Living Strong

When my mom & dad gathered my younger twin sisters and I together and told us that Karen had leukemia, my first reaction was to run to the bathroom and vomit. I can't remember the exact date this happened -- the date of Karen's cancer-versary. Sometime in the spring. So, maybe it makes sense to adopt today since it's the day Lance Armstrong and Janell received their diagnosis. It's LiveStrong Day -- not I hate Cancer Day (although I would acknowledge that day too). It's a day to consider what it takes to live strong and live well while dealing with cancer in your life, i.e., Unity. Knowledge. Attitude. (see previous post)

One of the important aspects of Armstrong's movement to support and advocate for people living with cancer is that it also embraces the families and loved ones. You see, when someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, your life changes profoundly. From day one, the Lance Armstrong Foundation recognized this and has offered support and encouragement to family members/caregivers. The LAF has also included families and caregivers as full partners in its advocacy efforts.

Now, I want to step away from my story about Karen's cancer to give a shout out to two outstanding books that show how life changes when people you love are dealt the cancer card.

A Heart Breaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers.

The Mercy Papers by Robin Romm

Someday, I'll list Janell's book. But for now, go check out her blog and read how she lives big & bold, and yes, strong, after experiencing both her husband's cancer and her own cancer journey. It's an amazing story: Thufferin' Thuccotash.

~♥~