A Childhood Cancer Survivor Blogging about the World of Childhood Cancer

Posts tagged ‘Childhood Cancer Survivor’

What A Gift to the World

This is International Childhood Cancer Day, a day we can learn to expand our focus on childhood cancer to include not just children in our own country, but throughout the world. For me, the problems of late diagnoses, toxic treatments, late effects, shortages of medicines, and a dire lack of development of new, more effective—less invasive—treatments keep me focused on all we need to do as a country.  We have so much to do. This should not be discouraging, but encouraging. Be encouraged there is a growing army of people who know The Truth about childhood cancer. Be encouraged by becoming an individual who does their part. One way to do your part is to let our elected officials know that childhood cancer research is a top priority.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation has made it easy—like, really, really easy to contact your representatives.

Go ahead…. it takes just a few minutes, and you will know you did something to help!

 http://www.capwiz.com/stbaldricks/issues/alert/?alertid=62399601

 Did you do it yet???

 Please don’t read on until you do!

 If you would like to learn more about World Child Cancer:

 http://www.worldchildcancer.org/who-we-are/our-latest-news/

 One way that we will be able to better treat children with cancer in the future is to gather data on childhood cancer survivors. Alex’s Lemonade Stand is doing just this. If you are a survivor, or your child is, you have an opportunity to provide vital information that will help researchers develop better treatments for kids who come along after us.

Please take the time to help Alex’s Lemonade Stand in this very important mission and pass this link on to others who might be willing to help.

 http://www.alexslemonade.org/treatment-journal

When we do discover those new treatments for more cures…

what a gift we will have to give the world!

We totally fell in love with Kaiden!

 What we really need, and really want, is an end to this…

“( ) passed away on January 25, 2011 from a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor. He fought cancer for 3 years and 7 months. He was known for his compassion and kindness. He was once asked, “What would be the greatest super power that a person could have?” Ben’s response was simple, but powerful – “Forgiveness.”” 
“Even though he is nearing the end of his earthly life, he hangs on for the love of his family. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts. No one parent should be in this position. No child should have to fight to live and especially not for 5 years, only for modern medicine to have still failed him. We Need A Cure! Too many families, too many children- It doesn’t make sense”
“Surgeon just came out for a break ( ) is doing great. Her tumors were a lot worse than they thought but praise God she has been able to remove the most difficult ones so far. The vascular surgeon is in there now reconstructing her iliac artery. She will finish removing the rest of the tumors and then reconstruct her ureters. Then she will apply the hot chemo wash to her entire abdominal cavity.”
 

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I Want to Make All of Them Full

Grace Cover ARC Ray Romano

Definition of “Full”

Containing or holding as much or as many as possible; having no empty space

 

This past Friday night, I had the honor of dancing at Wish Night for Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties. I had the honor, and the great pleasure, of dancing to Becca Solodon’s original song, “Through the Fire.” Becca was diagnosed with cancer when she was sixteen, and she lost one of her legs to the beast. I have known Becca for a few years, through the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation where she now works. The most accurate way I have of telling you who Becca is…. is to tell you her photo belongs next to the word “SWEET” in every dictionary. She has dedicated her life to making a difference for kids with cancer.  She has an unsurpassed special beauty in her voice and in the music she writes and performs.

Make-A-Wish Hyatt Teddy Bear Lift

 

Topping off the musical talent of the evening was Wish “Kid” Jessica McKenzie, who has studied voice at UC Berkeley. Her gorgeous vocal performance had everyone on their feet clapping when she was finished.

I was overjoyed to be there! The whole evening, I kept envisioning all of the kids I have met who are fighting for their lives. Looking at the people in the room, I gave thanks for their hearts. Some of the people there were Make-A-Wish volunteers, like John MacFadyen, who was the fabulous MC for the evening.  

Some were Make-A-Wish employees, like Shanna Wasson-Taylor, CEO of Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties, who was honored for seventeen years of service. I must also mention Linda McKenzie, my most incredible Wish Planner! The others were those who had paid to come, people who gave more money for auction items, and people who raised their hands to personally choose and fund a portion of a child’s wish. 

After several wishes were funded, there were no more hands raised, and John asked one more time.  We all looked at the bar graph showing there were some children whose wishes were not fully funded– and there were some that were not funded at all.  

There was a man who raised his hand…

“I want to make all of them full, ” he offered. 

Poor John, I think he nearly fell off the stage. He was speechless. The entire room of people stood and applauded this man’s generosity. It was an incredible moment! 

Full… “no empty space” 

This generous man left “no empty space” in the hearts of the children. He made them all full. With this kind act, he left no empty space in his own heart either.

…  I can “see” the kids everyone helped that evening. I “see” the moms and dads and siblings who will be blessed. 

Hope and Joy and Love are beautiful things to share; this is what Make-A-Wish does as their specialty!

Gramma & Poppy, always supportive, were at Wish Night!

Gramma & Poppy, always supportive, were at Wish Night!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SZ0hJpwZMw

Childhood Cancer survivor Becca Solodon rehearses her original song, “Through the Fire” before Wish Night for Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties. It was an honor to be there… to dance to Becca’s beautiful music, and to help make more wishes come true.

Written

on February 12, 2013

World Cancer Day… “Clouds”… and Freedom


Grace Cover ARC Ray Romano

 

 

As human beings, we are endowed with freedom of choice, and we cannot shuffle off our responsibility upon the shoulders of God or nature. We must shoulder it ourselves. It is our responsibility. 
~Arnold J. Toynbee

 

 

My emotions drift from one place to another on this day we call World Cancer Day. My first emotion is “Goodness Gracious” (honestly, words a lot stronger than that!) There is a killer loose and wild on our Earth who strikes everywhere at once—one who leaves a trail of destruction like no other disease here on the globe we call home.  Until we trap, capture, and disable the enemy named cancer, we cannot truly be free. The People Shells we embody on Earth will forever be threatened, and perhaps even worse, our loved ones’ bodies will be threatened.

Adults do have some degree of control over preventing certain types of cancer, but for children, there is no known cause.  In my case, I ate vegetables grown organically from our garden from the time I was born, which makes me skeptical of those who are quick to suggest that the cause for childhood cancer is diet.  My hunches are that the causes are more tied to environmental and genetic factors, but hunches are just that, hunches.

Research, research, research.

I will say it again, research.

People often-times create New Year’s Resolutions; I would like to suggest we create a resolution and renew it yearly on World Cancer Day.  If each of us finds even one thing we can do, one thing we can sacrifice, to bring “peace” to the People Shells of our world, imagine.

… imagine our world without cancer.

Zach Sobeich is fighting a cancer that has no more treatment options.  This beautiful song, “Clouds,”  is his love-gift to the world. Let’s share it widely– with great hope Zach’s music will inspire our world to be a safer place where we can live without fear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sDC97j6lfyc

Please sacrifice, give to cancer research, support patients in their fight, and believe our efforts will lead to the extinction of cancer.

Freedom!

Bye Bye World Cancer Day…

Thank you Zach, for your inspiration and beauty in our world. 

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Orbs of Beauty

Grace

 
 
 
 
“Of course, looking forward to things or evoking wonderful memories from times past is great, but I began to realize, lying in that hospital, that I didn’t want to just “get through” my days. I wanted to live them and not throw away the precious days God gives to me.”
 
 

Children facing cancer fight it with exceptional grace. They reveal a beauty about life through their fight. Surrounding them, there is an aura of wisdom. Within them, their unimaginable strength, true courage, and their love for life all mix together to create an Orb of Beauty.  

I wish you could know them. I wish you could feel just one of their hearts. I wish you could see how they “just fight their cancer,” and how they do it without complaint. I wish you could see their eyes looking up into yours as they pretend not to hurt.

These children are heroes. They light the lives of everyone they meet. They remind us of what we take for granted every minute of every day. They unveil our selfish ways.

 All around them, they shine their Orb of Beauty.

People wonder why I am going to shave my head… 

I wonder… how is it that we can be more like them?

the faces of childhood cancer

My St. Baldrick’s Participant Page:

http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/melinda

Thank you to everyone who signed!

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/light-white-house-gold-month-september-honor-pediatric-cancer-fighters-and-bring-light-cause/syV6M6wX?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl

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Childhood Cancer… The Unspoken Beast

Grace

 

 

“I give thanks for the gift of expression– the words to open minds and hearts. May my words be not just words, but clear, untainted truth.”

                                                                            ~Melinda 

 

Today… I would like to share something I wrote for Cancer Knowledge Network.  Every time I have the opportunity to write or speak about childhood cancer is a chance to raise awareness that will lead to funding for research that will lead to cures for all children with cancer. Thank you to Karen Irwin and Cancer Knowledge Network for the pleasure of working together!

http://cancerkn.com/childhood-cancer-the-unspoken-beast/

St Baldrick's Flyer

 

 

 

 

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Why I Shave… Max is Forever Seven

Grace

Is it possible for someone you have never met to influence your life in deep, profound way? I am not speaking of a famous writer, thinker, actor, athlete, or speaker. The person who has had one of the deepest influences on my life is a seven year-old boy… a seven year-old boy who will remain seven forever.  

Maxwell Kincaid Nunn was born on February 6, 2003. Max passed on Thanksgiving Day 2010. 

From Max’s obituary:

“Max was diagnosed with a Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET) of the Central Nervous System (CNS). 

Max enjoyed was hunting & spending time with his dad. He liked riding his quad. Time spent hanging out with his friends, sitting by bonfires, collecting gadgets opening the mail & riding in his dad’s truck were some of the things that made Max happy. He also liked to go fishing, playing sports, and listening to music.

Max was an awesome individual with a heart melting smile that touched the lives of countless people across the world.”

Max Nunn

What I want people to know about Max is not written in his obituary. While Max was valiantly battling brain cancer– and at seven years old– he began raising money for pediatric cancer research. Yes, adults, please listen up. At seven years old, while existing in a body riddled with cancer, Max Nunn fully grasped the concept that we need to raise money for research in order to stop the beast called childhood cancer. I loved reading the posts each day where Max would open a pile of mail– envelopes with dollar bills in them that Max would send to St. Baldrick’s Foundation. His family shared his battle with photos, videos, and words of truth.  Max’s smile could melt the polar ice caps. Max’s personality could light up the world in the middle of a full-blown power failure. Max’s heart to help children fighting cancer lit a fire in me. I can never think of Max without hearing him say, “Two bucks, I mean it!” Max was serious about raising money for pediatric cancer research; he had no hesitation in asking people to give. It wasn’t for him… it was for the kids.

The Nunn family

There is no such thing as giving too little, only a matter of giving or not giving. Every “Two Bucks” matters. 

It’s no surprise that Max’s mom and sister have both shaved their heads to raise money for St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Max’s dad also works passionately for the cause of raising money for pediatric cancer research. I have tremendous respect for the Nunn family’s decision to share Max’s story with us.   Because they chose to share, I have been able to learn what we need to do to, what I need to do. If I can raise money for research by shaving my head, and honor courageous children by doing it, then bring on the razor. Over the next month, as shave day approaches, I will be sharing stories of childhood cancer warriors. I want to remember, and I want everyone else to know, I am shaving to honor them. I am shaving because I love them. 

Max Nunn

I have been given the gift of loving this boy named Max… who will forever be seven.  Although Max will forever remain seven, the seeds he planted in me will grow like Sequoia Trees. 

My love for Maxwell Kinkaid Nunn the Great is one HUGE reason I will become bald again. I can hear Max saying it now, “Two bucks, I mean it!” 

Please consider a Two Buck donation in honor and in memory of Max.

http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/579474

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The National Children’s Cancer Society and One Day Soon…

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

Article 23 “Children who have any kind of disability should have special care and support, so that they can lead full and independent lives.”

~From UNICEF Children’s Rights and Responsibilities Leaflet

http://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/rights_leaflet.pdf

Ask any childhood cancer survivor about survival, and they will undoubtedly tell you about people and organizations that helped them through their darkest of times. Thankfully, there are organizations that help survivors live “full and independent lives.” The National Children’s Cancer Society is one of these vitally important organizations.  I am personally grateful to NCCS for assisting me with my education at Pepperdine University with a Beyond the Cure Scholarship.  After suffering the financial devastation that comes along with childhood cancer, families are in even greater need of assistance to send their children to college.  Offering educational scholarships is one of the ways that NCCS gives “special care and support” to children who are fighting—or have fought—childhood cancer.

The National Children’s Cancer Society’s mission:

“The mission of The National Children’s Cancer Society is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families worldwide.

We serve as a financial, emotional and educational resource for those in need at every stage of illness and recovery. In the United States, we ease the financial burdens that accompany major illness, give crucial support and address the challenges of survivorship. Abroad, we provide lifesaving pharmaceutical drugs and medical supplies to facilities that treat children with cancer.”

http://www.thenccs.org/AboutNCCS

The history of NCCS is fascinating to me. This organization was born in the late 80’s because BMT’s, bone marrow transplants, were becoming viable forms of treatment for some types of childhood cancers, but insurance companies would not cover the cost.

“Since its inception, the NCCS has provided more than $57 million in direct financial assistance to more than 34,000 children. The organization works closely with over 300 hospitals and pediatric oncology units throughout US and reaches thousands more through its ongoing education programs and materials.”

NCCS’s Pediatric Oncology Program, or POP, provides emotional and financial assistance to families in the midst of the emotional and financial devastation that is childhood cancer. They recognize that the burdens the families bear are extraordinary. NCCS even assigns caseworkers who will guide families through the treacherous, unknown “waters” they have been thrust into. The peace of mind of having someone available with information/advice makes this an enormously valuable service.

http://www.thenccs.org/help_during

Educational Services are one other type of service that NCCS provides, through web conferences for healthcare professionals and childhood cancer survivors and through regional survivorship conferences.

http://www.thenccs.org/webconference

“The National Children’s Cancer Society’s Beyond the Cure Survivorship Program provides funding to hospitals across the U.S. to host survivorship conferences in their local community.”

Schedule of Web Conferences:

http://www.thenccs.org/regional_conferences

 In addition, The National Children’s Cancer Society provides educational services for pediatric oncology nurses. Ped/Onc Nurses can earn up to eight hours of continuing education credit, with no charge. They will award one credit hour for each program.

https://www.thenccs.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=715

One final way NCCS serves to educate about childhood cancer is through publications and video available through their website.

http://www.thenccs.org/pubs-vids

The National Children’s Cancer Society is able to provide “special care and support” to children with cancer and to survivors through:

Private Donations:

https://www.thenccs.org/donateGeneral

Fundraising Teams:

http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise/team?ftid=6717 

Corporate Partners:

http://www.thenccs.org/corporatePartners

Events:

http://www.thenccs.org/events

I must comment on this one–my dad, Stooge-fan-extraordinaire, will be first in line for this one!!!

Thrift Stores:

http://www.thenccs.org/thrift

Charity Vending:

This is a way for business owners to help children with cancer and their families.

 http://www.thenccs.org/charityvend

Treasure Chest Vending:

“The NCCS has partnered with Accessit Corp. of Canada on its new Treasure Chest machines. As their exclusive US charity partner, this program generates support for our Pediatric Oncology Program.”

http://www.thenccs.org/treasureChest

In addition to all of the services and resources I have mentioned, The National Children’s Cancer Society acts swiftly to assist families in times of natural disasters, like Sandy. Disrupted communication services caused by super-storm Sandy left children in treatment in even more danger, and NCCS acted to bridge those temporary gaps.

I love that NCCS was born out of a huge need that they filled, helping save children’s lives and families’ financial stability. I love that NCCS has a huge variety of services available to help families in the middle of the Crisis Of Their Lives. I love that NCCS recognizes the difficulties of survivor-ship and how they provide where there is great need.

Finally, I am grateful to NCCS for my Beyond the Cure Scholarship. I will always be grateful and show my gratitude by giving everything I have to my studies. May my cancer story come full circle to be able to help children through their cancer journey, to help gather funds for pediatric research, and to one day be able to conduct my own childhood cancer research—that will lead to cures for childhood cancer.

The National Children’s Cancer Society gives me hope; they give me hope that one day there will be no need for a National Children’s Cancer Society. Without a doubt, I know they feel the same.

One day…

One day soon…

Austin Munoz –Moorpark Football Senior Night

http://www.nationalchildrenscancersociety.com/

http://www.melindamarchiano.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-A-Childs-Intimate-Journey-Through-Cancer-and-Recovery/149423578414076?ref=hl

 

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“Failure Is Not An Option”

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

 

 

 

 

 

 

May the children suffer no more….may parents forever have their children…may all who turn a blind eye and think that this will magically happen by itself have their minds and hearts opened to who will actually propel change- them…us…you…me… ♥ ~Melinda

 

This is an excerpt from PAC2’s interview with Kathleen Ruddy, the Executive Director of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.  This year, St. Baldrick’s has raised over $32 million dollars for pediatric cancer research. I cannot mention fundraising and St. Baldrick’s without giving a huge shout-out to ladies I love with all my heart, the 46 Mommas. I love how Kathleen Ruddy compares the mission of winning the “war” on childhood cancer to previous U.S. ambitious missions, like going to the moon…

In 1961, when President Kennedy challenged America to send a man safely to the moon and back by the end of the decade, he didn’t say, “but only if we stay within a certain budget.”  The goal was the moon, and the reason to shoot for the moon was to expand human knowledge, extend man’s exploration, and advance science.  He also acknowledged it would be hard and expensive.  We have no less ambitious a mission, and probably a more difficult one.  It’s also more precious as our children’s lives depend upon it and with them, our future.  

The notion of shared sacrifice is something our organization was built upon.  The World War II generation understood that each citizen must work and sacrifice together to achieve victory.  Our country came together again to win the space race.  It’s time we pull together again to finally win the war on cancer, and ensure that children fighting cancer not only survive, but thrive. 

This excerpt makes me think of a lot, including my brother Nicholas. When he was ten years old, someone asked Nicholas what his favorite movie was.

He quickly answered, “Apollo 13.”

(Yes, the person’s jaw dropped as he pondered the uniqueness of this ten-year-old’s choice in movies!)

 My brain dinged and chimed with quotes from Apollo 13 as they spun like pin-balls and connected to the world of childhood cancer…

 ***Funding for pediatric cancer research is critically low. Children have NO VOICE.

 “Houston, we have a problem.” ~Jim Lovell

 ***Far, far too many children are being tortured and taken away…

 “So long Earth. Catch you on the flip side.” ~Jack Swigert

***Kathleen Ruddy is correct. If our country will pull together with meaning, purpose, focus, and sacrifice, we can win the war against childhood cancer.

“With all due respect sir, I believe this is gonna be our finest hour.” ~Gene Krantz

***With seven children dying each day from cancer in the United States, it absolutely must be time—right now—to pour money, time, sweat, and guts into ending childhood cancer. We must treat this reality with the urgency it requires. Because…

“Failure is not an option.” ~Gene Krantz

Failure really is not an option. Warriors, like Lane, continue to fight while we either decide to act, or stand aside.

United States Flag for Lane Goodwin

Update for Lane:

“This morning has been a little better. Lane is a lot more lucid & calm 🙂 God is working really hard through Lane, us & others to bring awareness/funding/ cure to Childhood Cancer! We had a wonderful visit with Congressman Ed Whitfield, District Director Michael Pape & Field Representative Edward West. Lane was sleeping but he was excited to get the US Flag that was flown over the Capitol in Honor of him. We will have a big announcement this weekend :)”

Please feel free to copy, paste, and tweet!

We call the #NumberOneDiseaseKillerOfChildren in the U.S. #Rare #SoundsPrevalentToMe #ChildhoodCancer #FundPediatricCancerResearch

 

 

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This Symphony will be a Masterpiece– “Music” to Change the World

 

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer.

Always remember, you have within you the strength,

the patience, and the passion to

reach for the stars to change the world.”
~Harriet Tubman

Patience is a tough one. We live in the age of The Instantaneous, which makes patience even more difficult to learn, being direly devoid of societal examples. But, anything worth our time and attention also requires our patience. I say this as I think of Mike Gillette, who has been pouring himself into the production of the childhood cancer documentary, The Truth 365. This project is not only enormous, it is delicate. Maybe it is because of this delicacy that it has never been done like this before. The World of Childhood Cancer is a sticky, tricky place to step into. Further, the thought of gathering information from diverse sources and compiling it into a visual call to action for pediatric cancer research is overwhelming to me! His task is nothing short of Conducting a Symphony. Only someone with tremendous love and passion would take on such a task—only a dreamer. Without a doubt, after meeting and working with Mike, I know he is a dreamer. Without a doubt, he has the “patience and passion to reach for the stars to change the world” of childhood cancer.

Our impatience tells us, “Hurry up and release the film!!!” Wisdom takes over and lets us know that there must be very good reasons for the wait. As this project has developed, it has taken on a “life.” There have been surprises and opportunities arising each day, and I trust Mike completely—which means patience. I admire his patience in choosing to make this film the best it can possibly be, and making the priority the children, instead of the awaiting, impatient audience. I will be the first to admit that I cannot wait to see it; I cannot wait to share it. When impatience knocks, I envision Mike juggling all kinds of things I could never imagine, and my selfishness shamefully subsides. Mike loves the kids, and his vision, compassion, and passion will be clearly evident when The Truth 365 is complete.

Thank you to all of the families, childhood cancer patients, siblings, doctors, teachers, and volunteers for your contributions of time and for your outpouring of support for this project. I patiently await the masterpiece I know will be arriving, via Mike Gillette, our Change the World of Childhood Cancer Conductor. 

Blessings to you Mike. May mountains move… all for our dearly loved children.

“For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice – no paper currency, no promises to pay, but the gold of real service.”       ~ John Burroughs

*** Thank you to Carina Corral and KSBY for your continued support to help children with cancer!

http://www.ksby.com/news/documentary-on-childhood-cancer-hosted-by-a-nipomo-teen-cancer-survivor-set-to-be-released-sunday/

Go Lane! Fire Department New Albany, IN

More and more support for Lane Goodwin!

Someone showed their love for this little boy by making him a Halloween Costume that included his wheelchair!

Update for my last post– Justin’s Tribute to Avalanna 9-29-12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sh3tmWFlB4&feature=youtu.be

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Justin and Avalanna, Mr. and Mrs. Bieber

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broken hearts.

News today of Avalanna’s passing is heartbreaking. This beautiful little girl has captured the hearts of millions of people who have come to know her as “Justin Bieber’s wife.”

This morning,

RIP Avalanna is trending on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/i/#!/search/?q=%22RIP+Avalanna%22&src=tren

Avalanna’s Story from Stand Up To Cancer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYRaPMcyL_g

Avalanna’s bravery, her exuberant personality, and her sheer loveable-ness needs to become a part of all of us. We, as adults in this complex society, tend to focus on the little daily things that pester and annoy us. When we look into the face of Avalanna, when we hear about all that she has dealt with, when we feel the pure, sparkling love spilling from her into our lives, we realize our focus is not where it needs to be. We realize we have a responsibility to respond.

Our response needs to be love for all children fighting cancer.

What joy Avalanna must have received from all of Justin’s love and attention! This really, really touches me. I will never forget what it meant to me to have love and support from someone I looked up to during my cancer treatments—Patricia Barker.

From Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery:

My hands began to shake, and my eyes became two glaciers, melting and forming rivers upon my cheeks.

 Patricia Barker . . . oh my gosh. I had watched her farewell performance at the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle the previous June, in celebration of my thirteenth birthday. She inspired me. Her fluidity, musicality, and strength left me in awe. I was stunned by her grace . . . inside and out. Gasping for breath, I looked to Mom. I remained speechless. There were no words, truly, no words. Soaking up the beautiful moment, I realized that cancer had created it. Well, not cancer itself, but me having it. It was these times that I saw the other side of cancer. I knew I would not be standing there—my body numb, my eyes gushing, and that letter in my hands—if not for it. Cancer is battle after battle, struggle after struggle. And then, something beautiful happens that keeps you going.

 Venturing back into the package, my hand met something hard. The object was not in view, but I knew, from the feel and shape, exactly what it was. The only thing was . . . I didn’t believe it. My mind wouldn’t let me. Delicately pulling the precious gift from its royal sheath, a flash flood occurred in my eyeballs.

It was pointe shoes . . . her pointe shoes.

 “To Melinda” was visible on the tip of one shoe.

A gold ribbon tied the two slippers together, creating an almost angelic presentation.

 Oh my gosh. My heart pounded. I could not believe what was happening to me. After suffering so much, I almost felt it was too good to be true, like I didn’t deserve it or anything. My mouth hung open, my breathing was awkward, and my face was hot and red from crying. I lost it—completely lost it. Burying my head in my arms, I cried so hard that it hurt. Never had anything touched me in such a way. To hear encouragement to keep fighting from someone who I admired was breathtakingly unimaginable.

 Her letter was filled with wisdom, hope, and an understanding of what it is like to have a hindrance affect the dance in your life. She also told me that when I beat cancer, I would dance again with a new love and passion. Her certainty made me believe her and gave me a ray of light in the view of my future.

 She concluded by saying, “I will look for you on the big stage of life.”

 Ms. Barker, your words are eloquent, and they’ve had a huge impact on my life. What you did for me will forever remain in my heart.

 I believe Avalanna has taken all of Justin’s love straight to heaven with her. What a beautiful, heart-wrenching, uplifting, and inspiring story of love! My prayer is that this Love Story will inspire many others to open their hearts and give everything inside it away.

 Justin, please don’t stop. You may be young, but your actions show mature compassion and strong leadership. Please keep leading with love.

 Avalanna…

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