Like many Americans Jeff and I have felt the weight of a family member receiving a cancer diagnosis.  The immediate shock.  The disbelief.  The fear.  The numbness.  The anxiety.  It is a life changing moment that feels like a bad dream….  A nightmare.  For me, my father was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2008. He lived long enough for my siblings and me to hold his hand and say farewell before he passed on June 16th, the day after Father’s day. 

Two summers ago, when my mother went in for pre-op scans before a heart valve replacement, her medical team discovered a mass.  It was lung cancer.  I am happy to say that she received her Tavr procedure and gained strength enough to do radiation treatments to beat back the cancer.  This was a successful attempt at buying her some precious time: time to meet a few new great grandchildren, and to get back to social activities in the community where she lives.  It was a very difficult period for her, but through quality care and sure determination on her part, she has returned to better health. Her cancer journey isn’t over. It’s a story still to be written.  That said, we are so very grateful for each and every day that we have together.

There once was a time when people were so afraid of cancer that they would refuse to even say the word cancer aloud.  Fortunately today people are bravely talking about cancer and the impact it is having on their lives, as well as the options for treatments that they may have.  When facing a life threatening diagnosis, it is a gift to have community around you and resources at your door.  After my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, I immediately went to the American Cancer Society (the ACS) to learn detailed information about different types of cancer; multiple treatments options; risk and prevention; as well as services of care and support for patients and their families as they navigate this frightening journey.  The ACS has a 24/7 helpline for people in need, and is an incredible resource for people to gain knowledge about cancer and build emotional strength and resilience to face the challenges ahead.   Jeff and I each have our reasons for supporting the American Cancer Society on our cross-country bicycle adventure, and I hope that this post makes it clear why this is so personal to me.  

We are grateful that you have chosen to join us in supporting this great cause.