World Cancer Day.

Lighting a candle for all those affected by cancer. The survivors, the fighters, those who lost their loved ones.

Continuing to hope and pray for a cure. Please feel free to share the name or memories of those you love affected by this disease.

Sending much love! <3

A worthy post indeed. A dreadful disease that we will all take great pleasure in striking down one day, I hope.
All the very best and my thoughts go out to all those who are, or have been, affected by this illness.
Ben

My husband <3

Even on his dark days, he manages to smile for me

My niece Treasure she was only 23yrs old..
Her years were short,
But the wonderful
memories she left will
last our lifetime.
With love we
Remember!

I lost my sister to cancer 5/20/12 and my father 1/29/86

My 3 year old niece has had cancer recently.

She has had chemo and is losing her hair.

She had an op to remove the tumour just before xmas.
We think everything went well.

My sister told me that her and her partner had to kiss her and hold her hand just before she went in, just in case she didn't make it.

As a father myself I cannot imagine how hard those few moments were, then the waiting...........

She is such a tough little madam and we are all hugely proud of her.
She has been robbed of a normal childhood though.

She has lost a kidney through this process. I have offered one of mine. The least I can do.

For now she doesn't need mine.

Mom, 1985

Liz of this site. Brain tumor. August 2008. Miss her very much.

My aunt and uncle (married) have both been diagnosed in the last year. Different cancers. They're battling together.

Dad, 2012

I have to tell you a story, I was born in a small coal mining town, but moved away to Phila. for about 35 years, anyhow I just recently moved back to my hometown and of course some of my old childhood friends were still there, one woman in particular I ran into after I opened an arcade and billiards place, we got to talking and I asked her how she was doing, and she smiled and said great now, she had just beaten breast cancer, and was telling me she had the breast removed, so I thought she had implants because they were staring right at me, I asked her how they felt, she said terrific want to feel them, and reached inside her sweater and pulled out two cups and gave them to me.....twas the funniest thing, how just just so non-chalantly handed me her boobies, but she told me rather than just do one and have it rebuilt, she had both removed and got inserts for her bra, was quite proud of the fact that she could change sizes to depending on her mood.....Well she died a few months ago, the cancer came back in other areas, and let me tell you, she went as peaceful as anyone I've ever known. She had a nephew with Autism whom she loved dearly and she called him to her bedside and told him, "I love you, and everything is gonna be alright, you are going to be fine".....she was a great woman, compassionate and kind to the end.....I lost my Aunt to cancer, I myself am a survivor of Melanoma......nothing tears at me more than seeing the bravery of a child with terminal cancer, I just feel cheated that they won't become adults......

Lovely post Guinea Pig, thanks for posting.
(sorry for my late reply)

If I live long enough to witness just one small change in the world, it would be for any break through in treatment/cure/prevention of cancer.

I have been affected by this all my life, as my Gran had cancer whilst I was growing up, and sadly lost her battle when I was 12.

My mum has had bowel cancer twice, but luckily she survived without any chemo needed, I am so grateful that she is still with us.

My dad also had Testicular cancer, but again survived this with a minor operation and escaped chemo or radio, which again I am so grateful for it being caught early.

2 of my friends from school had cancer whilst we were still at school, one I am still close to and has luckily been clear of cancer for years, but she did spend an awful lot of time in hospital getting chemo etc. She made me realise the mental pain she endured as she described how all the other children in the ward passed away, and she survived, it still leaves her feeling guilty.
The other friend I am still in touch with and follow her blogs, but unfortunately she has a cancer that can't be treated or cured, so if you follow her blog, I guarantee you will admire her strength and bravery for fighting so hard, and still living life.

Most recently, is my beloved pet dog Ash. She has been given about 6 months after being diagnosed with cancer, and all I can do is appreciate the time we have now, and hope and pray that she will not suffer in the mean time, and if she does, I pray I will know.

The only difference between dogs and humans, is the comfort in knowing that I can end her suffering before it gets extreme. Something that I am so grateful for, and something I wish will be changed in the future for humans too.

Sorry for my long reply, but I do truly feel inspired by survivors of cancer, I think they put us to shame when we think of how often we complain about the small aches and pains in life!

<3 praying for a cure! <3