The other day Mom asked me, "Do you think brain cancer is just so much more common now? Why do I keep hearing about it so often."
Mom has a good point. In the time that Dad has been diagnosed with brain cancer (just 15 months ago), I know of 2 others diagnosed with brain cancer. Is it that brain cancer is much more common, or is it because my eyes are now open, wide open, to this battle?
When I hear of a recent diagnosis my stomach literally is in knots. It takes me right back to that cold hospital room where we found out Dad's tumor was malignant, where we found out it was Stage IV brain cancer, and where the word "cancer" literally took my breath away.
I go back to the person I was 15 months ago and I don't think I recognize her anymore. I've changed. I've become more aware of the battle so many others face. I've become more aware of my faith in a power much greater than any power here on earth. And I've become aware of HOPE.
Hope and hopelessness are both options when faced with difficult battles. And I will not deny my heart was filled with hopelessness those weeks following Dad's diagnosis. But as the time passed, as I read stories of others who not only survived, but THRIVED, I started filling my heart with hope. I started to realize that when chances are one in a million, you FIGHT to be that one. Dad has NEVER lost his fight. And that gives me HOPE.
As I received the news of another brain cancer diagnosis, as my heart sank, and as my thoughts were filled with such sadness for the family, I quickly turned to my devotional:
"Trust in me forever, for I am the rock eternal. It is easy to trust Me for a while- especially when things are going well in your life. But I am calling you to trust in Me at all times, no matter what is happening. I understand what a difficult assignment this is, and I know that you will sometimes fail in this venture...Let this assurance of My unfailing Love draw you back to Me- back to trusting Me...You can rely on Me! When your walk through this world feels wobbly, remember that I am your Rock. I always provide a stable place for you to stand. I can easily bear all your weight, including the weight of your problems. So come to Me when you are feeling heavy laden with worries. I invite you to lean on Me- trusting Me with all your heart and mind."
Dad's diagnosis, and the countless others who are diagnosed with brain cancer, are exactly WHY I run for the rose. The funding and awareness for brain cancer is saving countless lives and giving those diagnosed with brain cancer QUALITY of life. Dad is living proof that the money raised by the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation is impacting so many, in such a positive way. I hope you can all help in supporting the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation in making a donation to support brain cancer research, research that is so badly needed, research that is without a doubt saving lives, and research that is on the brink of finding a cure!
Visit our team page, join us for the run/walk, or make a donation to help support so many families, just like mine, who are fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
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