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.
4 comments:
I am so glad you are a surviver. I think about you all the time and have been wondering what you are up to! I miss your posts!
"I am so glad you are a survivor", exactly what I was thinking.
You've taken the pain of this experience and turned it into a beautiful survival story.
You are a great advocate! Keep up the good work.
Fall is coming... and your Miracle Birthday! September 18th, right?!
Hey there Lyndsay. I am amazed my friend. So good to see your posts on here, and to hear of you. I regret of unaware I am of so many of the diseases, pains, and problems around; thank you for sharing with us. How are you feeling these days?
Hi Lyndsay,
Thanks for sharing your "life" story. It's nice to see you are involved with cancer awareness and doing well. Like you said, until it hits home we are unaware of the effects cancer has on someones life.
So true, "Knowledge is power and they are developing and advancing so much in treatment options for cancer." Though I do see at times knowledge can be frightening too. For some facing the facts is too difficult to handle. They then need encouragement and support so they have the courage to do what needs to be done. I am a 7 year breast cancer survivor. I hope the wallhanging of Psalm 46 was an encouragment for you.
Post a Comment