Here we are again. September, Cancer Awareness Month. Its been quite a bit since ive kept up with this blog. So much has happened since then, so buckle up. This is going to be one heck of a post.
Honestly, ive been dreading writing here for a while. Its hard for me to look back when life is moving so fast. Sometimes I wish to put aside this part of my life. Its hard for other people to digest the fact that cancer could be so close in anyone's life. I don't want to be viewed differently just because of that. But i've come to terms that this is a very important part of who I am and I think i'd like to preserve the memories that make me who I am.
Throwback to March. Make a Wish had a small zoom meeting with my mom and I. We wanted to get involved more and give back the same way they did for me. Little did we know, they were interviewing me. For what you may ask? Well, a few weeks after that call, they asked me to be a Make A Wish ambassador for their annual gala. I was thrilled!
Shortly after we said yes (without hesitation), they came to my house to interview and document a video of my parents and I. They asked us questions about my treatment, about my wish, and how it impacted me. It stirred up a bunch of emotions I forgot were even there. That same night, they asked if i'd be willing to dance at the event. I hadnt danced in a few months, so I was a bit nervous but I couldn't have said yes any quicker. It was like a dream come true.
We called on one of my favorite teachers/mentors, Hanna Bricston, to choreograph a solo for me. Another dream come true! I practiced for just a month with different coaches and in any space I could find.
People congratulated me just for being me. It was crazy cool.
That experience will live in my heart forever. Make a Wish is truly magical and I couldn't be more grateful to help them in such a way that it felt like a second wish for me.
Fast forward to August. I started off sophomore year a bit rough with my social life but its starting to make sense a little more everyday. More the social part, the learning part still gets me. Speaking of which, because of my treatment, I was provided with a 504 plan for school which technically just gives me extended time on work and tests. I can't help but be a bit embarrassed to use it. I daze off often and find it hard to complete or understand my work quickly. It's not that I'm bad at school, it just takes me a bit longer to process. I have to continue to remind myself why I have this plan and that I should use it more often. Crazy, I'm sharing this online, but I think it's important to acknowledge the everlasting side effects of the treatment I received at such a young age. It's not a huge deal, but it's definitely something that crosses my mind often.
Now, September. It's Childhood Cancer Awareness month. A month I'd hope would be acknowledged a bit more. I think people don't realize what this situation is like and how it affects around 15,780 kids and their families each year. The constant doctor visits, the frequent scares, the weekly chemo, which may I add, could kill the child (but in most situations, that's the only option), plus so much more families should absolutely not have to deal with. It breaks my heart when I see such a familiar experience affecting others. Maybe it is just because it hits so close to home that I care so much, but so what. Others should care too. Cancer is real, cancer is scary, and cancer can happen to anyone. Even kids. Around 47 a day in the U.S. So this September, I encourage you to research a little, see the impacts, and hopefully give a little. It doesn't take much to change someone's life, especially when they really need it.
Kennedy
Here are some charities that I love:
