Cancer Sucks
Last April, I went to a conference with my sister, who’s battling Stage IV breast cancer. The conference was organized by Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a group whose entire focus is “To empower all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life.” Needless to say, these folks are fantastic. Their conference was informative without being depressing, and a lot of fun. 
During the conference, well, actually on the way to the conference from the airport, I had an opportunity to meet some amazing women all affected by metastatic breast cancer. I was the “shuttle” from the airport to the hotel that day (my Tahoe makes me a logical choice for these tasks), so we all braved the Friday-Philly-Rush-Hour together. It was an interesting trip complete with vomiting, drugs, and lots of laughter. These ladies, despite their illness, had such amazing spirit. Sure, they all knew that their time was limited, but they weren’t going to let that ruin their fun.
Conversations included a detailed plan on the upcoming beer run, which pain and anti-nausea meds work best, and whose hotel room would host the “party” that evening. As the chauffer, and the only person without cancer, it was surreal to watch. I was moved far beyond what anyone would have thought from looking at me.
At the conference itself, I had an opportunity to meet lots of other amazing, inspiring women. It was an experience I’ll never forget. One that has humbled me, while making me truly appreciate the wonderful life I have. As a ”thank you” for providing the shuttle service that weekend, two of my passengers, Erin and Sandy, bought me a lovely silver amethyst pendant. It was so unexpected and completely unnecessary, but I treasure it nonetheless.
Unfortunately, since that weekend, we’ve lost far too many of those beautiful women. Several others are in the final stages of their battle. Sandy’s fight is almost over, but she will not be forgotten. Her small gesture of kindness and thanks will always remind me of how lucky I am to have met her and the rest of the Tahoe crew that weekend.
My sister continues to fight the good fight, while losing far too many good friends. I have often wondered if immersing herself in this group is what’s best for her. After meeting those women that weekend, I know it is.
Themocracy
We did have an “experience,” didn’t we? I will never forget that trip.
Neither will I.