Elephants and Tea - June 2022 - 16

Dear Cancer...
IRAM J. LEON
Dear Cancer,
You are already a power hog, a bully, so I
try to ignore you believing that negative
behavior is just desperate for attention.
Perhaps if I don't give it to you, you will
go away.
That has only worked to some degree.
I am a guy who had never called in sick.
From kindergarten to college, I missed
five days due to the chicken pox and
then when you bastardized some of
my brain cells, it was two plus years
before I had a month without a medical
appointment. Your " side effects "
of seizures kept me from driving for
three plus years; you couldn't think
of making your side hustle more fun?
I put off brain surgery to run a marathon;
I was inspired enough to qualify
for Boston. Recently, as in a few months
ago, I ran it for the third time since you
and I met. Let me be clear, the fear of
death and the awareness of mortality
inspired me to love life.
Having a lower chance of survival
gave me a reason to make good choices
such as focusing on current relationships.
At some level, the probability that I wouldn't make it to 40
made me eat dessert more since eating healthy hadn't stopped you.
The caffeine and alcohol restrictions I had because of you made me
drink rum and coke after happy cancer moments just so I could
prove you were never fully in charge.
I am not going to say thank you, Cancer, for the lessons. The
lessons came from good people, from the community that put us
in the same place where we bonded over our shared humanity.
I am trapped here having to talk to you; I wish I wasn't. I want
the day to come where no one has to talk to you because we have
gotten you to go away. You have probably read between the lines regarding
some of the four letter words you inspire. But still, I go with
hope-hope is my four letter word. With that said, I am going to go
talk with the people I like and love; those who are healthy for me.
- Iram J. Leon
FIRST DESCENTS
DEAR CANCER, YOU WERE NEVER FULLY IN CHARGE
When navigating something as difficult as cancer, the serenity and beauty that
nature provides can be a powerful tool for healing. This partner column creates
a space for members of the First Descents community to share their outdoor
experiences as cancer patients and survivors. We hope these stories bring a little
bit of the out living it spirit to your days.
First Descents provides free, life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults
(ages 18-45) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions, as well as
programs for caregivers and healthcare workers. Visit firstdescents.org to learn
more or apply!
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ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
JUNE 2022
http://www.firstdescents.org http://www.ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
Elephants and Tea - June 2022

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