I hate cancer.

I've known two people who courageously fought and lost their battle with cancer. Even worse (if that's possible...), both were adolescents. Really, cancer? They have a whole life ahead of them until you jumped in and took them away from all of their loved ones.

Cancer took two beautiful young people with ambition. Two people who could help add color to our dull world. That is why I hate cancer. It pops up out of nowhere and adds a raincloud to happy people's lives... just because. It aggravates me to no end. I know there isn't a cure, but when there is, the damage has already been done.

Just the word cancer makes me sick. It makes my skin itch and eyes blur. Everyone has their own personal connection to this word with a family and/or friend passing or currently struggling. The world is already chaotic as is with wars, hunger, and destruction. There is absolutely no room for an ailment such as the "C" word.

Reflecting on my life, I am truly blessed with the gifts that I have been given, and I am grateful to no end. How did I get to be so lucky while there are others around me fighting endlessly to overcome it?

Sometimes, I take a step back and try to figure out why these people had to leave the world so young, and why it didn't happen to me. That sounds quite dark, but we really need to realize how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away.

You are breathing, you are living. Honor the life of others who lost to cancer by embracing your own life fully.

I am an avid participator of the phrase "YOLO." One life, so live it.

Donate to foundations near you to be a part of the termination of cancer.

Cancer, you freaking suck.

Best of luck to everyone out there fighting it. You are an inspiration, a champ and a hero to all.

Dedicated to the Claire Marie Foundation , an association I hold near and dear to my heart. And wear coral in honor of Claire, an all around perfect girl.