World cancer Day is observed on February 4th each year with the ultimate goal:
To “unite the world’s population in the fight against cancer.” This year’s theme is: “I am and I will.”
In recognition of the significant day, Dr. Jessica Bardales, a cancer survivor and a Doctor who previously lived and worked on Nevis, sent this message from her home in Sweden:
‘There is beauty in each season. There is beauty in life.’
Acknowledging the importance of World Cancer Day
‘As I write these words, I would like to believe that the word CANCER is not and will never be part of your daily living. I would like to believe that YOU who are reading, are doing all possible to remain healthy, physically and mentally during these challenging times.
Tomorrow, February 4th is marked as World Cancer Day. Efforts are united around the globe to raise cancer awareness and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. The end goal is to reduce death caused by this way too common disease.
While contemplating the beautiful Swedish panorama of snow and a bright sun (it is a “mild” -8°C outdoors) and watching the videos made with a group of cancer patients in my Caribbean home Nevis, I realized with great sorrow that some of them are not with us anymore while others (including myself) are calmly or fiercely giving cancer a fight.
In spite of depression, distress, COVID or cancer, in spite of the world seeming and feeling unfair and scary, I think YOU will agree that we have had abundant blessings in our lives. We need to keep our hopes of a better tomorrow high. When you feel defeated, remember your many achievements and how important you are for the ones who love you and for many more outside your family. When the sky is not as blue as you would like, your imagination can paint it the color you want but remember there is beauty in each stage of our lives, there is beauty in each season of the year. After living almost 30 years in the Caribbean with temperatures of 28°C and above, this is my first winter with such abundant snow.
I was concerned at first, I did not know how to walk in it or how many layers of clothing I could possibly wear to keep warm but after some days, I am enjoying the season to the fullest. Sweden’s winter beauty is breathtaking. When you feel cold physically or you’re spiritually frozen, think of the radiant sun on a summer day or a luminous, loving smile and you will feel better.
During these complicated COVID times spent indoors, instead of feeling lonely, we can use the time to lift up one another, share our memories and be happy for one another.
On February 4, 2021, WORLD CANCER DAY, dear friends, join me in celebrating the lives of the ones who have gone before us and the courage of so many warriors still in the battle. More importantly join me in encouraging YOU and others in your close circle in taking RESPONSIBILITY for YOURSELVES by taking whatever health, lifestyle and medical preventive measures that are needed.
Below are the links to the 3 videos I was watching earlier, made with my love and the bravery of the cancer warriors sharing their experiences so YOU do not have CANCER in your vocabulary.
1) 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKiTE8MsSNA&t=44s (HPV and Cervical Cancer)
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYf-KDwx4M0 (Facing breast cancer)
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE6fCtD2fAc (Breast cancer detection can be done by you)
With love,
Jessica Bardales
4 times breast cancer warrior’