Roger Ebert

In 2002, Roger Ebert film critic, teacher and author was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. He underwent multiple surgeries in 2002 and 2003 and underwent a course of radiation. Then in June of 2006 he needed further surgery to remove cancer near his right jaw, which included removing a section of jaw bone.

On July 1, Ebert was hospitalized in serious condition after his carotid artery burst near the surgery site, likely a side effect of his radiation treatment. Roger Ebert no longer has the ability to speak but that has not kept him down. He continues to appear in public, most notably at Ebertfest his annual film festival at the University of Illinois.

In an interview with WLS-TV in Chicago, he said, "I was told photos of me in this condition would attract the gossip papers — so what?" When asked by the Sun-Times in an April 23 article about his decision to return to the limelight, Ebert remarked, "We spend too much time hiding illness." A statement like that wins Mr. Ebert an Oscar in my book.

Even though he can not speak he continues to write, and beautifully so. I suggest you look at his blog and you'll see what I mean.