2/4/25 - United By Unique - World Cancer Day
Each February 4th, on World Cancer Day, people around the globe raise awareness, improve education, and engage in personal, collective, and government action in the fight against cancer. The theme for 2025 is “United by Unique”, which emphasizes a people-centered approach to cancer care.
According to the American Cancer Association for Research’s most recent progress report, “In the United States, an estimated 2,001,140 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2024 and 611,720 people will die from the disease.” Among them are people you and I know and love. Among us are caregivers who will begin the exhausting, painful grief journey. February 4th is a day to work for and honor those who battle cancer, their caregivers, and the professionals working to eradicate this disease.
Like many of my readers, I have taken the cancer journey with people I love. Many have fought valiantly yet lost their battle. When my dear friend Carol was battling cancer years ago, I was one of four people committed to her daily at-home care. For the nine months we had her at home, I kept a journal. It was a place to hold, process, and cope with my feelings and her fight. Now more than 30 years later, this journal remains a testament to her and a comfort to me. During the initial days of my grief, it helped me remember her fight and our devotion, because grief puts us in a fog, it helped me accept the reality of my loss. I highly recommend journaling for people fighting any disease, and for their caregivers as well.
The loss of a loved one who has died from cancer is painful and unique, holding memories that other losses do not hold. Many people who lose a loved one to cancer memorialize the person with such things as an annual fundraiser or publishing their story to give courage to others. The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, is a story written and illustrated by a young man who succumbed to his cancer. After his death, his parents published his book, set up a nonprofit foundation, and now the book is sent to children around the globe who suffer from cancer. Cancer is a horrid disease, personal stories of living and dying of this disease are unique and important. Marking World Cancer Day is one way to remember, to heal and to participate in the ongoing work for a cure.
May we forever hold in our hearts the courageous and valiant fight of those we love who suffer from cancer, may we remember with compassion all caregivers, may those who have lost their battle be remembered and revered with hope.
Whoever you remember and honor, and as a gift to those who still fight, please participate February 6, 2025 in World Cancer Day. You can begin by watching the one and a half minute, promotional video for this special day.
