Cancer

There are few diseases as infamous and devastating as cancer. While treatment of the condition has made leaps and bounds, it's still essentially a death sentence to be diagnosed with. Cancer is a vastly complex and multifaceted disease. There are so many strains and offshoots of it, that science has really struggled to keep up with at times. When someone hears that they have been diagnosed with cancer, it's like their whole world has fallen down around them. They are confronted brutally with the concept of their own mortality, the fact that their time on this earth has been cut significantly short. I'm happy to have participated in many Relay for Life events, and have raised a fair amount of money for research, but still I feel so helpless to make more of an impact on the disease. Relay for Life is a wonderful event that is sponsored by and raises money for the American Cancer Society, and I definitely want to participate in more in the future. So many people's lives are destroyed by this disease. I know I have a few family members and friends that have gotten diagnosed with it, namely my cousin. Thankfully, her cancer is in remission, and that makes me think that there might be some kind of loving God out there, but I honestly can't say for sure, especially since countless others lose their battle with the disease. When we think of a fatal ailment, Cancer is the first and most prominent one that comes to mind. As far as science has come in treating the condition, it feels like we are no closer to finding a cure. There is chemotherapy, surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy and immunotherapy, but they are simply just that; treatments. The cure for cancer seems to be one of the most elusive scientific solutions, and I know with all of my heart that whoever ends up finding the cure will go down in history as one of the most significant figures on the scientific and medical stage. I would absolutely love it if I would see the cure for cancer come about in my lifetime. It would be one of the most significant medical achievements of all time. While that seems to be a long ways off, there are things large and small that we can all do to work towards that goal. Relay for Life is definitely one of those things that normal everyday people can participate in to contribute to the cause. While it might not feel like we're doing something huge, every cent one raises towards research is hugely significant because it brings us that much closer to a cure. It fills me with hope that those of us who aren't seasoned scientists can in fact do something to help, and I believe that if every member of society does their part, finding a cure is inevitable. Cancer is one of the most terrifying ailments there is, but it can be put in remission, and I believe with every fiber of my being that we as a society can conquer it. It's just a matter of time and effort.