Happy National Cancer Survivors Day!
Yesterday, I spent the day being reminded of the sunshine that I have received after the rain. The gifts that come with being dealt the deck that carries the cancer card. Adam and I were fortunate enough to attend the Nebraska Cattlemens Ball, an event that raises funds for the Fred and Pamela Buffett Center. There were over 2500 people in attendance. And many of those people have been, in some way, touched by the disease. I met people who lost parents, siblings, friends, and spouses to cancer. I met kids who were walking “in honor of” someone. I met survivors in all stages — those who are 12 years out… those who have just completed treatment… and those who will always be surviving cancer, for the rest of their existence. I talked with those who are doing two and a half years of treatment because that’s their protocol, children who are kicking cancer in the ass like it’s their job, patients who will take one pill a day for the rest of their lives but have a completely normal life expectancy, those who have endured countless treatments and approaches and will never get better, and those, like me, who did chemo, rads, and mastectomy.
Cancer does not have one face. One body. It does. not. discriminate.
But, there was one theme I noticed throughout as I talked with those who have fallen victim to cancer. I determined that none of the people I met yesterday or who I’ve met throughout my time spent having a life with cancer are actually victims. No. It would seem it chooses fighters. People who won’t give up. People who don’t just try to get by. And survive. It chooses conquerers, warriors, rebels, and those who wish to thrive.
So, to all of the survivors of cancer, today is your day. To celebrate. To keep on keepin’ on. To be a warrior. And to LIVE.
Check out my fresh post on Omaha.com LiveWell Nebraska today: We are fighters…
Fight on, friends. Keep on thriving!
Also, another post I wrote on surviving… You can do this, survivor
And look for a fuller recap of our day at the “ball” tomorrow.
