Dear Cancer,
You have some nerve.
When I was a little girl, your name was like some far away boogey-man that couldn’t possibly get close enough to scare or hurt me or my family and friends. You were just the word that turned movies into tearjerkers and made any episode of a favorite tv show “very special”.
Now, Cancer, you have become a regular part of my daily vocabulary. You have terrorized and attacked people that I love and value very deeply. I writing to let you know that I am angry, and I am declaring war.
For my friend Alana and her sister Genevieve, who were robbed of their mother at a young age when a girl really needs her mom. F that, Cancer. There is never a time when a girl doesn’t need her mother.
For Erin and Emily who were raised by their mother, only to have her taken from them while they were planning weddings and becoming mothers. And for Tuesday, Gavin and Jax who will never know their Grandma Cindy.
For Claudia and Neal, who were and still are the most gracious people. Perhaps you got confused, Cancer. Maybe you saw how these lovely people opened their home and their hearts to everyone and made us all feel so welcome and at home and thought you could come on in. Let me be absolutely clear about this – YOU ARE NOT WELCOME.
For my brave and beautiful cousin Krista, who was only 15 years old when you made your surprise attack on her body. Not cool. You thought you could destroy this young thing, but you had no idea who you were messing with. Not only did Krista spend 2 years (time she should have been enjoying her high school experience) in battle against you, she came out the victor. Now, at 21 years old, she has expelled you from her body and is dedicated to being an advocate and a voice for all of the children you try to silence every day. And for Rose and Mike, because no parent should have to watch their child suffer or live in that kind of fear.
For my mom. You may have caused some changes in her appearance. Yes, there are some wounds that are still healing on the outside. You will NEVER, however, come close to damaging her spirit, her faith, her strength, her wit, and her will to protect her family.
For my dad. It was clever of you to try and economize by invading both of my parents at the same time. I mean, who doesn’t love a good two-for-one deal? Unfortunately for you, this only made them both stronger. My 77 year old dad is kicking your ass all over town right now. Perhaps this is his revenge for the fact that you took both of his sisters. In the span of one year. Not classy, Cancer.
And finally, for my friend who seems to be your latest target. You know who I’m talking about. You took his mother and now you’re back to pick a new fight. Well guess what, Cancer? You picked the wrong dude. He’s strong and young and healthy and he’s got an army of friends and family who have his back. You don’t stand a chance.
This is war, Cancer. It’s true I am no scientist, but I will do everything within my capabilities to bring you down. I will run, I will raise money for the dedicated scientists who WILL end your reign of terror in my lifetime, I will see my doctors regularly and advise my friends to do the same so that should you decide to attack, we will be ready to fight you with all of our strength.
On behalf of my family and friends, and for the millions of people who have to deal with your cowardly brand of villainy every day I have one thing left to say. This comes from the bottom of my heart.
FUCK YOU, Cancer.
Sincerely,
Ali Velez
