Photo caption: Curtis Morton Sr and Lea Parris-Cambridge
A Nevispages weekly feature by Curtis Morton Sr
The way I see it, while we are focusing on the dreaded covid 19 scourge, people are dying so fast around here, from other diseases. One such disease which is really taking a toll on our population is CANCER.
Arguably, the most common cancer affecting, especially our female population, is BREAST CANCER.
The month of October is designated worldwide as the month for Breast Cancer awareness and people from all parts of the globe, join in solidarity with those affected in order to share information and programs, to stem the disease spread.
One thing I have observed about this deadly disease: It is no respecter of persons, black, white, brown, rich, poor-and seems to spread across age groups as well.
Well I newa!
In times like these, I remember a dear friend, Lea Parris Cambridge.
I recall how when her mother revealed that she had the disease, she virtually prayed that she would get it too so that she could share the journey along with her mom. Lo and behold, she contracted the disease and shared the journey with her mom.
She was the one who conceived the PINK LILY CANCER CARE organization and along with her sister, Tracey Parris and a few other dedicated souls, worked selflessly, to provide support in all forms; monetary, counselling and otherwise.
Her organization has raised funds and solicited assistance for persons who are suffering from the deadly scourge.
As cancer spread throughout her body, her faith in God grew in leaps and bounds and she maintained a cheerful outlook and instead of focusing on her own dilemma, found time to continue to arrange fundraisers; assisting others in need and even found time to publish a few books.
What a woman!
Every time I had the opportunity to interview her, she remained upbeat and her concentration was always on OTHERS. Even during my final interview with her, when the disease had spiraled into stage four, which she had beaten for many months, she tried to remain upbeat and again was reaching out to help others. Somehow though, I knew that she was dancing her last cast. She, who was normally so energetic, appeared tired. She had indeed fought the good fight and kept the faith.
Dr. Jessica Bardales, who herself is a cancer survivor and a friend of Lea, wrote: “In Memory of a dear lady, Lea Parris-Cambridge, a brave, considerate and loving friend to so many. I send my deepest sympathies to her family. Lea’s Light will shine forever. Thoughts and Prayers …”
In that final interview with me, she revealed the sad news, that cancer had returned with full force and had affected her right breast and liver. She knew she was going to die sooner rather than later. She prepared for the inevitable and sought to put her spiritual house in order and prepare her family as well.
She had many conversations with her husband and children, preparing them for her death and asking them to be strong as they continued living.
Her simple message to all individuals was: ‘Eat well, exercise, put your trust in God and do not be afraid to die. As she went through that trying phase, Lea testified that her faith in God was strong and that she totally depended on him, as she existed, one day at a time.
She was only able to eat small portions of food at a time and her energy level was a far cry from what it used to be, but that did not stop her from continuing to look out for the best interest of persons in need of help, especially cancer patients or their family members.
I have learnt that whenever we have to fight any form of disease, our attitudes play a significant role, in determining whether we survive or die. A positive attitude and outlook on life assist in healing and recovery.
On the contrary, the attitude of feeling sorry for yourself and blaming others for your situation tends to lead to a worsening of the situation.
I am told of a real-life story of a man who was hospitalized and was sick unto death. They called his family members to see him alive, for the last time. While they were praying with him, he asked for his son who lived in Canada and requested that they tell him that he wanted to see him.
Somebody called the son and informed him of his father’s request. He immediately booked a flight, feeling that more than likely his father would CONK out before he arrived. To his pleasant surprise, his father was alive and waiting!
Shortly after the old man had spoken to his son, he breathed his last breath. That is sheer positive willpower!
So we salute all of these brave women who have to go through this ordeal.
I pray to God that one day we will find a cure or even a vaccine-or something.
That’s the way I see it. How do you see it?