C A N C E R. A six letter word that causes so much destruction. 3/14 of the alphabet arranged in a way that affects millions. A word that shatters worlds. A word that creates a path of destruction for many. A word that binds families together and creates new and everlasting friendships. A word that cares of neither age or economics. A word that will bring you to your knees. A word that makes you stronger. A word I am no stranger to.
Cancer doesn't care how nice you are. It doesn't care if you are the star of the football team. It doesn't care if you are about to graduate college or just had a baby. Cancer is mean. It wants to twist your life in any way possible. It's word that leaves a nasty taste in your mouth; a word that in some way will affect all of us. It might be a raging disease inside your grandma. It might be a scar inside your father. It might be waging a losing battle inside you. Cancer affects us all.
But through the chemo, the drugs, and treatments. Through the tears, pain, and vomit. The scans, the pokes, and the prods. The caskets, the hair loss, the hospitals. Know that we stand beside you. Whether you win this battle or not, whether your loved ones win or lose. We stand beside you.
I am no stranger to this ugly being. I've lost family and friends alike. I know warriors with scars from battles they won. I know lives that have been forever changed from those overpowering cells. I know of friendships made, and lovers found. I know of the bad parts. I'm familiar with the good.
Through all these aches and pains, there is always a fight. Some bodies may struggle and eventually lose. Some bodies fight hard and eventually win. Some bodies fight hard and win for a while. Some bodies fight years without showing signs. These warrior bodies are tough. Their hosts tougher. I admire them greatly for their battles they've waged.
I loathe cancer with every fiber of my being. I wish desperately that I can cure all those affected by it. I wish I could eliminate it's existence all together. But that's not in my power. The only thing that is mine to control is my love. So, I love those battling cancer. I love those who have family fighting for their lives. I love those who have been touched by this awful creature. I. Love. You.
My heart is heavy with the news of a dear teacher who just lost her battle. My heart holds a special place for her and all others who are cheering us on from the other side. And my heart holds a dear place for all those who just lost their family to this terrible disease. They are never forgotten. Their memories will live on in us. And should we ever be burdened with this six letter word again, we will not forget their gracious fight.
For grandma, grandpa, Thomas, Ms. Rich, and all others I love who have encountered this miserable disease ❤❤❤
