Brown, an avid outdoorsman, creates hunting knives by hand.

Richard Brown and his wife, Kathleen, said they were ready to do “anything” to battle the lymphoma that attacked Richard in 2007.

Richard Brown at LMH's Oncology Hematology Department with Clinical Research Coordinator Jodi Carlson, left, and Dr Sharon Soule, right.

Richard Brown at LMH's Oncology Hematology Department with Dr. Sharon Soule.

Richard Brown at LMH's Oncology Hematology Department during his chemotherapy treatment.

In June 2007, Richard Brown felt a protrusion on his shin that was becoming more and more tender to the touch.

It was diagnosed as lymphoma, a cancer that attacks the body’s lymph nodes. Richard and his wife, Kathleen, his high school sweetheart, agreed they were ready to do whatever it would take to battle the cancer.

When his doctor told him he might lose his leg, Richard replied, “If that’s the only way to get rid of it, whack her off.”

His positive and can-do attitude helped him fight through eight chemotherapy treatments with few repercussions — and he credits it with helping rid his body of lymphoma.

In December 2007, the Browns, residents of Eudora, were told his cancer was in remission and it has not recurred since. Richard was able to maintain his job as a crane operator while he was in treatment and during his recovery. And thanks to his support system of family, friends, doctors and nurses, he learned how precious life truly is.

“I kind of found out I wouldn’t want to retire,” said Richard, 64. “Just sitting here, you get to the point where you feel worthless.”

So, he is still working for Demco, a company that became part of his family while he was ill. On his days off you can find him camouflaged and in the woods hunting for deer and turkey, or at home creating impressive-looking hunting knives.

For now, Kathleen is enjoying every minute she has with her healthy husband.

“This kind of feels like a bad dream now. You don’t even think about it now because he’s so good. … I guess we’re a couple of the lucky ones,” she said, smiling at her husband.