When Cancer Hits Too Close to Home

Like so many, I didn't have the traditional upbringing. Growing up, I spent most of my weekends with a family that I called "my adopted family," the Gelinas family of South Dartmouth.

They were one of the many reasons I didn't end up on the street. All of their children were like my own brothers and sisters. I can't thank them enough for making me feel like a part of their family, especially during those awkward points we all have growing up.

Now, this isn't a post about me. It's about one of the girls in the family that I looked up to. I remember she was a rock star of a basketball player. As a matter of fact, she tried showing me how to play and I just couldn't get into sports. She was and still is one of the coolest girls you will ever come across. Her nickname for me is "Greenhorn."

She was diagnosed with brain cancer and went through chemo. Doctors had cleared her. Getting cleared from the doctor usually is a massive relief even though there is the potential for the cancer to come back. Well, in the case of my dear friend, it did just that. Luckily we live in an area that allows us access to some of the best doctors in the world. This would be the closest to me that cancer has come, and it's heartbreaking to see someone that I admire have to fight this battle.

This photo breaks my heart. It's one that her sister, Leah Crawford, sent to me.

Right now, her husband has to continue to work out of town to make sure she can get the care she needs.

I know I'm not alone in feeling helpless in this. I'm wondering what it is I can do to relate to and comfort someone who is going through this?

Is their someone in your life either right now or has previously had a fight with cancer? I'd appreciate any advice you can give.