There are several ways in which you can help:
1. Please, share your story.
The other day, my friend Matthew, who lives in Washington DC, emailed me to tell me a story about his secretary’s husband. A year ago, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor that is similar to Lance’s. Just a year later, he underwent testing to discover he’s cancer free. These are the kind of stories we need to hear. Share your heart. Tell your story. Leave a comment or send your story to Lance. Together, we will beat this:
Lance & Francine Snyder
106 Virginia Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
2. Post a recipe.
Under the section Delicious Detox, Francine and Kasia (Lance’s sister-in-law) share, invent and discuss healthy recipes. In his book Anti-Cancer, Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, a brain cancer survivor, tells us how certain foods promote cancer growth — while others help to battle it. Leeks, cabbage, turnips, low in sugar, etc. You can contribute your own recipe. Simply follow the guidelines posted here. Delicious Detox Ingredient List
3. Seek solidarity with Lance through action or prayer.
I (Lance’s brother Parker) am far away from home. So to connect with my brother over a distance, I have given up coffee, soda, beer and sugar. That way, when I have a craving, it brings Lance to my mind. Perhaps there is something in your life you want to change? Or a prayer you want to offer on his behalf? You don’t even have to let anyone know about it. Thank you all, dearly.
I'd Rather Be Fly Fishing 
Hello Lance!
I was very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I have heard so many positive stories like the one shared above and knowing what a positive and energetic person you are I have much hope that you will have the same outcome as your friend. As you know, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer nearly 8 years ago and because of good medecine, a loving family, great friends, and constant prayer (not necessarily in that order! ) I remain cancer free. You have a lovely and caring wife, committed family and friends , and trust me people you don’t even know are praying for a complete recovery for you. Blessings to you Lance! Along with my family you will be in our daily prayers. We will be happy to help you in any way and I will always be available for a phone call from you.
Donna Wehrle
Dear Lance, dear Family,
although we met only once during Kasia and Parker’s wedding we could feel the great spirit of love and support within the whole family. My mother is also fighting with the cancer since 10 years now and we know exactly how great shock it is at the beginning. However, we also know that it might be a great gift and we are with you all wishing you to find sense, strength and all good thoughts, words and feelings that are now so much needed. We embrace you with our prayers,
Hania, Lubek and little Helen
Lance!
Wow…what a tremendous shock to hear the news last week. My husband and I have been praying for you and he added you to a prayer email list that we are a part of. I have an encouraging story to share…Jamie Warren (pastor Rick Warren’s daughter-in-law) had a similar experience to you one year a go. She had surgery where they were not able to remove all of the tumor because it was partly engulfed in the brain. After treatment, she now is now doing really well! I shared your story with a friend who said they had recently seen Jamie and that she is doing very well. Very hopeful for you and prayerful that the Lord would continue to give you and your amazingly beautiful, inspiring family the grace to get through this.
You are so loved by so many…it is true.
I am confident that there are people across the country and across the globe praying for you. And I am confident that there is a God in heaven who is on your side. May you feel His presence, receive His peace…and may He heal you for His glory!!! Fighting with you…crying with you…and hoping with you!!!!
All our love,
Dana and David Hunter
P.S. We also have another friend, Kari Bradbury…also, in her 20’s who has battled brain cancer…gone through chemo and is currently doing well (her fight has been recent).
Hey Lance,
I am so glad that I was able to be there for you and your family a few weeks ago when you were diagnosed. When I woke up early that Saturday morning, I did not feel much like going to work. I wiggled my way out of bed and into the hospital that morning, unhappy to be there. I then looked down and saw your name on my list of people that were my patients. I immediately thought, “this can’t be “The Lance” I went to highschool with. When I entered the room to introduce myself, I was stopped dead in my tracks. You were the same person that I had hung out with sooooo many times during our senior year. Sooooo many AWESOME memories. So now I was longer cranky about my day. I had someone to talk to, laugh with and to spend the day getting to know again. I was elated.
I talked to Morgan the other day, I asked him to describe you. He said we call him “Lucky Lance.” He always has the LUCK!!! Things always have a way of working out for him. I know this must be true. You have been “lucky” in love. Francine is amazing. LOVE HER!!! You have been “lucky” in family. Their love permeates through the whole room when they talk of you. You WILL BE LUCKY IN HEALTH….we are all praying for a smooth and fast recovery for you. I can’t wait to see your house spend time with you and Francine. You and your family are constantly on my mind. You and Francine know that I am only a text away. Love you guys!!!!
Love,
Deb
Dear Lance’s Family,
I work with Lance at Hanna. Over the weekend, I was talking about Lance with a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer last spring. She suggested a book that she found very helful and inspiring, and it happens to be written by a brain cancer survivor from Pitt. You very well may already be aware of it and his story — but in case not, here’s his website: http://www.anticancerbook.com/story.html
Please know that all of us at the office are thinking about you constantly. And, that’s more than 50 positive vibes headed in the direction of the Snyder Family with the very best of wishes!
Jill
Hey Lance, Francine, and family!
Justin and I are just devastated by this whole thing and we are saying many many prayers for all of you. My brother did not have cancer, however he suffered a traumatic brain injury 4 years ago as the result of a motorcycle accident. He spent 3 weeks in a coma in the shock trauma unit, another week after that in the hospital on a regular floor, and at least another week in rehab. It is important to remember the power of positive thinking on the healing process. I never allowed myself or anyone else to believe that he wouldn’t recover, even when the doctors told us otherwise. He is doing great now- back to work and doing all the things he used to (except riding a motorcycle.) Lance is young and healthy and will have his whole life ahead of him. Never think any different. There will be tough times ahead, but you can and will get through it. If there is ANYTHING we can do to help you, please let us know. We love you guys and can’t wait until you can come over to the house and hang out with us– like we were planning.
Sending you our love….
Kate and Justin Sarra
Lance,
this is London…with warsaw memories of almost american wedding. And you there – the greatest friend of Parker.
We are all here with you and pass our strengths to you to fight. and we keep praying every evening with Tymon and Brunon and Tytus.
Thats as far as God is concerned but you have a fundament here on earth – Your wife will help you get through this – i hear she is strong, not only beautifull. London calling with support. artur & Kamila
Lance,
Hello and wishes the day greets you with sunshine.
I was so happy to find awesome songs of overwhelming praise in the posts here this morning. Love certainly surrounds and embraces you! Yes, “[you’d] rather be fly fishing” as the header exclaims, but not for the moment. You my friend are at the present a wonderful living example and testimony to The Word as it relays, “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1: 17-18) As Jesus was gathering his first disciples, he gave a choice to those who were chosen by Him to follow Him. Maybe you have to let go of your literal fishing nets – or line – and what you thought was your purpose just for temporary, but it is so God can bring others to Him through you. You might say you’re “taking one for the team”, but the blessings that follow your willingness are beyond compare. You recognize that you have the same choice to follow Him, and you will need to choose – as we all do time and time again – to follow His will. So I’ll pray with you, your family and friends to overpower the weight of the unknown in the journey on these shores you walk, so the power of God will be readily relized through your endurance by all those you touch in effect.
To note I tell you, how thankful I am at this moment of how you shared your love of fishing with me at the Heinz Field Hanna Event! Your present changes me as it will others.
As the discples of yesterday, follow-through with just today!!!
Big blessings bro!
Jeff
Dear Lance,
You may not recognize my name — I am Kate Sarra’s aunt from Cincinnati. You took us around to look at properties in FC a year or so ago. I just wanted to let you know that you are receiving daily prayers and healing thoughts from me and others who I have asked to pray for you. Please take time each day to feel the love, energy, and support that will ultimately carry you through this journey. It is obvious from this blog that you have the tools to get through this “speed bump” in the road of life. You are blessed with unconditional and unending love which has already shown its power. The love of family and friends will give you the strength that you need and before you know it, you will be fly fishing and looking back on this experience as a mere inconvenience.
Although I only spent a few hours with you, I found you to be a warm and kind person. I just wanted you to know that I am holding you close to my heart and you and your family are in every thought and prayer. Keep up the positive attitude and lean on your friends and family for strength. We are all here to for you and someday, we may be asking you for support. Most of all, always remember how much you are cared for and how special you are! Now, get well and sell me a house : )
Hey Buddy,
Glad you are back home and feeling better. I hate to be one to break this to you but, to me at least, that looks like a question mark on your noggin!. Now I always wondered what was going on in there (if anything) now the question mark shows up to confirm my suspicions.
Any way, I am sure you miss work and steelheading but you’ll be back with a vengeance soon (I would loose the hat before I took the streams, though). You actually look good … for you … and I know Francine and the family are taking good care of you.
When are ready to get together for lunch, I’m your man. Keep up the recovery and I’ll keep up the prayers for you my friend.
All the best,
Bob
Dearest Lance, Francine and family members –
I wanted you to know that from the moment Phil and I heard this news, the prayers have spread out far and wide. Phil and me, continually, the homes of my entire family, my mother and sisters’ church and family in Johnstown and their local prayer group in Butler, my sister Linda’s church in Florida (she stood at the front of her church, and claimed your name in prayer), my brother who goes to church in Erie, my place of worship – North Street Christian Church in Butler, my personal prayer group in Cranberry through email and every time we meet, my believing college roommates, coworkers, building maintenace friends, local friends and family in Columbus, Ohio and Webster New York.. who all pray, and tell others to pray. Not a day goes by without family members, friends and others emailing, calling or keeping up with this link. You are all lifted up as ones touched and hurting and anxious, and yet comforted with your faith. You and your whole family, for the individual impact on each of you, are never more than a moment away from thoughts and hearts at any given time. We love you, and “Romans 26 – Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[b] with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
May the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, be always close to you.. and He is.
Hi Lance and Francine,
I spoke with Sabrina, and she filled me in on what’s been going on, and the progress you’ve been making. I’m so very sorry for what you’re going through. I believe that with love, hope and determination, you’ll get through this — You have an amazing wife that loves you, and will be there for you every step of the way. If it’s any consolation, my grandmother was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer when she was 79 — She beat it, and we will be celebrating her 89th birthday in December. You’re both in my thoughts and prayers always.
Lance and Francine,
I have thinking a lot about you two and wondering how the treatments are going. I know it may be a long and difficult road back but your love and the prayers of your friends will help make the journey easier. Let me know how things are progressing when you have a moment and when Lance may ready for a lunch and bull session. I will continue to keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Slagter
Bob Slagter
Dear Lance & Snyder family,
We did not forget. We think of you often and continue to lift you up before our King Messiah. Hanukkah/Christmas is on the way—the season of miracles. We pray that your supply of oil (Holy Spirit) will carry you through the beginning of your treatments and cleanse your body of anything foreign, May you have a strong start and a triumphant finish. Love in Yeshua, Nathan, Susan, & Tara
Lance,
I have learned about your story through a mutual friend, Briana Lazzaro. She felt compelled to share it with me because three years ago, at the age of 26, I was diagnosed with a bone cancer. I spent over a year going through treatments and surgeries to remove the cancer. As I read through your blog, I found many similarities between our stories. I trust that God will bless you and your family through all of this, just has He did for my family and me. It sounds like you already have great strength and support from your faith, family and friends. You can add my wife and me to the list of people that will be praying for God’s blessings to overflow on you and your family.
-Adam
Dear Lance: You probably don’t remember me–it’s been awhile but we met a few years ago when working with Nancy and Ralph. To remind you, I am the short, older woman with long blond hair and a voice so high and squeaky that only bats can hear it. I have a confession to make!!
The British author, Nancy Mitford wrote in the 1940’s that somehow people manage to “live up to their names.” From the first time I met you, I have always thought that you were the absolute personfication of that concept. Your parents gave you a first name dervived from one of history’s most enduring figures, Sir Lancelot and everytime I saw you, I smiled to myself as to how you were so very much like him–kind, thoughtful, brave considerate, and strong. Although I haven’t seen you a long time, I have no doubt that you will continue to “live up to your name” and will face this challenge with courage.
I never, ever give advice but I have learned one thing–physical illness and tough times give you the opportunity to build determination, wisdom, inner strength and compassion. When you beat this Lance(and you will), you will be stronger than ever before.
Nearly ten years ago, my only sister was given a terrible diagnosis–she had non-Hodgkin’s lyphoma and the primary site was not the usual axilla or groin but her left eye (close to the brain,very scary!). Like you, she is very determined, a person of great spiritual strength and has a wonderful, supportive spouse. She underwent radation therapy and she beat it–just as you will do.
I have taken up Parker’s idea and I have given up sugar, chocolate and diet cola (I don’t drink coffee or beer) and everytime I get a craving, I say a prayer for you and your wife and family. You will come through this like “a
knight in shining armour.”–Anne
Dear Lance:
You may not remember me but I went to youth group with Parker back in High School at Fox Chapel. I met you a few times. My mom told me about what has been going on. You are and have been in my thoughts and prayers and always will be. God will be with you every step of the way, I truly believe that. May the grace of god always be with you.
Kristin (formerly Kristin Ehrlich)
Hello Snyders,
It has been a very long time since I have seen or spoken to Lance and Parker. I was on a flight to the Florida Keys this past Thursday to go fly-fishing for bonefish and tarpon. On my way down I was reading “The Drake” magazine and came across the letters from the faithful section and the “Most inspiring, sad, heart felt letter we have ever received” title caught my attention. I read through the letter and noticed “Pittsburgh, PA” from the author and did a double take. Only then did I notice the authors name, Lance Snyder. It came as a huge shock to hear about Lance’s health from the magazine.
My wife Paige and I send our thoughts and prayers. I am hopeful that I will have another small world incident with Lance, running into him fishing when he is healthy.
Best regards,
Matt Sheedy
Dear Lance,
We have not met yet, but I have become friends of your brother Morgan through his work with Ransomed Heart. I know Morgan well enough to know that this Snyder family is one cool bunch.
I write so you know that many people who you do not know are touched, moved and motivated by your story. I learned of your journey about a year ago and have been praying for your family since. From reading your blog, I am overwhelmed by the love and resolve you have shown in your battle; you are an inspiration to me and no doubt many others. I don’t even know you but I can “feel” the weight of your life. Press on brother in the strength of Jesus.
And so, in this Passion Week of celebrating the Resurrected Christ, I share with you a poem our church is reading this Easter Sunday; and it is my prayer for you and your family:
Isaiah 35:3-4 “They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, Be Strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with venegeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
“Jesus of the Scars”
A poem by Edward Shillito (1872-1948), a Free Church minister in England during World War I:
If we have never sought, we seek Thee now;
Thine eyes burn through the dark, our only stars;
We must have sight of thorn-pricks on Thy brow,
We must have Thee, O Jesus of the Scars.
The heavens frighten us; they are too calm;
In all the universe we have no place.
Our wounds are hurting us; where is the balm?
Lord Jesus, by Thy Scars, we claim Thy grace.
If, when the doors are shut, Thou drawest near,
Only reveal those hands, that side of Thine;
We know to-day what wounds are, have no fear,
Show us Thy Scars, we know the countersign.
The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak,
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.