Glenn Wong, owner of the Santa Monica-based First String Pro Shop, and a popular fixture in the local tennis community for close to 25 years, is battling cancer.  
    Wong has non-smoker's lung cancer in the form of adenocarcinoma.  Doctors have told him it has reached Stage 4.  As of now, the cancer has spread to various organs and to the brain, and the prognosis is grim.  The treatment – massive doses of whole-brain radiation and chemotherapy – is grueling.  
    Despite the side effects (loss of hair, loss of weight, loss of stamina) and the long odds, Wong remains positive about the future.
    “We'll get an idea how effective the treatments have been in probably another 4 weeks time,” he said.
    Wong, who for years had bounced around different tennis shops in the area, opened up First String in June of 1995.  The shop is only about 150 square feet in size, but as local competitors retired or went under, Wong’s shop became the go to place to get ones racquet strung.
    As he struggles through the treatment, friends and colleagues have stepped in to help Wong run the business.  
    ”The response from my friends, family and customers has been overwhelming.  Everyone to a man has offered their best regards and positive thoughts and most have even offered help in any way they can.  I am truly touched by the love and caring all have expressed.”