Cancer doesn’t deter Ray Propst from Rocky Mountain high jump
M80 jumper Ray Propst of Oregon is one tough hombre. Here’s the story of yet another masters trackster who overcame the Big C. And that doesn’t stand for cheesecake. We learn: “It’s been a rocky year for Propst, 81. It all started in May 2009. Two months after tying the American record in the high jump in his age group, Propst had a lung operation, and after complications, he was eventually diagnosed with lymphoma or cancer of the lymph nodes.” And then things got worse.
The whole report, in case the link goes buh-bye:
Propst bounces back, again
Astoria’s Ray Propst bounced back from a year of illness, operations and cancer to compete in the Rocky Mountain Masters Track Meet, Aug. 28 and 29 in Fort Collins, Colo.
It’s been a rocky year for Propst, 81. It all started in May 2009. Two months after tying the American record in the high jump in his age group, Propst had a lung operation, and after complications, he was eventually diagnosed with lymphoma or cancer of the lymph nodes.
He endured 18 weeks of chemotherapy in Portland before he was given the all-clear in November. One month later, he discovered that he had come down with atrial fibrillation of the heart. “Most likely an effect of the chemotherapy,” he said.
Propst went through months of diagnosis and treatment, but in the meantime, he entered the Portland Masters Track Classic in June and competed in the high jump, triple jump and discus, “with poor results,” he said.
Not ready to give up on the summer season, Propst entered the Rocky Mountain Masters Track Meet last month, with mixed results in the 94-degree heat.
“I managed to squeeze age group All-American status and gold medals in the high jump (3 feet, 6 inches) and hammer throw (67-8), with less than usual marks in the triple jump (18-5), shot put (23-4), javelin (42-3) and discus (59-6),” he said.
All in all, he said, he went through a year “of less than ideal living,” giving kudos to Dr. Paul Voeller of Astoria, Columbia Memorial doctors and staff, and doctors and staff at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, among others, “and last, but not least,” Propst said, “the Holy Trinity via the prayers of a whole host of North Coast and beyond friends of the family.”
One Response
Ray, it was wonderful – in the real sense of the word!! to have you compete in Ft. Collins.
We tried very hard to get you to jump a record in
the HJ, BUT…. Bud Held did not want give his record up as yet.
With all good wishes for more strength and endurance,we hope to see you at the Mid America/
Colorado Master Indoor Championship
Jerry is working on securing the meet.
Christel Donley
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