This is my best friend since Kindergarten, Paula. She is not one who wants attention yet her story is powerful, and another reason why I am running.
There is no one I know whose life has been more impacted by cancer than Paula.
When we were in first grade, her Mom, Debbie, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. She was a warrior yet sadly the cancer came back when we were in college and her Mom passed away in 2000.
Her Mom was one of the most generous souls you’d ever meet, volunteering her time to our community like no other. Her presence was huge loss to Paula, their family and our community.
A couple years later, Paula’s Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thankfully he is doing well yet she has lost others in her family, and a sister-in-law to cancer over the years.
When my mom was diagnosed with the same breast cancer as her Mom, Paula was calling to help get an appointment for my mom asap. And her help, I believe, is a main reason my mom is still with us today.
When I was diagnosed she was right there asking how she could help and coming to treatments with me.
A few years ago, her brother was diagnosed with a rare cancer. His cancer doesn’t have a defined treatment and they are doing what they can to help him heal. He is a warrior, as is Paula.
She is one who loves her people deeply, shows up and would fight the battle for you if she could.
I run for Paula, and all the other caretakers fighting the battle beside their loved ones, and in honor of her brother’s rare cancer fight.
I share this with you today as a reminder that even though someone hasn’t had cancer, it doesn’t mean their life has not been impacted by it.
I invite you to join me to…
pause. breathe. pray.
May we recognize how cancer impacts so many, including the children, the siblings, the caretakers, etc. May we grow eyes to see and ears to hear their stories, and honor how cancer impacts them too. May we do what we can to love and support them, as they support others.
With love, care and hope,
Shawn