Courage

Lately, the word courage has been on my mind. Perhaps it’s because I have recently been a part of someone else’s courage and celebration. There are many definitions of courage but the one that resonates with me the most is: “bravery and strength in the face of pain or grief.”

There was a young woman feeling challenged by her treatment for breast cancer. She was challenged so much so that she didn’t want to continue her treatment. The pain and discomfort of side effects had become too much for her to manage mentally and physically.

After a chance encounter with her, I shared my journey with cancer and all the challenges that chemotherapy can bring. After sharing my own experiences and telling her about the mental challenges that can stretch your emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other, she chose to finish treatment.

Over the next several weeks, we texted after each of her treatments and spoke about how it went and how she felt mentally and physically. After listening to her, I came to really appreciate what it took for her to show up for treatment. Knowing how she would feel afterward while also having to care for her family, that took courage.

And what a day her last treatment was. I was honored when she asked me to be a part of her bell ringing in the infusion center, signifying the end of her treatment. There were laughs, tears, hugs, and many kind words of, “You did it!” Her joy was so wonderful to watch.

Her family, other patients waiting for treatment, nurses, myself, her medical team – together, we all celebrated her courage. That moment was a nice reminder that simply walking into Moffitt Cancer Center is courageous. Making the choice to seek treatment when you have no idea what treatment may bring into your life is courage. And when you courageously step out into the unknown, you might be surprised to learn that is where hope lives.

Visit Moffitt.org/Courage to read inspiring stories of hope and encouragement.