Monday, June 15, 2009
Thursday night started like most at Don “Red Dog” Gardner’s Dog Days workout. Standing on the field next to Robinson Gym, Gardner greeted the participants for about an hour before the stretching began. He then grabbed his microphone and told people of all ages to get into their spots. “All right, here we go!” Gardner said.
Don Gardner, 70, was diagnosed with cancer at the end of February, yet he continues to instruct the two-a-day Dog Days workouts at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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Dog Days 2009
Gardner’s cancer is in remission after undergoing his final round of radiation treatment about a week ago.
Although there are tests and more appointments to come, Gardner said he is happy his radiation is finished.
“I wore a sport coat and tie to my last radiation,” Gardner said.
After his last treatment, Gardner expressed concern to Klish, his physician, about what would happen if the radiation did not work. Klish assured him that it did.
“Everyone thinks, ‘This can’t happen to me,’” Gardner said. “And then it does.”
Modest about all the attention, Gardner said he appreciated the cards and affection he received.
Liz Beisner, Lawrence senior and Dog Days participant, said the mood at Dog Days went somber when word got out about Gardner’s cancer.
“It was discouraging for the group,” said Beisner. “He’s the glue that holds everyone together.”
Gardner’s wife, Beverly, said it was hard at times to always be upbeat and cheerful with their Dog Days “extended family.”
“But, it’s important to stay positive,” Beverly said.
For five years, Adam Petz, 17, Lawrence, has attended the workouts because of Gardner’s dedication and effort.
“We all really appreciate it,” Petz said. “I come because of Red Dog.”
Since he was diagnosed, Gardner has only missed two Dog Days workouts. Gardner said the workouts were addicting, so it was hard to miss them.
“Getting up isn’t the hard part,” Gardner said. “I am a busy guy and I enjoy it.”
Gardner’s schedule typically consists of going to the 6 a.m. workout, then having coffee with Dogs Day participants, followed by going to a doctor’s appointment around 8 a.m.
Remaining optimistic about the situation, Gardner focused on the hospital food.
“The cook at the hospital is great,” Gardner said. “I go there even when I don’t need to be there because of the food.”
Gardner said the hardest part of treatment was being tired and losing his strength. He also said he had memory problems.
Gardner tries to greet almost every person who attends Dog Days, around 400 to 500 people each session. But one day, Gardner said he couldn’t remember a woman’s name he had known for years.
“I’d like to blame it on radiation, but it’s just old age now,” Gardner said.
One part of Dog Days is a run up 14th street that Gardner said he used participate in. Now he has designated himself as the “yeller” and coordinates stretches and cheers of encouragement.
Gardner’s support has made an impression on the participants. Beisner complimented Gardner on his sense of humor and hard work.
“He really has built a community out of Dog Days,” Beisner said. “He is irreplaceable.”
— — Edited by Adam Schoof
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