Last evening, major networks aired a fundraising event  called "Stand Up to Cancer", a groundbreaking initiative created to accelerate innovative cancer research that will get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now.

Cancer patients shared encouraging stories of hope and success.  In many cases, the original prognosis looked bleak but due to new clinical trials being developed and offered to patients, there has been success in winning the battle.  

As I listened to these people share their heartfelt stories, I related.  I related because I have walked in similar shoes.
There is no truer saying as "walk a mile in my shoes".   Nobody looks forward to wearing a pair of "Cancer Shoes".
They are uncomfortable, unglamorous, and most often times, go unnoticed by others.  Only the person wearing the shoes experiences the pain that comes from wearing them.  But, if you're fortunate enough to see the day when you can toss those "Cancer Shoes" in the garbage, there is no greater feeling.  

When people ask me about my experiences, I tell them that, for me, Cancer has provided many blessings.  
Some of these include:  
 - Increased faith.  
 - Better appreciation for the important things in life and less patience for the meaningless.   
 - Greater awareness of genuineness; who was there to walk the rough road with you and "had your back".

Life's path is not always covered with rose petals but the most precious lessons in life 
are often learned as you journeyed down those rough and rocky roads.