There's a reason they call it a battle, it's infectious, destructive, and heartbreaking. Those are the three things I think of when I think of cancer. It's a monstrous disease that not only invades the life of it's chosen victim, but also the entire family along with it.

Cancer is a thief, it's like a burglar that comes suddenly and unexpectedly, destroying anything it pleases and taking anything it wants with no consciousness of the repercussions it may have. Burglars seek to obtain things of value, things that can be replaced, things that are just things and can be bought back. Cancer steals things that can't be replaced with money, it's a theft of time, dreams, hope, and health. Cancer can break your body and take your strength, but it can't steal you, it can't take your soul.

It's easy to forget how precious it is to be alive and to cherish moments with the ones you love and doing the things you love. Seeing people battle cancer has often reminded me to indulge in every moment I am given in life, but more importantly, it's taught me that cancer is just a word. Cancer is just a word, it's not a sentence, it's a journey some are forced to take, but it's not the end.

Sometimes wars have more than one battle to be fought before they're complete with some wins and losses. It's okay to scream and cry, and even be angry for a little bit, but it's not okay to give up before the war is over.

"You're a warrior. Warriors don't give up, and they don't back down. Pick up your sword and shield and fight."