For My Sisters

As a child just hearing the word cancer meant sadness; despair and even death. Back then we knew nothing about early detection or cancer stages, all we knew was cancer meant danger. It seemed to show up like bad news to good people; taking mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles. It didn't discriminate and it relegated many children to orphan status. Just recognizing the devastation of the disease made me sympathetic; but not empathetic, since the dreadful sickness never came close to my family. For me cancer felt like a generation away and struck other people. The few individuals I knew with the illness were distant family associates and were much older than I was. Make no mistake, I understood the severity of the disease but couldn't fathom the toll it took on patients' health and their relatives. I wasn't privy to the day to day nuances of patients' treatment schedules nor did I fully comprehend the gravity of the disease progression. However this peripheral view of cancer quickly changed when the destructive malaise came to my relatives and mainly my generation. So shaken by cancer's arrival, I paused to reflect on my family's response to the disease. You've heard the saying: "when it rains it pours" and boy did it gush. You see I am a product of an extended family who has maintained close and devoted relationships for generations. We are the children of siblings, all growing up in a small town and attending the same schools. So as our family grew, it was only a matter of time before this treacherous illness found its way to our multiplying circle. Even with the rising number of cancer diagnosis I still felt blindsided by the disease and couldn't imagine dealing with the sickness; however I refused to remain in the dark. So with little moment to spare, I ferociously began my cancer research. Quickly I learned cancer diagnosis has increased over a million each year and Breast Cancer is number two among most common cancers in women and men worldwide. After seeing those numbers my interest intensified and then I thought: it's one thing to get the disappointing news, but what is the action plan for remission and how should the patient cope through the process? As I was approaching the end of my research I discovered a silver lining. With amazement my findings revealed that although breast cancer cases were increasing, survival rates were improving. This ray of hope allowed me to contemplate my childhood years when the disease was dreadful and filled with desolation. My periphery outlook at that time didn't allow me to consider today's treatments that were generating breakthroughs. Thankfully, my inquiry showed me how patients are taking their diagnosis in stride, remaining resolute and thriving. Within my family, there are three women who join the more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. These world class ladies joined the circle of fighters that include: women being treated and those who have completed treatment for cancer. My family survivors include a healthcare worker, a retail sales agent and an MBA. These women embody temperance with dedication. They are mothers, aunts and a grandmother. They are active in their church, community and sorority. These ladies burst with pride when their son marries the girl of his dream, when their first daughter enrolls in college and when their only child follows in a fraternal legacy. You see these ladies have dreams too, making plans for themselves and their families. I've known these phenomenal women all their lives and when I see them I see me. So this is their story, a tribute to three extraordinary women who faced the dreadful disease and won.