Cansa

Cancer, as common as the flu a friend quoted. We all know someone affected by Cancer and most likely got eaten alive by it. Personally, I've lost an Uncle (Godfather) to Colon Cancer 4 years ago. A great man, husband, father, brother and friend. Its heart-breaking and frustrating to see a loved one deteriorate what feels like in seconds. I remember that day clearly because the key broke off in the door that very evening I was in the toilet.
I once read somewhere that one way of looking at a terminal disease is that you have the opportunity to say your goodbyes and tell them how much you love them whereas you can lose a loved one in an instant in a car crash. There's no easy way of looking at it. This is all parts of Gods plan.
In his plan, I believe, he sent us an Angel in return. My nephew Mason, born on my late uncles birthday last October. Life is beautiful, it's how you choose to look at it.

In memory of my uncle, the family signed up for the Cansa Relay for Life. An overnight 12 hour relay event, Why? Cause Cancer never sleeps. Teams of 10-15 people participate in the relay by walking along the track throughout the duration of the 12 hour event with at least 1 member walking on the track at all times. The event was held at Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone on Friday 23rd March 2012. It was overwhelming setting foot in the stadium, to see all those affected by Cancer and all the families who came to support. I was even more overwhelmed to see the amount of survivors dressed in blue t-shirts adorned with a sash with the words survivor inscribed on it and those in pink tees whom are in remission. Each family had their tent pitched up on the field, some made banners, had tees printed of their loved ones and paper lanterns adorned with messages and pictures which were later used for the Luminaria Ceremony. The paper lanterns lined the track and were left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

Entertainment was plentiful. Cheering the crowd on in true Cape style were some talented singers, klopse band, dancers and Limited Edition Drummers (semi-finalists in SA Got Talent). Guest speaker and cancer survivor Patricia De Lille was present too. It was great to see so many youngsters and local schools in the area give up their Friday night to come support and cheer the crowd on.

The Relay for Life opened with the Cancer survivors taking on the first lap, I could barely contain my tears. As overwhelming as it was I was even more psyched up to start walking. Team MO was on track along with all the other families, the atmosphere buzzing, 10, 9....3, 2 ,1 and off we went. I must add that I'm a fast walker, I have long legs and walking behind a slow crowd frustrated me a little, soon I wondered through the crowd away from my team members to set a comfortable pace for myself. As I was walking along one t-shirt caught my eye. A family member or friend of the late Dane Johnson. I thought to myself I met you Dane Johnson, I was so shocked, a friendly guy I got to know briefly and haven't heard from in years is now gone at the age of 24. R.I.P Dane.

I stayed on track for a consecutive 2 hours with a family member joining me at every alternate lap till my cramps got a little too much. I didn't get to stay the entire event but next year I'm there in full force, family and all.

Life is short, Cancer can be beaten. Don't ignore that ache and pain because its bearable. Its your body telling you somethings wrong. I had a 2nd lump removed from my breast 2 weeks ago. I discovered it months ago but the procrastinator in me just continued as normal until it started causing pain throughout my boob and armpit. I got my results of the operation last Friday to discover it was a tumor called Phyllodes tumor. Benign thank God.

In memory of those we lost, in remission, survivors and those fighting Cancer.

Love and Miss you Uncle Michael ♥