Dear Cancer
Each year we ask the AYA cancer community to submit letters to cancer to express their feelings about how cancer has changed their lives. People explore an array of emotions in these letters, including anger, sadness, gratitude, and hope.
Want to submit an article or write your own letter to cancer? Click Here.
Dear Cancer, This Has Not Been a Linear Journey
Dear Cancer,
Last year I wrote you a letter like this one, but now I am in a very different place, and I have a lot more to say. Last year when I wrote to you, I was a 23-year-old patient struggling with the effects of chemo. Now I am a 24-year-old survivor trying to heal and find my footing again.
Read More...Dear Cancer, I Feel So Much Guilt
Why do you choose to end my friends’ lives instead of mine? They’re parents and spouses too. Some of them had much less time with their kids than I have had with mine. All of them were so accomplished and loving. I feel so much guilt over this.
Read More...Dear Cancer, It’s Time For You To Go
Most importantly, every night I talk with God and am assured that this is not my time. Not today, cancer. I am comforted as my hands dance across each rosary bead.
Read More...Dear Cancer, I’ll Keep Winning
You have taken away so many lives,
You even tried to take mine.
You have caused so many cries,
But God gave me a sign.
Dear Cancer, I Wish You the Worst
I’ve moved numerous times and think I’ve finally found a quiet place away from you. You’ve stalked me through so many cities, I’m surprised you haven’t found me here yet.
Read More...Dear Cancer, This is My Battle Cry
I learned your lessons and will share them with others before you enter their lives so they will not make your acquaintance. You are longer taking the lead in this match. It’s my turn; it’s humanity’s turn to strike back.
Read More...Dear Cancer, I’ll Hold On
There must be something the universe has in store for me, something I can still do, something I can still contribute, something I can still feel.
Read More...Dear Cancer, You Defined What I Was Made Of
For weeks I did not want to accept you, acknowledge you or in all reality believe you had taken space in my life. But that wasn’t working. The more I pushed you away, cancer, the worse I got.
Read More...Dear Cancer, I Am Looking to the Future
Leave all of us alone. I beg you to leave all my amazing Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer friends alone. Go away forever and never come back.
Read More...Dear Cancer, You Couldn’t Break Me
Never in a million years did I think I would be writing to you at only 23 years old. You are some people’s worst fear but you weren’t mine. I never even thought to put you on my list.
Read More...