A Whole New World

A year ago, I knew nothing about brain tumours.  I knew very little about cancer, and even less about what sick children experience.  It's as if there is a completely separate world, running in parallel with the world most people know - sort of like an undercurrent - or even an underworld of sorts.  I don't mean "underworld" in the sense of hell, or hades, but a world hidden, underneath the fabric of "regular" society.  It is a world of medications, doctors, side-effects, treatments, appointments, worry, hope, scans, tests, fear, pain, needles, loss, triumph, loneliness, strangers who become friends, heartache, friends who become strangers, research, confusion, drugs, joy.  If we even know this secret underworld exists, we ignore it - put it out of our minds.  We think that that world is for others - not us.  While that is true to a certain extent, we are proof that anyone could become part of that world without notice. 

Even though we discovered the "underworld" through difficult and tragic circumstances, I'm thankful to be part of that world.  It's like so many worthwhile lessons and goals in life that are difficult and painful to learn or achieve.  While I wouldn't wish a brain tumour on anyone, and if I could go back and change the past, I would in a heartbeat make it so that Kolbjorn never had a tumour in the first place, I am very thankful for discovering the "underworlds" of cancer and sick kids.

Jasmine and Aladdin discover a whole new world on their magic carpet.  Sometimes, I feel like them - discovering so many new things, tumbling through the endless sky, holding our breath, hoping there's something below to catch us if we fall. 

My "magic carpet" ride.

A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Now I'm in a whole new world with you

Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky

A whole new world
Don't you dare close your eyes
A hundred thousand things to see
Hold your breath - it gets better
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be

Jasmine's new world was dazzling, happy.  I wish - and hope - that ours will be, too.

A year ago, when Kirk and the girls were preparing for the Relay for Life, I remember  being impressed with how so many people put so much of their heart and soul into planning and working to raise money for the event.  I see now why they do it.  Events like the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada's Spring Sprint and the Relay For Life help to provide hope to those hurting with hope, information, and support.   Participating in these events is a way to overcome the helplessness we felt when we, or someone we love were fighting for their life, and feel like we are paying it forward.

While I have concerns about the efficacy of the research being done into cancer treatments, and am cynical enough to believe that there are more economic and financial reasons to NOT find a cure for cancer (since research is so profitable - and so many organizations, and so many people's livelihoods depend on providing cancer treatments) I still believe that those suffering require support and education. That is what I am working for.  We have been especially thankful for the information and support we have received from the Brain Tumour Foundation.  That is why Kolbjorn is a spokesperson for the Spring Sprint.

Please consider supporting, or even joining Kol's Krew in the Saskatoon Spring Sprint.  See KolsKrew.ca for more details.  Thank-you!