In keeping with my "war-against-cancer" theme, I thought I'd touch on the topic of unsung heroes this month.

I had originally planned a different topic for this month’s column, but after reading Nancy D’s comment regarding not having a strong support group (in a reply to Nancy S’s recent column), I began reflecting on the people that support me.

Every war has its unsung heroes, those individuals that work behind the lines making sure the war runs smoothly but rarely getting the attention that those actually fighting the battle get.

These are the people who take care of logistics, keep the supply lines flowing, tend the sick and injured, and in general provide the support that is so crucial to waging a war.

I imagine for the majority of us, the biggest unsung hero is our primary caregiver. In my case, it’s my wife.

She tends to me when I'm not feeling well, comforts me when I'm down, motivates me to fight this battle, caters to my dietary idiosyncrasies, handles the finances, and more, all while dealing with the anxieties and uncertainties that come with this disease.

In short, she loves and cares for me unconditionally and I’ll never be able to thank her enough - but I sure will try.

There are also my kids, all of whom are there to pitch in as needed. More than that though, it's the quality time we spend together and the efforts they make to not let this disease take over, that mean so much to me.

My father-in-law and his partner, both of whom previously lost spouses to cancer, have opened their home to me when I travel for treatment. Their generosity has helped add a personal touch to what would otherwise be a lonely stay in a hotel, and our discussions provide a perspective that I otherwise am not exposed to.

My employer and coworkers are another source of support. They have accommodated my time away for treatment, allowed me flexibility in my work schedule, and adjusted their schedules around my availability. Without this support, it would have been difficult to keep working.

Then there's the multitude of family and friends that pray for us, provide meals, send cards, post notes to my website, talk with us, spend time with us, and in general just look out for us and let us know we're not alone in this fight.

Finally, where would I be without the cancer center.

Obviously there's my doctor, but I think even more notable are my nurse practitioner and the infusion center staff. Both exhibit such a warm, genuine concern for my well-being, are so committed to my treatment, and always have an upbeat attitude in lieu of the fact most of their patients have a terminal disease.

I’ve worked in various lead positions for over 20 years, and one of the most important lessons I've learned over that time is the power of thank you.

So often, a successful delivery, or a critical milestone, comes down to the extra effort put in by the unsung heroes in the company, so I always make sure to show my appreciation.

Likewise, I try to do the same for the unsung heroes helping me in my battle against multiple myeloma. Sometimes it's a thank you, other times a hug, or perhaps a dinner out. Since I enjoy baking, many times it’s homemade baked goods.

In fact, my next "thank you" is a cake for the infusion center to celebrate my complete response.

So, take the time to acknowledge the unsung heroes in your lives, and feel free to offer suggestions on creative ways you’ve found to say thanks.

Peace, and live for a cure.