Fuck Cancer

This is not an original opinion by any means, but I hate cancer. I hate it more then anything else in the world. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemies or anyone in their families. I've seen it close up, I've seen it far away. And no matter how you look at it it's ugly and heartbreaking.
It was a little less then 4 years ago that I was naive. Life was on track, cancer was something that I heard about on TV and radio. It wasn't even something that happened to other people, but not to me. It just didn't exist in my life at all. Then in January 2008, BAM. Everything changed and it will never go back. My dad was diagnosed with Stage 1 esophageal cancer. Turns out it was an incorrect diagnoses and we found out a few months later it was Stage 3 gastric cancer. While this was going on a distant cousin who was only a few years older then me was diagnosed with tongue cancer and passed away 6 months after being diagnosed. 18 months after my dad was diagnosed he passed away. The next year one of my childhood friends mother was diagnosed and passed away in a matter of weeks. That year my 13 year old cousin was having back pain, and you guessed it, it was cancer.
But this year, this year has been a complete free for all.
December 2011 - My great aunt diagnosed with melanoma
March 2012 - My grandma diagnosed with lymphoma
Summer 2012 - My grandma's sister diagnosed with breast cancer
September 2012 - Two of my very good friend's parents diagnosed, and a co-workers husband.

Every time I hear the news, my whole body just starts to shut down. I remember the moment that I found out about my dad, I remember the surgeries, I remember chemo, I remember the radiation, I remember the moment they told us he was in remission, I remember the moment they told us there was nothing more they could do, I remember hospice, and I remember the moment he died. Cancer has stolen so much from me and the people I love. It's stolen smiles, laughs, life moments, and nights of sleep. It's brought my family closer together, but it's also torn us apart. I just don't want anyone to have to go through this, and yet they do everyday. If we are not doing anything to actively fight cancer then we are letting it tear more families apart.

I was involved in Relay for Life when I was living in Geneva, but since my dad died I haven't done anything. So I want to get back involved. I want to get involved in Relay for Life again, and I also want to do the 3-day walk for the cure. I also want to make sure I get myself checked again for the early stages of the cancer my dad had. I need to do this for myself, for my family, and for everyone that's been affected by this horrible disease that I feel is taking over my life.

When my dad was sick I bought some things for this store because they made me and him laugh. So if you know someone with a decent sense of humor consider supporting the cause by shopping here: http://www.stupidcancerstore.org/Default.asp