Getting off the bus after another day of Middle School, it felt the same as any other day.  But this day was about to turn into something much more memorable.  This would be the day that my dad would share with me that he had cancer.

I can’t recall exactly how that conversation went.  All I can remember is that I was stunned and didn’t know what to say or what to think. 

We soon learned that his initial cancer of the colon had metastasized and spread to his liver and he might only have a few months to live.  The potential for cancer remission was a very low likelihood thing in the late 1970s.  Thanks to some amazingly creative doctors at the University of Michigan, he was able to undergo a novel chemo procedure that worked remarkably well and blessed us with six more years together.

Through this time, as a teenager in a small town, I didn’t find many avenues to process what I was feeling, let alone give enough consideration to the emotions my dad and mom were going through.  I didn’t know where to begin, who I could talk to, how to open up some meaningful conversations.    Decades, later as I recall this chapter of my life, I think how helpful it would have been to have support programs during this challenging time. 

For those who are touched by cancer, my hope is that through the wonderful programs that the Wellness House offers they may find support, education, and connection to help them face the challenges ahead.  More than 520 programs are provided each month, both online and in person, to improve physical and emotional well-being and give people with cancer and their families a support network like no other.  This is why I have joined the Walk and why I ask you to join me in giving what you can to support people in the fight for their lives.