“Thank You . . . for granting my wish. This really will help me out financially and allow me to focus on getting better and less on how am I going to pay the bills. This really means the world to me! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!”
“I have donated and am a member of Pink Door Nonprofit Organization. As every woman has been affected by cancer one way or another, I feel good knowing that I’m able to help.” ~Daniel Lue, CBS TV Show Survivor: The Amazon
Medical & Support Blog - Cancer Support
Written by Lee MItchell 07 September 2011
The temperatures are definitely rising, not only in Houston but also all over the United States. News stations are warning viewers about the nasty effects of heat: exhaustion, weariness, dehydration and even death. Volunteer organizations are walking the streets handing bottled water to the less fortunate and even knocking on the doors of the elderly to make sure the members of our community are ok.
Of course, I cannot overlook that it is also hurricane season. Now I know those of us in hurricane-prone regions are lucky because we usually receive warnings over those with tornadoes. Nevertheless, no matter what type of proposed catastrophe comes your way – you need preparation. Grocery stores and hardware stores pull together to make sure communities are hurricane ready. There are free education seminars all over the city alerting people about how to prepare, what to do if a hurricane hits (aka hunkering down) and how to plan for an evacuation. Of course, do not forget the media outlets who talk about it non-stop.
All of these preventative and educational manners are a great need for our community. They are provided for one reason… to save lives.
No matter what threatens us, our goal is survival. That is exactly what cancer sufferers and cancer survivors strive for…to outlast the enemy. For a second, think of all the time that is spent preparing us for environmental dangers. Now duplicate that effort to educate people about cancer.
I do not want to imply that there is any real way to prepare for the devastation of hearing/knowing you or a loved one has cancer. However, opportunities are always around us to keep people educated. Many of us do not worry about it or even think about it until it is too late. Take the time to alert your family and friends about the dangers of cancer, how to prevent it, and build that infrastructure or team that will help you fight it.
Cancer is not something we have to fight on our own – we should take note from the volunteers who assist with the heat. Maybe not deliver bottled waters to the needy, but definitely share your stories with strangers. Discuss healthy living options. Have those difficult talks with your family and friends.
Your best tool to survive any “storm” is knowledge. Educate yourself. Ask the hard questions. Volunteer with an organization who provides services to those with cancer, like Pink Door Nonprofit. Organizations like Pink Door are here to help. We want to share our stories, our survival and our hopes.
If you take anything away from this, please remember one word: Proactive. It is too late when you are stuck with regret, and wondering shoulda-woulda-coulda. Heed the warnings, pay attention to the signs and educate!
It is never too late to start preparing…
