WORLD CANCER DAY 2019

There seems to be a day for everything. But World Cancer Day brings awareness of cancer. Those experiencing cancer it is there every day. For those supporting those with cancer, it can be a painful and emotional journey. Some cancers are curable or at least go into remission. Some cancers are not. So no matter how much treatment and will to live, the inevitable result is death. The long journey there can be full of hope, hopelessness, being helpful, helplessness and lots of emotions. The emotional roller coaster ride. After death there can be those flashbacks and memories of the journey.
All the fund raising has one goal. To try to find a cure for cancer in our life time. So for those experiencing this journey today, it is the hope. Hope of a better future and longer life. Surviving cancer is always the real struggle. So taking one day at a time. Put in meaningful goals in the person's life, family life and social life. Do not stop living. There is a saying.
               

                              " TO WAIT TO DIE OR TO LIVE UNTIL YOU DIE!"
So make the choice.
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A NEW DIAGNOSIS-COUNSELLING HELPS WITH THE FEARS

Part of my work is counselling people with a new diagnosis. Going from healthy to dealing with a new health problem can be overwhelming. Allowing the emotions to flow. Normalizing those feelings. Making room for planning and what is next! Often allowing for hope. It can be treated. Life will go on. When asked what is your greatest fear. Often surprisingly, it is not- I am afraid to die but I do not want to be a burden on others. I do not want to be bedridden! Letting the person share their fears helps with the process. If there are tasks to do to help with the situation then the person has some control in those decisions. After diagnosis comes treatment and coping and often healing.                                                  Counselling can be a great support provided.

Cancer can be a heavy diagnosis to hear. April is Daffodil Month in support of cancer awareness and funding services. So remember to look around you and be there for others with any new diagnosis.

CANCER FUND RAISERS FIGHT FOR A CURE

Attending the Road Hockey to cure cancer event for the Princess Margaret Hospital was a worthwhile event. Taking the grandchildren to see their Dad play and be part of the cause is good for everyone. Lots of families supporting their teams. No trophies, just fun road/ball hockey. Inspirational speeches. The goal is to cure cancer in our lifetime. Are you going to a fundraiser? The most popular ones include the Terry Fox runs each September!

WEAR A DAFFODIL PIN FOR CANCER MONTH

Most families and people have known someone affected by cancer. It is not always a death sentence as many cancers are treatable and curable. Inroads in detection and treatment have been made due to donations by the public and groups. We are proud as Canadians that our Icon Terry Fox left a legacy in the form of runs and fundraising events that has raised 100s of millions dollars towards cancer research and treatment. Think about it- he died June 28 1981 and his marathon of hope continues!!  As a family we remember Concetta and Cheryl as two loved ones no longer with us. Who are you remembering?

SEPTEMBER AND FUND RAISERS FOR CANCER RESEARCH

September ending with a flurry of warm weather. No more time to eat dinner outside. Time to clean up more of the garden. Time to finish some projects. Being busy and enjoying the month made it enjoyable. Going to a fund raiser last Saturday with my younger daughter and grandchildren to watch my son-in-law participate in the Road Hockey-Game On Cancer event for Princess Margaret Hospital was a good day with family. Seeing some sports celebrities old and young made the day even more interesting.

Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. So wherever you are in Canada or in the world, find a way to honour those loved ones and help researchers to continue to find ways to treat cancer and eventually find a cure. If cancer is not your cause, find another one- like drugs for the Ebola crisis! No one person can save the world. But each person one event or idea at a time can make a difference.

DAFFODIL-THE HAPPY SYMBOL FOR CANCER

As April wides down, we are reminded of it as the month to remember cancer and look at research for its cure. Small daffodil symbols are worn by many. As so many families have lost loved ones to the ravages of the disease, the daffodil offers hope for a brighter future.

Was it chosen because it is " a happy flower" ? There is no fragrance. The yellow and white are basic colours. Why is it the symbol for cancer? It is a welcome spring flower in any garden!

A DAY TO REMEMBER-SEPTEMBER 11

As the news stations show clips of that day, we all have our memories and stories of what we were doing, where we were and the fears for those we loved. Some of us saw the Towers coming down live while others caught it on other news clips. Through the years there have been documentaries on the other stories that happened that day like the boats and ferries that evacuated people from New York City. The Principal that walked her students to safey. And even a movie or two about some of the background stories. Now we are thinking about those who have suffered lung disease, PTSD and cancer from being first responders. The ramifications of the conflicts that followed and continue to affect us are the legacy. As we all reflect on that day, may we continue to live in hope of a peaceful world!

APRIL-A MONTH TO REMEMBER CANCER

Cancer can affect anyone in any family. It still really is a disease for the old even though we all have known people at all ages who may have experienced some form of cancer. Some types of cancers are treatable and curable with a long life span. Others are treatable but do shorten the life of the person. Some types go away for awhile with treatment but can return at a later date. Some are very aggressive! There is lots of literature available to discuss the types if you want to learn more. I just think Cancer Sucks! To those who are experiencing it- don't lost hope! To families and friends supporting the person- don't lost hope! To all the researchers, please keep researching and maybe there will be new hope for longer tomorrows! Thank you to the oncologists, doctors, nurses, dieticians and a social worker or two who work with the patients and families to try to bring a quality of life!
Do you know someone with cancer- give that person a hug for me!

WELCOME TO APRIL

And April Fools' Day. It is also time to buy that daffodil in memory of those you loved who died from cancer. We can also help the Canadian Cancer Society that provides many services to people living with cancer.

THE LAST MERRY CHRISTMAS SIGN

I bought this sign at a craft sale at a local retirement home several years ago. Liked it as it would be good to have by the front door in my garden by the window. The lady who sold it to me said it was the last sign she had. Her husband had died that year. He had made signs as well as other woodworking items as a post retirement hobby and some additional income. She was selling the reminder of his items. I told her it would have a good home and would be cherished. I took the sign home and realized it actually was quite special. When I pull it out each year now to put by the front door, it is a reminder for all of us there will be the last one of whatever it is ! Each Christmas I am vigilant of the fact it could be the last one for many people I love. So I always try to make it the best Christmas and not just another one. I like to think there may be something special to do. Last Christmas it was the Olympic theme. I knit red hats for the family to wear when the Olympics started and had included several items to use in our celebrations. 1997 was a special Christmas too as I knew it would be the last one for my mother-in-law Concetta as her cancer had advanced. I took a special Christmas video with her doing, talking and being so the memory would be there for us to this day. She died July 1998. There are many reasons for all of us to enjoy to the fullest. This year there is a new member in our family and my son-in-law's family has two new members. We lose some along the way but life is beautiful and we gain some new people. Are there special memories of the "lasts" in your life? Are you the person that just makes it special as if it is the last Christmas you would be together with someone you love? If we do not make the holidays special then what is it all about? Are there some firsts in your life? You have added some new ones!Tell me your special Christmas stories.