Cancer Survivors are also Thrivers

October is breast cancer awareness month. There are so many things to be aware of when experiencing breast cancer. Last week, I was asked to speak to a group of cancer survivors at a senior center. I was impressed with the vitality of the group. Most people in attendance were my age or older, and like me, they had survived cancer. Some of the people boasted of 20 years cancer-free. I am delighted to report that I am celebrating almost five years cancer-free. In these past five years, I have come to realize more acutely, that every day is a blessing. Sure, life has a way of sometimes presenting interesting challenges, but the fact that I am able to experience whatever the day brings is a blessing.

Recognizing that I am in fact a senior citizen (67 years old,) I decided to join a senior center. When I entered, I was impressed that there were so many activities and almost everyone was smiling. After I filled out the necessary paperwork to become a member, I noticed a flyer asking for cancer survivors to sign up for a special event to honor them. Since I am in fact a survivor, I found the woman with whom I should register. Her name was Helen. She was a delight! Because of her kind and caring attitude and her zest for life, I went back the next day to give her a copy of my book, "SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS." She was overjoyed! I pointed out that on page 71 there was a brief segment entitled "Good Grief." It talks of the importance of grieving losses in whatever way makes sense for the person grieving. Even survivors grieve. The next day, Helen called me and said she had shared my book with her supervisor and they wanted to order a book for each person who would be attending the event! Wow! What an unexpected honor.

On the day of the event, I entered a room filled with people dressed in pink and purple. It was a sea of color. Again, everyone was smiling. When I was asked to speak to the group, the thing that I emphasized was that it is one thing to survive cancer, but it is an added blessing to thrive! Utilizing the letters of the word CANCER, I gave some words of encouragement. C stands for the courage we have as survivors. A stands for how awesome and amazing we are. N stands for nurturing ourselves and others. C stands for caring about the journey of those around us. E stands for empathy. When you have been through cancer to whatever degree, you become more in tune with others and feel for them in their situation. Finally, R stands for resilience. Cancer survivors are tough! Therefore, it is important to embrace the gift of life and not only survive, but also thrive.

If you too are a survivor of cancer, find ways to thrive! If you are a supporter of someone who has experienced cancer, take time to help them live this life and that more abundantly. Cancer survivors need others to help them thrive! Let's join forces to embrace life together and to thrive!

Ruth C. Chapman's book "SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS" is one of her numerous books available on Amazon.com.