College. The best years of a person’s life. The last milestone of a person’s academic career. I was your typical music major; juggling marching band, orchestra, and other rehearsals while holding down a serving job at Outback Steakhouse. My life would change drastically and suddenly.
Initially, I thought I had an allergic reaction to my soap or deodorant, but changing brands was not working so I went to see our family doctor. I told my mom not to worry as she headed out to work. I was young, what could possibly be wrong? It had to be an allergy problem. During the exam my doctor found knots in my neck and under my arms. I thought they were due to other natural causes, so I never paid much attention to them. From then on, this appointment became a little more frightening. He finally told me that I may want to call my mother, that he thinks based on these knots that it could possibly be cancer. Cancer? No way. Not me. I almost laughed at the thought that I could have cancer. College kids don’t get cancer, I thought.
However, tests confirmed what I never thought I’d never say out loud, “I had cancer.” To be more specific, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Again, I thought, “I’m in college, this can’t be happening to me.” It was Thanksgiving 2001 and for the first time in my life I did not feel very thankful.
Soon the chemo began. I started at Tennessee Oncology with Dr. Patel and radiation treatments at what is now Gateway-Vanderbilt Cancer Treatment Center. During this time, my mom and I were introduced to the American Cancer Society. The service, love, and compassion they showed me during my most vulnerable time is something I will never forget. Their “Look Good Feel Better” volunteers helped me draw on eyebrows and fit me for a wig after the chemo claimed my hair. They went out of their way to make me feel more confident in my appearance which gave me hope at a time I had none. Every hug, word of encouragement, and makeup tutorial from my support team made a difference.
These actions may have seemed small to the people who performed them, but they had a lasting effect on my treatment and recovery. Every dollar spent toward research in treatments had an impact on my diagnosis and recovery. I’m a mother, daughter, wife, and a cancer survivor. I could be none of these things without the hours of research and support given to me by the doctors, volunteers and the American Cancer Society.
It is important to fight for a world without cancer because our children should never have to hear the same words I had to hear. Our future is something we write every day. Tomorrow, let’s write it without the fear, the financial burden, long hours of chemo, and the darkness that cancer brings. Instead let us be the authors of a tomorrow where there is faith, love, and hope. Let us be the authors of a future without cancer. This is why I volunteer. I hope after reading this, you’ll volunteer too.
To my mom… Thank you! Because without the love and support, the strength, and the light you showed me my battle wouldn’t have been the same. You’re why I volunteer.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will be held Saturday, May 19 in Montgomery County. Visit this page for more information about the event.