Ground Game

As most of you are already aware, Tony Snow passed away this weekend after a long bout with cancer and ulcerative colitis. I had considered posting on this over the weekend, but it's not really my style to comment on the passing of figures like Tim Russert, or my favorite comedian, George Carlin. Nonetheless, I'd like to share my own personal anecdote of an encounter with Mr. Snow.

About three years ago I was working for National Review, where I authored a blog. As is the case here at CQ Politics, I occasionally miss days of work, or have my output limited because of my 15-year-long battle with Crohn's Disease. My NR editor suggested I share this with the readership so they wouldn't assume I was either slacking or disappearing without explanation.

Well, later that same day I received a very kind and thoughtful email from Tony Snow. While many know Snow was battling cancer, a much smaller number of people seem aware that his cancer was likely brought on by his long struggle with ulcerative colitis, a somewhat more benign cousin of Crohn's. There's a strong correlation between the two that helps explain why someone as young as Snow would be struck with an illness many consider to be one that primarily affects the elderly. As further example, I'm only 30-years-old, but have been warned within the past month by my gastroenterologist that cancer similar to Tony Snow's not only could, but likely will, strike sooner than later.

 
Anyway, shortly after my disclaimer post, Tony Snow emailed me to offer some kind and encouraging words on dealing with a chronic, debilitating disease that he was all-too-familiar with. I had a brief correspondence with one of his producers, to whom I explained that my Dad was a fan of Tony's. Later, when Snow was undergoing treatment for his cancer, he generously offered to send my Dad an autographed photo. The offer was literally made from his hospital bed.

 
I last saw Tony Snow while walking through the White House during an assignment for the Washington Times. Even though we had only met in person once before, along with the brief email exchange, he recognized me and walked over to say hello and ask how I was feeling. A small gesture, perhaps. But it meant the world to me to have a small moment of shared empathy with someone who understood so well the difficulties of living with an illness that most fail to recognize, or treat as something best left unspoken.

 
I haven't seen references to a specific Tony Snow memorial fund. But for those interested, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America is always in need of volunteer help and donations.