A tribute to cancer.

Cancer did not ask for permission before entering my life,
and I did not welcome it when it came.
It arrived as fear, pain, and uncertainty—
a thief of comfort, time, and innocence.

But in its ruthless presence, something unexpected happened.

Cancer stripped life down to its bare essentials.
It taught me the value of a single good day,
the power of hope on the hardest nights,
and the depth of love found in quiet gestures
and unwavering support.

It taught me patience when I wanted answers,
strength when my body felt weak,
and courage when fear tried to speak louder than faith.
I learned to listen to my body,
to honor rest,
and to celebrate survival—no matter how small the victory.

Cancer reshaped my perspective.
It taught me that resilience is not loud or dramatic;
sometimes it is simply showing up, again and again.
It showed me that I am stronger than I ever imagined,
and more compassionate than I knew how to be.

I do not thank cancer for the pain it caused,
but I honor the person it revealed.
The scars I carry are not signs of defeat—
they are proof of endurance, growth, and life reclaimed.

Cancer tried to define me.
Instead, it refined me.

And today, I stand not as what cancer took from me,
but as what it could never take away.