I am the daughter of a cancer survivor, and I can tell you firsthand something I'm sure you already know: cancer sucks. Cancer is cold and mean, and it does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, or any label of this nature. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 when I was a freshman in high school. This hard-working, loving, and genuine human had to come face to face with her three daughters and explain to us what our life was going to look like for a little while as a result of her diagnosis. At the time, my teenage mind couldn't even begin to understand what this experience was like from her perspective. Looking back now, I am able to reflect and hope to share some comforting words to anyone who has been affected by this disease.

To those who are currently fighting cancer, please know that you are not alone. I can only imagine how terrifying this could be, and you are absolutely allowed to feel scared. But do not give up. You will feel at times that this is too much to bear, that the side effects from your treatments are too sickening, and that life could never be the same after this. But you have a team of family members, friends, coworkers, doctors, and nurses to support and love you through this. You are strong and you can beat this.

To those who survived, congratulations does not even begin to scratch the surface. I have heard many cancer survivors say that they are no longer afraid of what life will throw at them because they've already been through hell. Please teach your new way of looking at life to others, and please remember to take care of yourself! Follow ups with your doctors will always produce anxiety, and it is okay to be nervous. But remember all the fighting you just did, and learn to relax a little now. You deserve this.

To those we lost to cancer, you will forever be remembered and honored for your fight. You are in a better place now; a place where you aren't in pain or suffering of any kind. Your family will miss you for years to come, and holidays and gatherings will not be the same without you. But your legacy will live on through their stories, their memories, their laughter, and their joy. They will rally up support for your cause wherever they go, and great strides to find a cure will be made in your name. You are loved and you are a hero.

And finally, to those who offer support, thank you. You come in many forms, whether you are family, friends, neighbors, volunteers, coworkers, hospital staff, and people interested in fighting for a cure. With all the support that you give, whether it is making a weekly dinner for a cancer-stricken family, donating money to a cancer foundation, or researching for a cure, you are appreciated. Take time to take care of yourself as well. Your loved ones need you to fight along with them, and sometimes they need you to be stronger than they are, as hard as that may seem.

Please take the time to tell a loved one with cancer how much they mean to you. Remind survivors to get to all their follow ups, even if you offer to go with them to ease some tension. Tell a friend about a funny memory you have about your loved one who passed away. And get yourself checked for any early warning signs! Cancer may cause havoc and take lives, but it also creates communities of love and support. Together we'll fight, and together we'll win.