Meeting Recap

Ken Dooner delivered the invocation and led the pledge.

Monday Golfers

If you are looking to play golf every Monday afternoon Bruce Kahn, Dan Cricks and others meet Monday for 9 holes at Valleaire Golf Club.  There are currently three tee-times reserved: 4:22, 4:30, and 4:37.  It's a social game, so no commitment to show every week.  If you will show up please let Dan or Bruce know in advance just so they know how many will be there.

A Story of Grit: Jason Berger Shares His Battle and His Mission

At Friday's Rotary meeting, we heard an unforgettable story of strength and survival from Jason Berger — a retired, disabled police officer, five-time survivor of a rare terminal brain cancer, and a man who refuses to quit.

Jason described his early years playing on the Ohio Law Enforcement softball team, competing nationwide to raise funds for the families of fallen officers. But in 2004, everything changed. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain cancer, he was given two years to live. This September will mark 21 years since that diagnosis.

His story is not just about survival — it’s about choices. About saying yes to stem cell transplants, yes to lifestyle changes, and yes to fighting even when it would’ve been easier to give up. He credits a strict anti-cancer lifestyle, support from loved ones, and his own relentless perseverance for his survival.

Jason also shared the environmental tragedy he believes caused a cancer cluster in his childhood neighborhood in Valley View, near the Garfield Heights border. Contaminated groundwater, toxic exposure from an old landfill, and methane gas leaks plagued the area. Despite public concern and anecdotal evidence of elevated cancer rates, no formal remediation has taken place — and many residents still live there today.

Jason now speaks out to inspire others, advocate for awareness, and pursue justice. His story is one of heartbreak, hope, and heroism — and he left us with this question: Is there something in your life you need to push through — or someone who needs your encouragement to keep going?