Blogging for charity
I was in my early teens when one of my uncles died from cancer. I don't remember much, except visiting his house and standing quietly in the hall whilst my parents went into the room where he lay on the bed. I didn't know what to say or do. A sombre atmosphere cloaked the whole house.
One of my cousins, his third child, was my age, and he had two younger as well as two older children besides. I vaguely remembered thinking that they were so young to be losing a father, and wondering how the family would cope, because my uncle had been the sole breadwinner. (Most of my aunts, on both Dad & Mom's side, have opted to stay home with the children instead of pursuing careers in the "outside world")
Years later, my aunt, his widow, also developed cancer, but in her case they caught it early enough that treatment was successful. I saw her grow thin and emaciated-looking and even though I don't believe in Fate, I thought, If there is a Fate, she must be really cruel to hit this family twice.
Ever since then, the word cancer has evoked a feeling of dread and a strange respect within me. It seems to hit anybody, anywhere, at any time, without rhyme or reason. You never know whom it'll strike next.
If you feel strongly about this issue, you can help make a difference by sponsoring Edrei as he blogs for 24 consecutive hours in the Blogathon 2005 on August 6. All donations will go directly to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia.