They got me at “We need a moderator, or else there won’t be a Cancer Awareness GC next year.” Thanks, Anya, the super recruiter.

But by the grace of Grace went I. And gratefully so. As I met a group of students with a strong network of family and friends who believe that while cancer destroys, it also builds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It builds courage to stand up and declare your story. A friend, a relative, a loved one touched by cancer. A promise to remember and honour them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It builds empathy, running deep and strong, because cancer can only destroy the body, it cannot destroy the human soul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It builds community. People willing to give of their lunch break and free time to ensure those who are ravaged by the illness will not left wanting.

Most of all, it builds hope.

Hope that someone, somewhere can and will be saved.

 

Perhaps the family left behind, perhaps the patient undergoing chemotherapy.

Perhaps the children or parent needing to go it alone while their loved one is healing.

Perhaps it saves is one, like me, touched by cancer, thinking she survived by chance – slowly believing she has survived for a reason beyond all understanding. And in this inscrutable reason, one can find Love.