Letter to Cancer

A letter I wrote to cancer for a fundraiser back in Octoberish of 2010:

Dear Cancer,

You came into our lives when my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I suppose you expect to take her from us eventually. For a little over 3 years now, you've spread to other locations of her body, waiting eagerly over time that you'll destroy it. I'm assuming you hope you've made her sad, perhaps even angry, and have transformed her into a bitter woman for what you've done to her. You're probably anticipating that she'll have a pessimistic look on life now and she'll go on living the rest of her life in fear. I bet you think that you've weakened her body and soul and you have her right where you want her.

Well, I have news for you; you haven't done any of those things. The truth is, she continues to fight and when you push her down, she gets right back up. For every negative thing you do, she dives into her arsenal of positiveness and throws it right back at you. She walks 60 miles to raise awareness about you, to let others know how ugly you are, and to show you she's not giving up without a battle. She laughs louder, plays harder, and above all still smiles through the time you’ve been in her life. Oh, don’t get me wrong, Cancer, I’m pretty sure she wishes you never existed, but she takes her “experience” with you and spins it around by helping others learn from it. And I tell you these things, because I know they irk you more then the medicine she takes to keep you at bay.

For something that is so invasive, you don't know my mother very well. The fact is, she's a warrior and you're going down--And the best part is she's not alone, so you better watch out. Oh, and some advice for you cancer: Learn to pick and chose your battles, because this is definitely not one you’re going to win.