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Helping Others Battle Addiction, He Fights Cancer

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Nov 17, 2008 10:45 pm US/Central

Helping Others Battle Addiction, He Fights Cancer

Reporting
Liz Collin
(WCCO) He spent decades on drugs but turned his life around to help other addicts. Now, a Twin Cities man is facing a new fight against tongue cancer.

 Chemotherapy makes Takashi Yoshino look much older than his 59 years. Doctors told him his tongue cancer may have something to do with his past as a heroin addict and heavy smoker.

 "He said looks like you've got cancer of the tongue and then you've got a couple of lesion on the lymph nodes," Yoshino said.
It's a lifestyle that brought him to Eden House 20 years ago. He kicked the heroin habit and never left. Since then he's counseled at least 2,000 others to clean up their own lives.

 Dan Cain has known Yoshino for 30 years.

 "It's tough knowing that this man who has been so instrumental in the lives of so many is now facing these huge challenges in his life," Cain said.
Yoshino's biggest challenge has been at home where he has six kids under the age of 11.

 "A lot of what we do hinges on me working two jobs, now I can't even work one job," he said.
But, they are hopeful he'll get another chance and get back to the work he loves. After all, he's turned things around before.

 There will be a fundraiser for Yoshino and his family at First Avenue next Wednesday, November 26. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

 

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