NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVOR MONTH
The month of June salutes cancer survivors, so I wanted to post an acknowledgement before the month is over. Cancer overlaps with chronic illness in many ways. In the past, a diagnosis of cancer was a prompt to "get affairs in order." Now, fighting cancer can include surgeries and months of chemo or radiation. Although the drugs and radiation are much more refined and targeted than when they were first used for treatment, there is still a debilitating effect on the body, mind, and spirit. The person requires supports of all kinds: functional, emotional, social, spiritual. One who has been a caregiver may find roles reversed. This month we salute cancer survivors and those who have sustained them along the way, with supports both large and small.
My mother was a cancer survivor. She was treated with radical surgery and radiation in 1964. From that time on, she said she considered every day a gift. She went on to raise the youngest three of five children as a single mom, achieve her Bachelor's degree in education, and teach kindergarten for 16 years. She was a passionate gardener and participated in activities to improve the beauty of the neighborhoods where she lived in her later years. She was an amazing example of courage and faith, and encouraged others to face life with a positive attitude. When she was called home to heaven at age 79, it was not due to cancer.
My mom, Helen, and me our last Christmas. Her smile radiates her inner joy.
Here is a link to the post from 10 September 2025, which includes information about the AACR, the American Association for Cancer Research
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