F@*& Cancer! And Everything about it.

Recently I have learned that some people close to me have either just found out about having some type of cancer, or have been battling it for a while now. This is crap, just the fact that I don't understand it, like many. The only way to cure it is to basically put your body through pain and stress known as Chemotherapy and actually pay doctors and hospitals for this unusual form of torture. I guess my aggravation with the whole matter is that I just don't want to believe that this is the only way to kill it. One day as I was actually thinking about this. There was an article that came up in my facebook news feed how a group of Students at Stanford University actually came up with an alternative way and have been researching this. You can actually read this article HERE if you are wondering what I read. 

I'll be honest, I don't know much about Cancer, how its formed, and what it takes to get rid of it.  I do know that it is my astrological sign, (which is totally irrelevant to this blog) and that I hate it and everything about it. I also know that in order to get through it, You must stay positive and be optimistic, and the larger of a support group you have, the better, but above all, you cannot let the cancer defeat your spirit. If anything, getting through this will make you a stronger person and more influential to others that are close to you in your life.

The first I would like to talk about is a beautiful baby girl who has been battling a cancerous tumor by her face and neck since August 2013 at 19 months. She has had a very great spirit and she is also very loveable. I think what is even better about this story is the huge following she has gained and support system that has grown thanks to the extreme unselfish love provided by her Nanny Jennifer and Uncle Ryan Romero. They have been there every step of the way and Jennifer has literally been by her side to care for lil Aubrie. Recently there was an awesome benefit to help raise money with multiple bands, silent auctions, great food, just an awesome celebration that I unfortunately had to miss because It fell on my work week, but from what I heard the turnout was amazing.
You Can learn more about Aubrie and her battle at the website http://www.prayers4aubrie.com/


I just recently learned that my wonderful Aunt Holly was also diagnosed with breast cancer. I was actually in shock when I heard this and it still feels unreal to me. But I am confident that she can defeat this because she is a very strong woman and every single memory I have of my aunt she always has the Greatest smile on her face. She recently retired from Teaching after 30 years of putting up with bratty children, I don't blame her haha. But to be honest, I've never heard one complaint and everyone who she taught loved her. I just want her to know that even though this battle has just began for you, There will be many people around to love you, Especially your children Tim and Shelly, your silly grand babies, and of course your loving, goofy husband Uncle Glenn. Oh by the way, sorry but I had to put an embarrassing picture of you as well ;) love you!


Finally, a good poker buddy and friend of mine, Francis Nguyen, recently learned that his mother was also diagnosed with cancer. I don't know much details about this, but I know that all things are possible if you pray, stay optimistic, and believe that nothing is impossible and that you will prove it by getting through it! If there is anyone else out there that I may have left out I just want you to be strong and believe that things can only look better! If you ever need to talk, or a little extra support, I'm here for you.

Guess I'll revive this thing before it is forgotten

As some of you may know, I used to write these blogs regularly. Then I took on the task of starting a website formerly known as Acadianapokerplayers.com. I had a huge vision for this and wanted to eventually see it flourish. but I forgot to focus on the small start and build a strong foundation. It didn't take long for it to crumble beneath my feet. I think I've met many great people over the years and more than fortunate to have met many friends, poker players, and even some I have learned lessons from. Well I have new opportunities and even new life events from two years ago. Now that the dust has settled I want to find time to write my thoughts every now and then. Whether it be about Poker, My daughter, or just random life situations and events. I always enjoyed expressing my thoughts through literature, even if the grammar wasn't always the greatest.

I will also be posting my FULL article submissions that I usually submit to AnteUp Magazine for my monthly article being the Louisiana Ambassador. Mainly for the fact that I am limited to only 250 words and usually have more to say than that. So use this to your advantage as a sneak preview and inside view of whats to come in upcoming AnteUp issues, atleast for the state of Louisiana. I am also a great source for getting you a relaxing Poker Cruise provided by Ante Up. Just click on the link and let them know the Louisiana Ambassador Matt Stroud sent you. They will be sure to take care of any questions or needs that you may have!

Well I'll keep this short but stay posted, I have started to play more homegames lately as I took over the task of distributing the poker issues monthly as well and hope to see some  of you at the next games I go to. The main goal I have for this year is to earn enough money to go play in Las Vegas for a 3-4 night stay mainly because I have never had the pleasure of  visiting and I want to experience what  all the hype is about.

Other than that, I am finally able to focus more on my Job and feel that I am learning more and more each day and excited about every new thing that I learn! My daughter also turned two today and she had an awesome day. She has always lifted my spirits even when I hit rock bottom and she did it with little to no effort, I am so grateful to have such a wonderful daughter and wouldn't know what I would do without her in my life. I'm no longer married and have moved on from that chapter in my life, but no time for dwelling on the negative, its too easy to be pessimistic, sad or upset. You actually have to put forth effort and work to have happiness and confidence. Even more so when other unhappy people see you smiling and want you to be on their miserable level. You have accomplished new steps in your life when you don't allow them to defeat you. I will step off my philosophical soap box and just encourage you to never stop improving yourself. Always believe that you can become something more. The reward will be worth it.

Goodnight and glad to be back.M. Stroud

"Life is like poker, Eventually you are dealt a new hand"