Dillon Rogers aka "D-money"

As the summer of '04 went by and early fall came around, football season took over my home. I was participating in my high school's program while my other 3 brothers played for the middle school and the local community teams. My youngest brothers were a "Quarterback (QB)to wide receiver (WR) connection" on their city league team and practiced at least twice a week. Having team scrimmages was a common thing that teams did in order to prepare for the coming weeks as games were on their way. "Split right blue streak pass" was the call that Landon, the QB, made in the huddle. The snap of the ball and bam... Landon dropped back to pass... Dillon ran deep down the football field sideline and the ball went sailing in the air. Dillon and the defender both adjusted to the under-thrown pass. While attempting to catch the ball, Dillon got hit under his chin, jolting his neck back causing him to get a typical "ringer" in football. The scrimmage ended and all went home. As the evening progressed Dillon continued to mention the pain he had in his head and neck making it apparent that something was wrong. Fortunately Dillon had a doctor's appointment the following day.
"Dillon walk in a straight line for me..." said the Doctor... "Oh come on Dillon just do it... quit being silly..." was my mothers reaction.... "Mom I'm trying was Dillon's honest reply...". This was just the beginning of a grand discovery for doctors and my family. "I'm gonna get a Cat scan set up for Dillon and I want him to get checked out right now at the hospital...".

It was homecoming week, and being the Sophomore class president I was rather busy preparing and managing events. Not to mention I was excited for the upcoming homecoming game that I was going to participate in. After enjoying a classical "powder-puff" football game my sister and I returned home with a few friends that we attended with. As we were riding in the car my sister's cell phone rang. I didn't know who it was but randomly my sister burst into tears. As suspected all in the car were dead silent anticipating the news of the phone call. Once my sister gained composure of herself the words that left her lips are as clear to my memory today as they were said that one night which were... "Dillon has a tumor!" I looked out the window in shock not totally believing what I had just heard and the tears began to flow.

"Come on guys... let's get in the car and get down there...". Said one of my mother's great friends. She came and rounded all of us up to go make the visit down to the hospital. We all talked and got some basic information that no one knew how serious the tumor was but surgery would be required and further information would be available to us at that time. We all entered the ICU where Dillon was sitting on his bed playing video games amidst all the commotion. The rule was that we all had to hold our composure while in the midst of Dillon in order to keep him calm. May I explain how the next few days went as we waited for the surgery to actually happen...

For all those reading this story I would like to start off by saying this one simple statement. I know that Jesus is the Christ and has the ability to help and lift anyone and any point in their life.. no matter what the circumstance might be. With that said... I remember walking down that lonely trail of sadness, uncertainty, fear, and trial. I was scared for a young and innocent brother who deserved nothing of such a nature. I had nights with a wet pillow thanks to the many tears and times when my face was wet as if I had been in a never ending shower! Through prayer and relying on the lord, I was able to find enough strength to endure the trial. Recognize that my problem was not gone nor  was all the pain and worry taken away... rather... I was sustained! This is what it means to have Christ support you... This is what having the help from on high means. Can you all see why I have chosen to serve a mission? How can I experience this eternal truth and blessing and not share it... I know there are more who hurt... who have been through MUCH more than I have. Yet the source of the peace and happiness that we all look forward to comes from this same source... Jesus Christ. To all those who hurt... or ache... those who are deprived... or rejected... Anyone who wants hope... or acceptance... People who need healing... or forgiveness......... I invite you to learn about this source of whom I have talked about... the Lord... even Jesus Christ! I promise you these blessings are available to you... I am a witness! I'm "unique" because I know Jesus Christ!

That Friday was the big pep rally in the gym in anticipation of the homecoming game that evening... with such excitement for the game and weekends activities it was a good remedy of how I could get my mind off the subject... Dillon's surgery started at 2:00 Friday afternoon and was expected to last 6 hours... So from the time I got out of school until the end of the football game my thoughts were clearly bouncing back and forth

between my brother and the game. After an evening victory I was quickly shipped back to the school where I met my sister and we both went down together to the hospital to see Dillon post operation!

Upon entering the ICU I remember the hope yet fear of hearing my brother saying my own name. I got in and as quietly as possible I asked Dillon the "How are you questions..." and then I asked him if he knew who I was... his stern response made it clear that he knew me when he said "Yes Logan... I know its you now be quiet..." That was the first of many things I would hear from Dillon through the rest of his battle.

Before the surgery was done we all had the understanding that we would not know whether or not the tumor was cancerous until further testing was done... we waited a few days and then as a family we were all called into Dillon's room with my parents. My parents and Dillon had just finished talking with the Doctor so they knew of the results. "Ok "D" said my mom, "Can you tell us about what the doctor told us"... Dillon laid in the bed and then looked up towards us as a family and said..."Well guys... I have cancer..."...

After a few weeks of recuperation our family was told about Dillon's chemotherapy and radiation plan. 6 weeks of radiation and 11 months of chemotherapy... over a year of treatment! Many more stories could be told of what took place over the course of this year. Let it be known that God supported not only my sick brother but my suffering parents and other family members. Passing through an intense of amount of struggles physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually... Dillon is a "high-wired" and tender person... miraculously seating the cancer. He currently serves as the Freshman class president at Pine Creek High School. He has risen above his given circumstances and is a light to the world. He many times attributed his success to the help that was given to him spiritually. He has stood up in front of families, groups, even congregations, to let people know of how he survived his treachery time. He talks about the gospel of Jesus Christ and particularly of him... the Savior!

  We are taught " And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

  12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

  13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me." (Alma 7:11-13).

Christ suffered more than for the sins of the world but for any negative thing that is known to man. This "Atonement" is real. The gospel of Jesus Christ... his glad message is what sustains all. Our job is to come to know it through living his teachings. I admonish and humbly plea to all to come to learn more about Christ's atonement! All I want to do is to help...... I am "unique" because I know the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Will you let me share this with you...? May we all feel of his love and benefit from the power he freely offers us! :)