dad, role model and all-star.