On Friday, "Black Panther" actor Chadwick Boseman passed away of stage 4 colon cancer. He was 43.
This has come as an utter SHOCK to so many of us....he never spoke publicly about his diagnosis. From what I've been reading, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2016, and until recently it had progressed to stage 5. To fight this private battle- between treatments and chemotherapies- all while continuing to film movies like "Marshall", "Black Panther", "Avengers: Infinity War", "Avengers: Endgame" etc- there are no WORDS to describe that incredible spirit and courage of this man. I've included a Commencement Speech from 2018 with his inspiring words below....I can't fathom knowing he was going through cancer while giving this speech. It really makes you reconsider ANYTHING you felt was too difficult or too challenging. Can you imagine going through this privately, while still showing up to work, inspiring others, and being a father/husband?
Ryan Coogler- Director of Black Panther, said, "After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him. Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days."
Read more here.May Boseman's spirit continue to inspire and teach us all about the true meaning of life.
Sandy (@SandyStec on FB, IG and Twitter)
Image courtesy of Getty Images