While the vast majority has Halloween on their minds with endless movie marathons, costume planning, and an endless supply of makeup ideas on Pinterest, other minds have their focus elsewhere with a constant battle against the big and bad C-word.

From my point of view, cancer has always been a reality. Yes, it's real in any sense but unless you're effected by it, you don't really bother to turn your head. Maybe donate a dollar or two at your local cancer-sponsoring restaurant or small business, but what is the maximum of two dollars really going to do? Sure if everyone participates, maybe there will be a difference but that's not the case. The majority of donations and support derive from the people that are directly effected in some way, whether it's a family member or yourself.

As of recently, within the last couple years recently, cancer has affected my life in a way that I never wanted it to. I've always known that my grandma had breast cancer and had beat it, and it only contributed to the idea of her being Wonder Woman. But now, it's gone after my mom.

She continues to fight everyday and I couldn't be more proud.. or scared. My mom has always been a tenacious woman and has persevered through anything she has faced. Breast cancer is, by far, her biggest battle and she refuses to lose. I'm terrified every single day because I know and can see what this is doing to her. As strong as she is, there's only so much that can be hidden.

Still, she fights. She smiles. She jokes. I know it's because she doesn't want any of us to worry but we're not blind. We don't let it define her but it's hard to ignore the worst case scenario that I'm absolutely petrified of. I know that my mom is strong, daring, and tenacious, and she's trying her damnedest to stay that way.. but I know it's hard. I know she has to fight to smile and joke. I know she gets exhausted doing the most mundane tasks because of her treatments.

I know cancer is ugly, as does she, but her strength and her beauty will shine through. I know it's hard but I know she won't give up. My mom knows that people need and love her and she's fighting for that. She's fighting for her life- for everything.

She might've referred to her mom, my grandma, as Wonder Woman, but I think my mom has her beat. My mom is Wonder Woman and no one and nothing can change my mind.

October is more than just celebrating a beloved spooky holiday all month long.

October represents those who fight for their lives every single day because of a disease so evil and cruel.

Shift your focus, even for a minute, to recognize and support those who are fighting or might've lost the battle already. They deserve to have the spotlight. Donate for the cure, visit patients, support friends and family who may be fighting. Anything is appreciated and necessary.

They're fighting the battle but we can help them win the war.