Their battle is Ours too – by Sreesha Ram Sarma our Teen Volunteer

“You can be a victim of cancer, or a survivor of cancer. It’s a mindset.” – DavePelzer

I feel like that quote holds true to so many of our cancer warriors. It is Pinktober, a month dedicated to creating awareness about breast cancer and educate people about it. It is a symbol of hope and faith that despite all the harsh battles one might have lost, the war against cancer can still be won.

I did mention “educate people”; not “educate women”. That’s because I feel that men too, should be aware of this disease. They could be fathers, brothers, sons or friends. But their support and love to a family member fighting cancer could never be more valuable. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate against men. It’s just a lot less common than in women.

I joined Saaisha India, to be a part of this amazing family and remind the cancer warriors that hope is never lost. As Walt Whitman said, turn your face toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you. These fighters are living proof that it’s not all about the hair lost or the outward appearance that has changed. Its about the soul within. Cancer is limited. It cannot extinguish the fire within them or destroy their confidence. They show us that its possible not to just endure and pull through, but to rise and to live an absolutely wonderful life once more. It is true that we cannot change pre-destined events of life, but how we react to it goes a long way. Cancer does feel crippling, and it leaves behind scars others may or may not see. Some of them heal, but some they carry with them everywhere. These scars aren’t ugly, but instead remind these brave souls of the pain they survived and how much stronger they have become because of it.

We will continue to be a beacon of light for the cancer warriors and strive to be a reminder that they are never alone