Isaac Sobek

I want to thank you sincerely for making it to my page, exploring a cause that means to me much more than most! While I am not terribly vocal of my experience, I find my story to be an incredible testimony of encouragement toward those looking to join the fight and those currently in the hardest challenge of their lives. 

On June 20, 2016, my conventional upbringing was abruptly suspended when, at eleven years old, I was diagnosed with an aggressive, mutated variant of acute myeloid leukemia. For the subsequent six months, my reality was confined to a hospital isolation room under the shadow of a grim 20% survival rate. Enduring a 108 degree fever, septic shock, and a grueling bone marrow transplant that left my body utterly depleted, yearning for the strength I once had. Yet, looking back on the rounds of chemotherapy, I see now with clarity the generosity and unwavering support of a community that walked alongside me and my family through the darkest time in my life.

While I fought alone in my hospital bed, I found that the community wrapped me in unparalleled support. From organizing extensive fundraisers to delivering daily meals, the overwhelming altruism of my historic town enveloped my family during our darkest hours. It was the profound selflessness of others that bolstered me toward finding the light at the end of the tunnel, granting me a miraculous second chance to live the vibrant life that He has graciously set before me. All around me, I was continuously surrounded by encouragement, receiving a flood of prayers and cards from individuals I had never even met before. Strangers sacrificed their own resources to carry our burdens, proving that it truly takes a community to endure such a battle. 

One passage that was shared to me was from Exodus 14:14 which states, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still”, A testament of the Lord’s providence throughout my bed-ridden state. Visitors came from all over, surrounding me with encouragement from even those I had never met before.

During my treatment, my family was carried by an incredible community. Individuals organized fundraisers, delivered meals, gave rides, prayed for us, and helped support us financially during one of the hardest seasons of our lives. Those acts of kindness reminded me that cancer is never fought alone, it takes an entire community standing together to help families keep moving forward.

Now, years later, I have the privilege of organizing the Wake Makers, a team of Messiah University students partnering with Swim Across the Sound to support families battling cancer. What once would have seemed impossible to me as a child in a hospital bed, swimming across the Long Island Sound, has now become an opportunity to give back to families facing the same battles my family once faced.

Each stroke we take, each donation, and each mile we swim is about far more than crossing the water. It is about helping families find hope in difficult moments, easing financial burdens, and reminding those battling cancer that they are not alone. Our prayer is that through this journey, we can use the gifts God has given us to make waves that leave a lasting impact far beyond the shoreline into the hearts and lives of those who need it most!