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A Tribute to Dr. Jeff Massie

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For years, Jeff has been honest and upfront about his fight with brain cancer with the Dentaltown community. His positive outlook, faith and sense of humor has affected and inspired thousands of Townies. Too often we honor people after they are gone. So in recognition of Jeff 's long and valiant battle, Dentaltown is proud and humbled to present the following tributes from Jeff 's friends and colleagues.

Dr. Glenn van As: I have been a Dentaltown member for many years and have kept up with Jeff Massie's battle against cancer on his thread. I do not consider myself much of a spiritual person, but I have been continually moved by Jeff 's candor in dealing with his illness, his bravery and his love for his family. These characteristics ring out loud and clear and remind us that Dentaltown is more than just about cutting teeth. It is a community of people who each care for one another. Jeff 's fight against cancer has reminded me about the priorities in life – family and health. I wish Jeff the best in his battle and for his family as well.

Dr. Stephen Glass: Jeff, your story on Dentaltown has been an inspiration to so many. You probably don't even realize the positive impact you have had on thousands of dental professionals by being so courageous to share your journey and battle with all of us. You have truly lived your signature line quote of scripture. You have been the salt of the earth and have let your light shine for all of us to see.

You have strengthened my faith and changed my perspective on life. I have also been truly touched when, with all the things you have had going, you found the time to see how I was doing. I also know you have spent a lot of time checking on others as well. Through all of this you have asked for us to not worry about you, but to pray for your wife and your daughter. You are always thinking of other people even during the hardest times. There is no way we could ever give you more than you have given us. Thanks for being such a great friend. Thanks for everything!

Dr. Howard Goldstein: When I first saw the thread "Request For Prayers," I thought, "Just great, another thread asking for divine help for some inane reason." But I was totally wrong. Here was a thread by a humble, religious, warm human being who was and is enduring a serious medical problem. In spite of Jeff 's plight, several things were immediately obvious. One, he has an amazing sense of humor. Many of his posts have cracked us up. Two, he never whines about his condition. He is only concerned about his wife and child. Three, how deeply religious he is and how much he trusts his Lord. Finally, it is obvious that he cares so much about others in general and what a nice guy he is. He inspires thousands of Townies with his way of coping with this horrible situation. We are all amazed how he has made it seem not so horrible. If love from a great deal of people counts for anything, Jeff has plenty of love coming his way from all of us. Hang in there, Jeff. We love you.

Dr. Howard Farran: You're a fighter, Jeff! So many Townies have learned so much more about life from your posts. I feel blessed to have known you and met you in person! It seems like yesterday when you visited my home. My four boys talk about you to this day! You have certainly lived a full life. Thank you for sharing it with us, Jeff!

Dr. Pavandeep Khaira: I read Jeff 's thread and was immediately drawn to his humor and his outlook to his illness. The greatest inspiration is his commitment to his family despite the emotional trauma he must be going through. It's easy to say that we're strong individuals, but one thing I learned is that true strength of character is not the ability to find inner strength when things are good in your life, rather to find the strength when hope seems lost. In all honesty, not only am I touched by Jeff 's outlook but also his unwavering faith in God. In our religion, we're taught that we won't always understand the will of God, but if we accept it then life becomes much sweeter. The nature of life is such that it's easy to lose sight of the important things and focus on the materialistic or unimportant. Jeff occasionally walks into my thoughts and helps center me on what I should be focused on. Jeff, we have only spoken fleetingly and have never met, but I thank God for the lessons you have taught me. Thank you.

Lynn Mawhinney: I have followed Jeff 's journey from the very beginning. We have never met, but Jeff is now a part of my family. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of and pray for Jeff and his family. I have been moved and inspired by his graciousness, determination, strength and most of all by his faith. His willingness to share his struggles has made me cherish my family, friends and colleagues all the more. I strive to do my very best in all things and to see the beauty in everyday things that surround me and to not allow petty issues to become consequential in my life. Thank you, Jeff. Much love and Godspeed.

Dr. Peter Wacko: Jeff has always maintained a positive attitude and sense of humor throughout. He inspires me to take things as they come, worry less and not sweat the small stuff. He is a wonderful human being.

Dr. Mark McClure: Jeff Massie is an inspiration to thousands of people. Not a day goes by that I don't think of his situation and the strength and dignity he has shown throughout his ordeal, and say a prayer for him and his family. He has truly helped me to focus on the important things in life. Even though I have not personally met this great man, I am proud to say I know him and love him. By any definition, he is a truly great and inspiring individual. The love he has inspired is the greatest gift man can receive. God bless you, Jeff, and your family.



Dr. Matt Garrison: Though I've never met Jeff, his post in December 2007 hit me like a ton of bricks. We're about the same age, with kids who are about the same age. As a Christian, I often wonder how strong my faith would be if I were in his position. My Sunday school class has prayed for him since December 2007 and I continue to be asked by classmates about him. I can only pray to have the strength and faith he has and thank God. He has been an example for all of us. God bless you, Jeff and God bless your beautiful family.

Dr. Bradi Boyce: Jeff 's story has touched me to the core. One thing he's made me become very conscious of is the time I am able to spend with my family. He has made me realize how precious my time with my family and friends really is. He has made me think at the holidays about spending less time worrying about everything being perfect and to enjoy the time we have together. There are no guarantees that there will be another! He is a very special man and has touched my heart from a distance.

Dr. Karim Khalife: So few people have the ability to touch me so deeply without having even met them. Reading Jeff 's posts makes you feel like you might be talking with one of the Lord's kindest creations. It seems that no amount of hardship will stop Jeff from trying to make those who need it feel better. Every time I read his posts he just makes me feel the urge to do some good. Jeff, my esteemed colleague, the story of your illness left me with a lot of sorrow. May the Lord be with you, and may He be good to you in a better place, because of all people, you truly deserve it.

Dr. Phil Zelmanow: I came across the thread Jeff started quite some time after it started. I spent a wonderful evening reading the whole thing. It inspired me more than anything I've come across on Dentaltown. Jeff 's a special guy; a blessing for all of us who have been fortunate enough to cross his path.

Dr. Ryan Swain: Jeff 's presence on Dentaltown has been such a blessing for me. His courage and candor in the face of personal tragedy has been an incredible inspiration for many. I've laughed and cried with him though I only know him through the message boards on Dentaltown.com. His situation has challenged the way that I think and I've spent a lot of time talking about Jeff 's situation with my own family. What I love most about Jeff 's presence on Dentaltown is that he demonstrates tremendous peace and has repeatedly shared the source from which he gets his peace. Many of us have bonded with Jeff over that. I've never met Jeff in person but he is an amazing man with whom I'm proud to have crossed paths. I'm a better person because of him.

Dr. Monique Nadeau: Jeff 's steady, ever-faithful attitude, and his devotion to his family while they all endure this long trying ordeal is a real inspiration to me and to anyone who has gotten to know Jeff through this thread.

Lisa Weber: I've compared Jeff to Tigger before, and there's a reason – he exudes energy, vitality and absolute love of life. He creates his own weather system, and everyone else is along for the ride. He's the tall guy on the motorcycle with a girl who adores him riding on the back. He loves a good joke, especially about politics. Jeff does not just have faith, Jeff is faith. Since his diagnosis, he has steadfastly refused to lose that faith. Through his mission work in Africa and Haiti, and through his posts on Dentaltown, he has taken us all on his journey and opened our eyes to the blessings we have. Through it all he has asked for very little. He asks for us to keep his wife Tammy and his precious daughter Summer in our thoughts and prayers. He has asked us to smile and laugh along with him. He has not asked us to try to walk in his shoes, but rather, to recognize and embrace the journey we are on ourselves. Loved ones were hugged a bit tighter because of Jeff, and the richness of our lives a bit more evident because of him.
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