Cancer Walk and the Disease

People with Cancer never

cease to amaze me.

The courage, the brave, the

hope.. it surprises me even

after working in the health

industry for years.

As you know I have gone to

two Cancer walks in the past

two weeks. First one in Sandpoint.

Second one, Ellensburg, Washington.

As the survivors walk the walk, even

with canes, and walkers, they stand

proud. Some the strength they get is

from each other. Some of them are

survivors for years. Some of them

are multiple Cancer series survivors.

I don't know how much money was

collected for Sandpoint, but Ellensburg

got over $600,000. It goes for so many

uses. Research, helping those with Cancer,

buying meds for those who can not afford it.

And so many other spots that are in need.

The Ellensburg one had so many things

going for it. So many tables to buy products,

that the money was turn over to the Cancer

Society. All of it by donation. In other words

they might ask for $1 or 50 cents but you

could pay more. Saturday morning my biggest

was the coffee machine.. great coffee and I

reaped 3 cups. I was able to walk over 8 rounds

(2 miles) for my friend as well as several for myself.

The weirdest thing is how common place

Cancer is. We know of people, and we

just know it is so. Case in point, as

we were walking around, the King and

I ... it dawn on us...both of us... we had

lost a parent to Cancer. We never thought

about it...It was just something that was.

The King's father had died of cancer. My

mother died of Cancer...

When I was working in the nursing home,

I took care of a lot of Cancer patients.

Every single one of them was facing it

bravery. With such courage. Knowing

their days were numbered. And the

thing that gets you....every single one

of them were concern about their love

ones. Concern about us caretakers.

I don't think I will ever get use to it.

Cancer treatment has come such a long

way. Even society's way of thinking has

changed. When my grandmother was

thought to have Cancer, it was considered

nasty and it was contagious. All of which,

is not true... well not nasty in the same

line they were thinking of.

Now people cut their hair off to the point

of being bald without a flinch. Because they

want the Cancer patient to know they don't

stand alone. Even children do it.

And remember..Cancer.... has no

prejudices... it hits, young and old.

No matter what race, healthy or wealthy.

So be sure to get your test ...don't put it

off... it could be your life..