Breakaway From CancerAs we always try to convey to everyone who reads “Six Degrees of Inspiration”, it’s not always about rosy scenarios, or an easy life, but what we should focus on, is how we can make the life of other individuals better. And it’s always inspiring to see organizations take initiative in this respect.

Recently, we were made aware of a worthy organization that fits this description. Taking initiative so that others may get better.

Breakaway from Cancer™,

Founded in 2005, continues to raise awareness and funds to support valuable services and programs, provided free of charge, that help people living with cancer. The initiative was created by Amgen Inc. as a complementary component to the company’s sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California. Last year, through the Breakaway from Cancer initiative, Amgen raised more than $1 million to support The Wellness Community, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free support, education and hope for all people affected by cancer. This year, the initiative will support the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country, and The Wellness Community.

Patrick DempseyAnd even better is the caring spokesperson for this wonderful and inspiring organization. You all know him as McDreamy, but in real life, he plays a caring man, who just wants to make a difference — Patrick Dempsey.

Golden Globe nominee and ABC hit series Grey’s Anatomy actor, Patrick Dempsey understands the important role caregivers play when helping a loved one battling cancer. Patrick’s mother’s bout and victory over cancer motivated him to join the Breakaway from Cancer™ initiative.

“My mother is a two-time ovarian cancer survivor. I hope by supporting Breakaway from Cancer and sharing my family’s personal experience, others will be inspired to seek the support they need.”

There's a lot of wonderful and inspiring stories at breakawayfromcancer.com, here’s one that stood out to me.

On November 14, 2006 I was diagnosed with Large BCell Lymphoma. I had a tumor approximately 6.5” x 4” on my right kidney causing Hydronephrosis and lymph nodes with the disease under my right arm. A bone marrow biopsy followed and came back negative; this meant that I was in Stage III B of the disease. Everything happened so fast that I felt in shock, and numb not knowing where to turn or what to do. I was told to plan for the worst and hope for the best. I felt as if my world was spinning out of control, my god I had “Cancer.” Everyone kept saying that it was a good thing that the doctors were moving quickly and that I should be thankful. Thankful? I should be thankful that I have “Cancer” that my life had been turned upside down that my husband and children were going to have to watch me endure treatments, lose my hair and become sick?

Like many before me I was angry, confused and scared. I remember standing in my kitchen looking out the window at the sky and screaming at the top of lungs to god. Asking him how much was one person suppose to take; why me? Why did I have cancer, had I been that bad that cancer was my punishment? I cried till I was exhausted, I cried for my children, I cried because I needed to and I cried for what the future might hold.

I was scheduled to enter the hospital on November 27 to receive my port and my first Chemo therapy treatment. I spent much of my time before my Chemo treatment getting everything in order, praying for strength and guidance. While going through paperwork I had at the house I came across an article. The article reminded me that I had once been part of a team at work called the Bunny Brigade. The Bunny Brigade would hold parties monthly for all the children with cancer at Shands Hospital. I sat down and thought about all those children I had met; and what each of them and their families had endured. I realized that if a child can go through this and still smile so could I.

I realized that my attitude was wrong I was looking at cancer as a punishment. In reality I had been “chosen” that this was a test of strength and endurance. Through this experience I know I will become stronger, wiser and find a way to make a difference in life. My father once said there are two types of people in the world those who chose to be a victim and those who chose life. I will not be a victim of cancer, I am determined to survive it and live!!!!

I began surfing the internet for information about my cancer. I gathered everything I could find about the treatments, medicines, diet, FAQ, and read stories of survival. I read testimonials, registered with the Cancer Society and wrote down questions for my doctor. I found that many people with cancer have done spectacular things, miracles have occurred, people have made a difference in the world because of the strength that they received through their battle and ultimate defeat of cancer.

Instead of thinking of all the things that cancer could do to me, my family, and my friends; I began to count all the things that cancer cannot do:

Cancer cannot stop love
Cancer cannot destroy hope
Cancer cannot shatter faith
Cancer cannot take your smile
Cancer cannot steal inner peace
Cancer cannot slay friendship
Cancer cannot suppress memories
Cancer cannot silence courage
Cancer cannot invade the soul
Cancer cannot smother eternal life
Cancer cannot halt determination
Cancer cannot conquer the spirit
Cancer cannot dominate strength
Cancer is very limited it cannot take from you what you are not willing to give up!

I continue my Chemo therapy treatments and my battle with cancer. I still on occasion cry but the tears are not those of a victim; they are the tears of a fighter whose battle is not yet won.

The Ultimate Cancer Fighter
-Tammy C., Survivor Extraordinaire

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