Although it hasn't affected me directly, cancer has been prevalent my entire life. 

 

My grandfather passed in 1996 from brain cancer while my dad was still in college, and my other grandfather won his battle with cancer a few years back. Both of my parents have also battled cancer within the last decade; my mom is now fully healthy and my father is in post-treatment remission. 

 

Up until 2018 the word "cancer" and even the thought of what cancer is had been downplayed in my life. I didn't even know about my mother's health concerns until I returned from camp one summer to the news that she had had surgery. But when I moved from New York to Memphis everything changed as my father was diagnosed that fall.

 

Over the last few years my dad has been enduring this long bout with cancer. He had surgery over that consequent winter, and has gone through treatment and been put on medication over 2 years. Last year when I was fundaraising for Relay my dad was awaiting his results to see if he was in remission. Now, I'm pleased to be able to share that he is in fact in full remission and healthier than ever before.

 

One of the biggest things I learned throughout this still ongoing ordeal is that being up front with information (if you feel comfortable sharing) goes a long way. From the very beginning my dad never hesistated to share what he was going through, whether it was pain, tiredness, exhaustion, anger, or sadness. So long as we asked, he would tell. This not only helped me overcome the mental hurdles of having a parent whose battling cancer, but more importaantly it helped my father to cope with his struggles. 

 

Even though my parents have won in their battles with cancer, we must all keep in mind that not everyone is so fortunate. Many can't afford the treatment, and the majority of people don't catch the cancer before it's too late. My grandfather tragically falls into this category. I never got to meet him, but every single one of my family members expresses how much I resemble him; I am honored to be able to live my life in such a way that I can carry on his legacy. 

 

We all know people who have been affected or are currently going through the long and strenuous battle that cancer brings on, whether they are direct about their health or choose to keep quiet. And cancer affects everyone differently both physically and mentally; each battle is unique. There is no universal cure nor easily accessible treatment available to all, and I am extremely lucky and fortunate to be able to say that my family was able to afford and obtain treatment.

 

That is why your donation is so incredibly important. The funds I'm raising will help sustain critical research and patient services during these difficult times. Believe me, every dollar really does count, so I'm asking for your help. Please donate today, because together we can accomplish anything!