Dear Mei Mei,
I’ve only met you a few times during World Vision volunteering experience. I doubt we exchanged more than 20 words but you left a great impression on me — a joyous individual who brightens not just the children and families you advocate for but the team that works with you towards the same cause.
There is no doubt that you are the sunshine everyone needs in life.
It breaks my heart to know that you have to battle cancer. I questioned if life is unfair because such misfortune happens to great people like you or if life is only fair because life is not just made of sunshine.
Regardless, we can’t change the fact that you and I are the chosen ones to face this test of life called cancer now. It may sound ridiculous but I like to think that cancer gives you and me the special power to inspire others.
With great power comes great responsibility.
It is a responsibility to fight this battle courageously for yourself and for your loved ones now. It is not an easy battle but I believe this is not the toughest battle out there so let’s count our blessings.
Treatment days is a roller coaster ride. No doubt. Your mood goes up and down constantly. Sometimes you manage the ride better than you expect. Sometimes your heart misses a beat at a surprise turn. Time seems to slow down while you’re on the ride. But the minute you’re done, it feels like it’s over in a blink of an eye.
Fortunately, this roller coaster ride is a group activity for me and for you; we have such great support system to accompany us on this journey. So don’t feel alone. Don’t go through this alone. Draw strength and inspiration from people around you. Surround yourself with positivity and don’t beat yourself hard if you disappoint yourself sometimes.
I can’t wait for the day you join the rest of us youth cancer survivors to celebrate life together. I can’t wait for the day you radiate sunshine to everyone around you again. Till then, hang on.
With love,
Someone you touched in your life