Face of Cancer

When I think of cancer, I picture bald heads, emaciated facial features and overly dejected appearance. Face it, cancer racks the body as does the treatment that is supposed to fight the cancer. The disease and medicine wage a brutal war and your body is the battlefield. 

We just lost a very dear friend to cancer after an amazing battle where she continued to defy all odds. Her will was clearly stronger than the cancer for a much longer time than her doctors had predicted. Her positive attitude and strength through this fight was an inspiration to me, and while I never expected to draw on her experience, I find myself looking deep to find the warrior in me. I think she'd be proud, as I've done well so far. 

In her memory, I want to be the "face of cancer" that others can draw strength from. This is NOT a death sentence, its a disease. Millions of people are in remission. Millions more are fighting successfully with the major medical advances on almost every form of cancer. You are certain to know or meet many people like me who have been given that dreaded news, "you have cancer". Don't say "sorry", prop them up. Let them know that cancer isn't just bald and drawn-in, it can also look normal. It can have a winner. Set their mind the right direction, give them the right spirit - just don't say "sorry". We don't feel that way, why should you??

Here is my "face of cancer" - today I get to do a lunch ride with several of my dear friends from Ski Patrol and my Pastor - it's supposed to rain, but he will take care of that! Tomorrow, I'm going back to ski the mountain that I left 3 weeks ago to start treatment. Thought my season was over then, but doctors gave me a hall pass as I'm responding so well to treatment - they were shaking their heads when I told them I was headed back to ski patrol duty. THAT my friends, is the side of cancer you need to see - a disease, not a death sentence. Life is good, God is better! Let's ride!