Monday evening, I visited the home of Mertie Ladner, which she shares with her grandchildren, Kristopher and Haley, in Picayune.
I’ve seen firsthand, not just with my own family members, how this disease can tear families apart.
Some children are diagnosed at an early age and won’t live to see their teens.
Then there’s the young father or mother.
My uncle was 23 when he died and left my three small cousins fatherless.
They had to rely on the memories we provide them to paint of portrait of the kind of man and father he was.
By the time people reach retirement age, it should be a time spent relaxing, enjoying life and spending time with family.
While it’s still important to consider preparations for death, it should not be the main focus.
Due to her condition, doctors have given Ladner a shortened life expectancy.
However, she is adamant about proving her doctors wrong.
She has something to live for, her grandchildren.
As I spoke with her, she couldn’t hold back her tears each time she spoke about them.
And as I interviewed Haley and Kristopher, I realized how much they love their grandmother.
Haley was knowledgeable about the side effects of the particular chemotherapy treatment her grandmother receives.
In an excited tone, Kristopher talked about how he cleans the kitchen and mops the floor.
The obvious bond and love between the three of them was so heartwarming and I truly wish this family all of the best.
I hope, for their sake, the chemotherapy starts to attack her cancer cells, so she can have a few more years to raise her grandchildren.
It is something I want for everyone who is battling cancer. I hope that a cure is found in my lifetime.