Make it Mean Something!

I have lost family members, students and co-workers who were diagnosed with cancer and some even have passed but truly it wasn't until my eyes and heart were opened to the devastation of cancer when I walked alongside Jami and her fight with Melanoma.  You see when I look back I remember sitting in her living room the summer before she was diagnosed again and she was complaining that she had been to a number of doctors for stomach pain and they couldn't do anything but give her antacids! Then that phone call, the first drive to Spokane, the nights spent with Jonna, Kristi and Jami, Gold Rush, Bible readings in bed, hospital visits, sleepless nights...all the while seeing Jami fighting, fighting through the pain, fighting to do whatever it took to win the battle.  When the decision was made that the fight was going to be over it was like my heart had been ripped out and yet all I could think about was Jonna and Kristi, the fight was theirs too.  The team that they made was a fierce one, one that was unstoppable, one that one day I hope to model my own life after.

They taught me so much in four short months, they taught me that a lifetime of love could not be broken by cancer, they taught me true love still exists.  They taught me to keep seeking the truth and from these lessons I began my search for the truth.

I went on a search for the truth of cancer.  What I found might be common knowledge but I wanted to share anyway!

My search began with the "Stand Up To Cancer" site, what I found there was the annual research report of all cancers, US State facts as well as a breakdown of each cancer.  The information there although at times was overwhelming it was very user friendly.  You could easily find every kind of cancer and the statistical facts as well as the specifics of what it is and who it affects.

The information that jumped out at me was:

• Total deaths in 2016 for both females and males totaled over 595,000 of which almost 14,000 of the victims were due to Melanoma.
• The cost of all cancers were in excess of $75 billion with almost 40% were uninsured, the concern with the uninsured is that those without insurance are most likely to be diagnosed in the later stage and less likely to win the war on cancer.
• I think the scariest statistic that I found was that men have a 44% chance and women have a 33% chance from birth to death of being diagnosed with some form of cancer.  Although we now have a 69% chance of survival the thought that there still is no cure for cancer is unbelievable.

Prevention is always in the forefront of the information that was presented.  Whether it is a healthy diet, physical activity, strong emotional health and of course regular doctor appointments, these are things that everyone needs to be mindful of.  The interesting part of this was how many cancers are impacted by genetic makeup.  So not only getting moving but getting talking to our families about the medical history so you can be prepared!

Next came the one place that I am sure most go to:  American Cancer Society.
This site is not only home to information but also ways to become involved.  Whether it is through donations (Stand Up had this option too) as well as volunteering.  You can drive cancer patients to appointments,  volunteer at events or a 100 other ways!  Actually made me want to get involved...seemed easy to do and I am sure it wouldn't be too tough!

The ACS leads the way to research and have donated over $4 billion to find a cure!  Their stance on finding a cure was summed up in this article:
https://medium.com/what-will-it-take-to-end-cancer/defining-the-end-of-cancer-913bc1bddddc#.a46bh4osg
Please take a minute to read it!  Eye opening to say the least.

You see more than anything I want not only Jami but so many other lives not to be have lost to cancer in vain.  I want all of us that have been touched by this horrific disease, no matter what form of cancer, to do something!  Make this a life cause of all of ours...let's put our actions where are hearts are.  Volunteer, donate, write letters!  You see there are lots of issues today that can take our minds off of the issues of the heart.  Let's not just pray for a cure, let's do something about it!

If you are interested in volunteering with me please let me know!
Check out:  https://www.cancer.org/involved.html