I know too many people who have battled cancer. They weren't all breast cancer, but in my mind and heart, cancer is cancer. It turns life as we know it upside down. Many times I have felt helpless because all I could do is sit next to my friend or family member and just offer encouragement, not answers. During the last 15 years, I have learned that the little bit of encouragement I offered was enough for those to fight that extra minute, day or even month.

I was lucky to have each person who battled cancer in my life because it made me able to battle the little things. I love each one of my friends and family members for different reasons. I loved my mom, Carolyn, for the strength she had with breast cancer to put up with bratty teenagers. I loved my ex-mother-in-law, Donna, for accepting me for me as she battled breast cancer. I loved my best friend, Kelly, for holding my hand while I went through a divorce at the same time she was battling ovarian cancer. I love Woody for fighting for that extra day so he could watch his kids and grandkids grow. I could go on, but my list is long.

Just remember that each day we are getting closer to a cure and for now just the support and love is the greatest medicine.

-- Sherrie Kay, Kennewick