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It’s National Cancer Survivors Day!
Today is the 23rd annual National Cancer Survivors Day! Today is not just about thyroid cancer or breast cancer or prostate cancer or any other one type of cancer. Today is about all cancer.
Cancer has greatly impacted my life. In October 2008, I learned that cancer was living inside my body. On that day in October, cancer was no longer something that happens to other people because cancer happened to me. Cancer has physically, mentally, and emotionally changed and challenged me. It’s not an easy road to walk. I recognize, though, that I do not walk this road alone. I have a dear friend whose mom and dad are both cancer survivors. She told me one day, “Joanna, you are the one who physically has cancer, but your whole family is living with cancer.” What wonderful wisdom she gave me. Yes, I’m the one who physically has cancer, but my entire family is surviving it with me, and so my entire family has reason to celebrate life today.
I think probably each and every one of us has been affected by cancer in some shape or form. Some of us are survivors. Some of us have family members and friends who are survivors. Perhaps your loved one has died from cancer. If that’s the case, know this: your loved one did not lose the battle with cancer. Your loved one can win the battle through you. Celebrate your loved one’s memory. Celebrate your loved one’s life.
Today is about standing together and telling cancer, “You lose!” Today, let’s join together as a thymmunity and celebrate life.
How has cancer touched you? How will you celebrate life today?
Tags: cancer awareness, cancer communities, cancer support, cancer survivors, National Cancer Survivors Day
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6 Responses to “It’s National Cancer Survivors Day!”
Leave a Reply to Joanna Isbill
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Thank you for writing this, Joanna, and reminding us to celebrate the survivors of cancer!
xo
Thank you, Katie, for spreading awareness! xoxo
Joanna – beautiful words!
Today I told cancer, you lose! In honor of family members and friends, some who have survived, some that have died, and one who is now awaiting news of a possible recurrence 16 years out.
Thank you!
You’re amazing, Lori! Thank YOU!
Brilliant. I agree with everything you said. All too often I take it for granted that my family is going through alot as well… I tend to think it is all about me. Thanks for the reminder!
Same here, Brooke–it’s easy for me to think I’m the only one in my family who has to deal with cancer.