As many of you know, I am the daughter of two very strong cancer survivors. They are my herat. I lost my uncle to pancreatic cancer when I was 19, and my brother's best friend died of a brain tumor when I was in 4th grade. We've had countless family friends go through battles in between. To say cancer has touched my life in many tough ways would be quite the understatement.
These tough life happenings helped mold. Changed my outlook on life. Made me want to give back in a big way. 3 years ago, I landed my dream job working with cancer patients, survivors and physicians every single day. I love offering hope and help to broken people, and I could not be more thankful for my journey here.
All of this being said, you can imagine my excitement when "The Fighter" by Gym Class Heroes came on the radio this morning at the same time I was thinking about my aunt. Now THAT is the cancer fighting mantra to have... so I sent it to my Aunt this YouTube video to my aunt this afternoon...
"Give em hell, turn their heads
Gonna live life 'til we're dead.
Give me scars, give me pain.
Then they'll say to me, say to me, say to me...
There goes the fighter, there goes the fighter."
Gonna live life 'til we're dead.
Give me scars, give me pain.
Then they'll say to me, say to me, say to me...
There goes the fighter, there goes the fighter."
My aunt Debra is very good at sending e-mails to update us on how treatment is going. Her e-mail from today said she was driving to her first new round of chemotherapy feeling deeply saddened and blue, when all of a sudden she drove past a billboard reading:
In that moment after reading the sign, she said she threw out all negative thoughts for the beauty that optimism has to offer. She swapped out the crummy day for sunshine, and by golly... there goes a fighter. Onward bravely.
Offer courage and spread some hope to those fighting battles all around you.
Go be love, my friends...
Your Aunt is a fighter :) She did it before and she will do it again!! I lost my best friend to a brain tumor 4 years ago, she is the reason I've been so actively involved with The American Cancer Society and Relay For Life...working for them is actually my dream job...hopefully someday it will be :) Where do you work at?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I'm glad you both were able to uplift her with that song!
ReplyDeleteYour aunt is an inspiration!! My mom lost her fight with lung cancer 8 years ago and not a day goes by that I don't wish she could have beaten it like many others have. But I know that God had a greater plan for her!
ReplyDeleteIt is so awesome that you're able to work with cancer patients and survivors everyday. I think that if everyone had the mindset that most cancer patients and survivors do, the world would be a much happier place!!
Praying for your aunt in her journey!!
Cancer is no bueno. My family lost two great ladies to breast cancer last year and my aunt won her fight with lung cancer a few months ago. Praise God for all the strong people in your life.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, this post gave me chills!! So incredible, inspiring, and empowering...and yes, you're so right--what a mantra to have!!! I am so happy for you to have the job you love :)
ReplyDeletehoping your aunt will beat her cancer!! with the attitude she shows i think she has a great chance! what an amazing attitude she has
ReplyDeleteCancer sucks. Praying for your aunt!
ReplyDeleteYou all are absolute dolls. I love your hearts, stories, and your encouragement. I hope you received my e-mail replies! Love and hugs to every single one of you!!
ReplyDeleteSo inspiring. I love having strong women in my life, it's nice to hear that you have some in your life. Keep up the good fight!
ReplyDeleteWhen something horrible like cancer hits, you're given the chance to become that fighter, fighting to make the most of your time, fighting for lasting moments with loved ones, fighting for one more day. I will pray for your brave Aunt, and hope that the rest of us can fight for ourselves to really live, not just survive.
ReplyDeleteI love Gym Class Heroes. My mother died from lung cancer 4 years ago, it was the worst day of my life & it's the reason I went back to school. I'm in nursing school right now & oncology is one of the paths I am looking at pursuing. I am adding your Aunt to my prayer list. We will stand together against this terrible disease. Can't wait to read more of your blog, blessings.
ReplyDeletei love this post.
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