Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
This past fall, I lost my Aunt Sue to cancer. The diagnosis came too late for treatment. I was on my way to the Billings airport when I received news that she had passed. I had a chance to talk to her the day before, telling her things I should have told her years ago. How much I appreciated her support and love, how she had helped me through one of the most difficult periods of my life. How brave and strong she was.
My trip to Illinois was made with such a sense of loss, and guilt that I hadn’t made it out sooner. But Sue was surrounded by family and love at the end. I spent that first night up late reminiscing and reconnecting with her daughter, in awe of my cousin’s strength and bravery. My uncle, aunts, and mom shared stories of their times together. As a family, we grieved and celebrated each other.
This Saturday, I expect I’ll be just as awed at the strength and bravery of our area’s survivors and caregivers. I’ll empathize with those who have lost someone to cancer. My mom will be there, a survivor herself, and my dad, who supported her through her cancer and through the losses of her sister and parents. I walk for them.
Please come out to this event. Take the time to celebrate those who have gone through an unimaginable journey, whether as patient or a supporter. Learn about resources available and what you can do to help. Learn from the strength and bravery of others. And contribute if you can so that hopefully some day others won’t have to endure the fear and pain of cancer.
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