During the 2020 holiday season, my partner and I opted for a quiet celebration. We skipped large gatherings and chose to focus on safety instead. We enjoyed some good meals together and watched classic films.
In my 54 years, I had never seen the Rocky series until this year. As we watched the first movie from 1976, I was surprised to hear my high school friends express their disbelief. I ended up enjoying it and watched the entire series, leading up to Creed, where Rocky trains the son of Apollo Creed. In a poignant moment (spoiler alert!), Rocky is diagnosed with cancer.
I find the depiction of cancer in media to be incredibly frustrating. Patients are often shown receiving treatment with minimal struggle, and the narratives tend to conclude on a hopeful note. However, reality is much more complex.
My son was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2018 when he was just 20. As this is a pediatric cancer, he received treatment at a children’s hospital. He underwent multiple treatment plans, and despite our hopes, he relapsed in October 2020.
There’s a saying that suggests anything parents do for their adult children after they turn eighteen is purely out of love. While we’re not legally required to care for them, who wouldn’t want to support their child fighting cancer? We spent countless hours in the hospital together. I stayed by his side, prepared meals to avoid hospital food, and made grocery runs for his favorite treats.
What parent wouldn’t do the same? It’s my duty to be there for him during this life-and-death struggle.
Regardless of age, cancer patients need advocates to navigate the maze of medical logistics. From dealing with healthcare providers to managing insurance claims, it’s a daunting task. There are resources available for families dealing with cancer, but they require someone to seek them out and apply for assistance.
Honestly, I dread the thought of going through this again. I have my own life, a job, a spouse, other children, and grandchildren. I don’t want to put everything on hold—again. But if I don’t step up, who will?
People often say, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do,” when they hear about a new diagnosis. Here are some meaningful ways to help:
- Check In Regularly: It’s tough to find the right words, especially if you’ve lost someone to cancer. But a simple call or message asking how everyone is doing can mean a lot. We appreciate hearing from our friends and community.
- Offer Food: Cooking is the last thing on my mind when I’m preoccupied with my son’s treatment. Donated meals, whether homemade or store-bought, can be a huge relief.
- Set Up a GoFundMe: The financial strain of cancer can be overwhelming, even with insurance. Many families face travel costs for treatment and may struggle to work during this time. Setting up a GoFundMe can rally community support, which can make a significant difference.
I may not want to face this again, but I will be there for my son through thick and thin.
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