Both of these people survived cancer. Their son has cancer. Still, they look pretty happy.(The following is an excerpt from the May 2009 PPG article.)
Bob Fescemyer has been the mayor of Oakmont since 2005, and is running again. He was unopposed on the Democratic side in Tuesday's primary, and will face Republican Patrick Dolan in the general election.
Mr. Fescemyer, 67, is distinctive in many other ways.
One distinction, however, isn't pleasant: the high incidence of cancer in his family and that of his wife, the Christmans.
Judy and Bob Fescemyer are cancer survivors themselves. Their son, Michael, has advanced prostate cancer.
All four of Bob and Judy's parents had cancer, three of them dying from it. And Bob and Judy each have had a sibling with the disease.
But another way Mr. Fescemyer stands out is the combination of courage, activism and acceptance with which he plays the unfair hand he's been dealt.
"We take it day by day," he said of himself and his family. "Over the years, we've found that's the best approach."
Being active in the fight against cancer is one way Mr. Fescemyer said he copes with the huge role the disease has played in his life.
"At times, the feelings of helplessness can get to you," he said. "It's important to feel like you're doing something that might really make a difference."
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