It's something that we've all dealt with. It's something that nobody should have to deal with. The dreadful C-word, cancer. So to those who have been affected by cancer in any way. this one's for you.

Honestly, in one way or another, we have all been affected by cancer. Whether a family member has gone through it, a friend, a teacher, employee, or even ourselves. No matter what the circumstances are, it always sucks. I myself have been affected by cancer, but I don't mean me, personally. I mean I had a family member who had cancer. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 13. I was young, so I didn't fully understand what was going on. I was mad at the world for doing this to my mom. I didn't understand how such an amazing lady could be diagnosed with such a horrible thing. A lot of my anger was fear. My mom is my best friend, so I couldn't even picture my life without her.

My mom was lucky enough to fight and beat her cancer, and she's one of the strongest people I know. Unfortunately, not everyone can say the same thing that I can. There are many who fought the battle with everything they had inside of them, with every ounce of hope, faith, and strength. Sometimes it just isn't enough. I've watched so many people that I know lose ones that they love to cancer, so many stories and movies based on children that were diagnosed with cancer at a young age.

Sometimes I think, why little kids? They're innocent and have yet to live a life. Nobody wants to live their life inside of a hospital. To not be able to sit at their kitchen table on Thanksgiving and stuff their face full of food, to not be able to sit on their front porch and hand out candy to kids on Halloween, to not be able to sit around the Christmas tree and open up presents with their loved ones. Yes, their loved ones come to them in a way, but it isn't the same.

We take for granted all that we have and can do. Students whine about getting up early for school, but just think: There is a sick little kid who would kill to be able to walk into their school and attend their 8 a.m. class. We complain about how hot or cold it is, but just think, there are some cancer patients who haven't gotten the chance to step outside and have to watch the snow fall from their hospital window.

I'm not going to sit here and pretend like I know what it's like to lose someone to cancer or to have cancer, because I don't. Sure, we all cry and get the feels while we watched "My Sister's Keeper," but when it comes down to it, we have no idea how that family feels. We don't know what it's like to attend the funeral of a loved one who has lost their battle, or what it's like to have to hold our child in our arms as they take their last breath or as their hair falls out. It's a feeling I never want to feel.

For some, it's too late and their loved one has already lost the battle, but for those of you that still have time, cherish every second you have. Never give up, even when it looks like there's nothing left for them to do. Keep pushing, keep fighting, keep showing them that they're not in this by themselves and that you're a team. Teams don't quit until they win. Don't quit until you win. And if it comes down to the awful situation where they've done all they can do, make the most out of that time. If that means pulling all-nighters to watch silly movies or play board games, do it. Every chance you get, look them in the eyes and let them know how much you love them. Hold them in your arms when they're scared, cherish every smile or laugh that goes across their face, and never take any moment for granted, because those are moments you can never get back.

I am lucky enough to still have my mom and she is my person. Unfortunately, some don't get that chance. So let your loved one know that they are your person, and let them know this as often as you can. With hope and help from professionals, they can beat this battle. Cancer sucks, we all know that. But love doesn't suck. And nothing is more important in your life than being surrounded by your loved ones, no matter what. Together you will all show cancer who's the boss!