September is national leukemia and lymphoma awareness month. I know in our world now we seem to have a "day" or "month" for just about anything. Some I think are a bit ridiculous but there are some really good dedications of time, like those that benefit people and the overall good of the quality of life.
Before I was actually diagnosed with Leukemia I am ashamed to say that I didn't even know what it was, I was not even aware that it was a cancer at all. I now see the importance of being aware and educated of important things such as illnesses and major things that affect many people we come in contact with and are within our families as well. Our health is not guaranteed us. Never did I think at 22 I would have had to face a cancer diagnosis that could have left me dead in a matter of months or even weeks if not treated. I was healthy overall and pretty active so to me there was no reason to worry about a serious illness coming my way, which I have found to be the case with most people that get faced with a leukemia or lymphoma diagnosis. It is not a hereditary cancer like many others and there is no way of preventing it. So more than ever I have seen the importance in patient advocacy and raising awareness of it's symptoms and what exactly this nasty thing is.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to meet a lot of awesome people during fundraisers and marathons/walks. I have loved being involved with the national cancer society and the relay for life walks. Also the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has been a life saver in my journey. I have helped out with TNT (team in training), and the light the night walks that they put on to raise money. These amazing organizations give tons of free material and ways for patients to feel connected. They also help patients who need financial help along the way. I have been truly blessed by the help and knowledge I have received from so many of these cancer organizations.
On the right side of my page I do have a list of sites I like, which provide and abundance of information to those that are interested in learning more of this illness.
I am proud to say that today I am a survivor and that I love telling of my experience, even though at times it is difficult I know that I am spreading awareness around me. Those that might have had no clue of what leukemia or lymphoma is would now at least know a tidbit about it and pass it on to another person. Knowledge is power and they are developing and advancing so much in treatment options for cancer. That's why I am so thankful to everyone who gives of their time, money and resources to help raise awareness and maybe one day there will be a cure for this big nasty called cancer.