| One night, around 10:00 pm, my mother called. My father was going into the hospital the next morning for tests. There was a problem with his lungs. Since I had to report for duty before leaving, I didn't arrive until the next evening. Everyone looked at me strangely, since I was in camoflauge and carring my field gear bag. I'd come prepared to stay for a while. We only stayed 4 days. Late afternoon of the 3rd day, the doctor came in, without a mask. We thought that was a good sign. I was sitting by my dad's bed when the doctor said "John, it's lung cancer." As I took my dad's hand, I saw one tear roll down his cheek. A death sentence was handed down. That was in 1995. He died on July 4, 1997. Needless to say, that holiday will never be the same for our family. My son was born 2 months later. During Yule-time, the following year, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She's still going strong. Both my mother and father battled their cancers valiantly. I'll never know, or understand, where cancer came from or why people are cursed with it. Cursed? Yes. Cancer is a vile and ugly thing. The person it attacks goes through unspeakable torture. It's time we all said ENOUGH!!! While there are many agencies out there who "fight" cancer, only one is proud to show you where the $$ it raises goes to. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has funded researchers who have discovered all forms of detection and treatment of cancer. They have pioneered patient services and support. No, I am not an employee, I am someone who has benefited from the work these people have done. I support the ACS by participating in their annual Relay For Life. There are other ways to support their work. I encourage you to visit their website (Links page) and learn more. They offer so many programs that most people don't even know exist, including camps and college scholarships for children, patient support groups and lobbying Washington DC for laws to make cancer screenings and treatment available to everyone (regardless of financial standing). |
