A young boy, without a care in the world…a young woman, who followed her dreams…a man in retirement, making plans to enjoy himself. What could they possibly have in common?
Well, unfortunately, what they have in common is all too common…cancer.
This past week has been an overly tough one for me. But I’ve decided to turn the new month into a new goal…a battle against cancer, if you may.
I’m tired of this disease that takes, takes, takes. I’m tired of losing friends, family and loved ones in a battle that can be so one-sided. I’m just so tired of it all.
No, I understand that it won’t be changed today, or tomorrow, but someday…yes, someday…I’m confident that we will be able to provide better options for those that are faced with these battles. Science is there, we just need to support it.
And so, with that I’m declaring March Madness as my war on cancer month. A friend of mine has started a Relay for Life page, rounding up some social media friends and others to raise funds for cancer research. It’s a great cause and one that I fully support. And I’m choosing to support her efforts in an unusual way.
Kelly doesn’t know this yet, but I have heard somewhere that there is someone willing to match her goal of $315 raised, if she makes it to her goal by the end of the month. You can check out her progress (and give!) here.
As I’m writing this, my brother is sitting beside his friend, Jackie, in the hospital…waiting for her pain and suffering to end. A little more than a month ago, my uncle was planning his annual fishing trip to North Dakota, but we traveled to Wisconsin for a funeral instead.
Cancer is a common thread for so many, but as you learn quickly when cancer touches your family, you’re never in the battle alone.
If you would like to share a word of encouragement with Samuel and his family, you can find his CaringBridge site here…and you can follow along with Leontien’s battle here, or click on the link in the upper right-hand corner.
Wag'n Tales 
Val, thank you for including my efforts in this post. While I wish there was no need to raise money for things like patient care and research, I’m glad to stand side-by-side with so many wonderful people in the efforts to cure this bully of a disease.
Prayers, love, and good vibes heading to those who need it. Best wishes to you and yours.
If things fall accordingly, I’ll be hitting up this link later in the month! Thanks for the great write up and thanks for everyone and anyone that helps “stand up” against this monster. With one, nothing can be done, but together and with God, anything is possible!
Unfortunatly, this post is all too true. Cancer does not care. Young, old, black, white, or any shade in between. I hate the pain and frustration that is the single common thread seen on every face. Then, even after the patient passes into a time beyond pain, into a time of waiting, I hate the pain and suffering left in the families dealing with this illlness that makes no respect of person.
So, so true. It’s heartbreaking to endure, it’s heartbreaking to watch and it’s heartbreaking to imagine.