My name is Richard Horner. I am from Rimersburg Pennsylvania and have been working with wood since I graduated from Union High School in 1979. Over the next 20 years I grew in my knowledge and passion for wood working and soon had mastered every machine in the shop at my furniture job. After a 12 year hiatus from woodworking, I bought a small lathe to revive my wood working passions. After a rather hefty investment and time I was set to create. Little did I know that this would become an addicting hobby that would help me get through some tough times ahead.In Sept 2008 after 25 years of untreated acid reflux, I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. October of that year I went into the hospital for an Esophagostomy, where the esophagus is removed and stomach reattached to replace the esophagus. This event changed my life forever. After 4 months of semi recovering I was ready for Chemo. But after a Cat and PET scan more cancer was found in my lymph nodes. I had another surgery to remove one cancerous lymph node. Chemo started a month later and so did its side effects. But on days when I was able to walk to the shop I would turn pens and other little items. Along with prayer and turning I got through the chemo and I have been cancer free since June 2009. We have a saying around here that through Prayer and Pens I defeated cancer.My Family and I have started campaigns to promote awareness of Esophageal Cancer and are making strides to impact other people who are going through the same challenges that I have faced with my history with cancer.Thank You!!Domestic, exotic woods, colored resins,eboniteand items cast in resins are turned and shaped for the bodies of my working my lathe. Metal platings of 22k & titanium gold,rhodium and platium are used to make one of a kind writing instruments.
