Dan

Thinking back, it's been quite a ride. In 1981, when I was 14, my nine siblings and I fled Vietnam and came to America on a boat. Starting a new life in a new country wasn't easy, but it made me who I am today. I eventually joined the Navy and served proudly. Now, as I deal with these health issues, and I lean on the toughness and determination I've built up over the years. I am just staying positive.

This past January, I was diagnosed with lung cancer, and in July, I had a lobectomy. While getting ready for that lung surgery, the doctors found out I also had three clogged arteries and would need a triple-bypass open-heart surgery once I recovered. I haven't been able to work full-time since July and probably won't be able to go back to work for at least another year. Without me we are even more short staffed. My wife has been the one keeping the salon going. We are living paycheck to paycheck.

On a brighter note, I have two amazing kids (a daughter and a son) aged 22 and 14 to support me during these tough times.