Today is World Cancer Day. Although I am grateful that there is a set day for the world to recognized cancer, one day can't begin to scratch the surface of this horrible disease. I don't understand the purpose of these singular days to support, or identify cancer. I must sound terribly cynical, and vapid, but I cannot comprehend what makes one day more superior than another to acknowledge such an awful illness. Cancer patients around the world deal with the difficulties of this disease 365 days a year. I would prefer that "supporters" would take an hour, 30 minutes, or even 15 minutes out of their days, or weeks to spend with a cancer sufferer.
I am, in no way, trying to discredit organizations for supporting, and/or fundraising for cancer patients and cancer research. Those organizations have achieved many goals, as well as, have brought cancer awareness to many people. I only know what I witness on a daily basis. Sure, my perception may come from a more emotional mindset, rather than a logical frame of mind. My opinion is also more likely skewed because I, myself, am a cancer patient, but I know what I know. I know what I see, and I know what I feel. Cancer is not a something to be taken lightly. Cancer is not a team that you can jump on the bandwagon of. I have heard this from many of my friends dealing with cancer, but I can only speak for myself when I say, I wouldn't care if were no more "cancer days".
Again, I must sound outrageously cynical, and pretentious. That is not my intention. I just want to share the feelings of many cancer patients I know. I don't, by any means, speak for them all. I'm sure many people affected by cancer look forward to world and/or national cancer days. I am happy for all whom participate at theses gatherings. I have attended many events myself, but I have felt like an outcast. Strange, I know. I wasn't expecting to have that reaction, or to feel so diminished. I thought I would feel welcomed, and comforted at a function promoting cancer care. Turns out I don't fit the idealized vision of a cancer patient. Instead of being uplifted, and encouraged by these events, I am left feeling invisible, and unworthy of the cause.
I am approaching my five year anniversary(April 3rd), and I have not attended a "cancer day celebration" in three years. I do, very much appreciate the nation, and the world validating cancer, and cancer research. I prefer to acknowledge cancer, and fight cancer on a smaller scale. Spending time with those affected by cancer both directly, and indirectly, has brought me to a better understanding of this atrocious disease.
Many victims of this horrific illness fight in silence. They live in fear of what their future holds, but are more afraid to burden their friends and family with their struggle. I am the perfect example of that. It took me a couple years of battling this disease before I began speaking out. All it took was one person who REALLY listened to what I had to say. That one person changed my outlook on life with, and without cancer. That is why I give my time to the patients I encounter at hospitals, and cancer centers. It only takes one person, one moment to change a life. Will you take the time to change a life? If you can, please volunteer your time to someone around you going through a difficulties, or challenges. We all need a voice of reason, an ear to hear us, a hand to hold, and a heart to care. Friendship and love have more healing powers than any "cancer day".
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