I just lost my grandmother to Pancreatic Cancer, after more than a year long fight. When it came down to the wire, I couldn't bear to see her in pain. It's heartbreaking. It's the first time I had to deal with a death of someone close to me.
However, when I was in fifth grade, my aunt also passed away due to a type of Cancer. I was in 5th grade at the time. I didn't know much about anything because I was young. I didn't know how much Cancer could affect the people around you.
Now my cousin, Sarah Ruiz. 18 years old. She was diagnosed 2 years ago, a couple days before my high school graduation. Leukemia. She has been fighting so hard for 2 years. After the first year of chemotherapy, we thought she was cured, but sadly it came back. After another long year of fighting, with a half match bone marrow translant from her sister, we hoped and prayed it was gone for good.
Today, I received a text from her mother that the doctor found leukemia cells in her blood. It hurts me to believe that she has to go through another long chemotherapy treatment without knowing if there is going to be a successful outcome this time. When you have cancer, get rid of it, and then have it come back, it's MUCH harder to get rid of.
About a week ago, I was talking to Sarah about her graduation which is in a couple days. Out of nowhere, she actually APOLOGIZED to me for not being there at my graduation, and for taking the attention away from me. I told her that I don't deserve an apology. It is not HER FAULT that she was diagnosed with Cancer. She is such a good kid. She doesn't deserve this pain. But, all we could do is pray, and hope for another recovery.
God, please watch over my cousin Sarah and all those whose lives are affected my Cancer.
This year will be my 5th year participating in Relay for Life. Please join if you can.
Relay For Life of Magic Island takes place from 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2009 until 7:00 a.m. on July 12, 2009
