Testimonials

THE MAGNITUDE OF A THING CALLED CANCER

It isn't every day that you wake up with emptiness in your heart, and the gut wrenching feeling of losing someone very dear. For the most part, we carry out our usual routine, not giving the word "Cancer" much thought. We know something is clearly wrong because "so many continue to be affected by it". We're saddened and may even donate to the cause, but it doesn't really become our reality until perhaps one day, it hits very close to home. That is where we truly realize the magnitude of Cancer.

What is this Cancer I am referring to? I'm pretty sure you already know, but to me, it is a debilitating disease of the mind and body. Its aim is to break you down both physically and mentally and even test us spiritually if we allow it to. It affects not one, but many, including loved ones. Still, at the end of the day, to reiterate the words of Kim-Simplis Barrow, “Cancer is only a word. Take the challenge, don’t let that fear control you, you control that fear”.

In 2008, it hit very close to home when my aunt, Verna Gardiner-Ewing, was diagnosed with stage 4 Lung Cancer. I was in for a major awakening. I cannot begin to explain the impact this diagnosis had on me, my entire family and friends and even other cancer victims. It was in that moment that I realized the magnitude of this dreadful thing. It hurt so much to see my aunt, 42 years old, seemingly healthy, battle the disease. It changed my way of thinking and my appreciation for life. Even now, 2 years after her death, her strength continues to inspire me, as well as the strength of all those who relentlessly fight against cancer.

As we go about our daily lives we are surrounded by so many contributing factors. The things we once thought to be normal and healthy are now in question. Our very existence depends on how much we understand about this disease, as well as other diseases, and what we will do to prevent them from striking again. This is why awareness is so important, and supporting the cause, now, more than ever is imperative.

My aunt battled with late stage lung cancer for 2 years, defying the doctor’s next day death sentence time and time again. During this time, I wrote a song in prayer entitled “Be Her Breath”. It was written for her, and all those who battle with cancer or any terminally ill diseases. I was inspired, yet again, by our First Lady, Kim Simplis-Barrow’s determination to share her journey with the world and decided that it was time to do a music video. The purpose of the video is to echo the importance of advocacy and to create more awareness for cancer. I also hope to raise funds which will be donated to the Cancer Society (through the already established Verna Gardiner-Ewing fund), as well as, individual cancer victims that require immediate medical funds. The “Be Her Breath” blog is for this very purpose.

I invite you to visit beherbreath.blogspot.com to view the “Be Her Breath” video and share your personal journeys, experiences, cures, and stories of hope that will generate knowledge and awareness about “The Magnitude of a thing called Cancer”. The song is also on the blogspot to download for free of charge, and there is an option to pledge a donation whether large or small. A hundred DVD copies of the music video will be donated directly to the Belize Cancer Center Dangriga and the Belize Cancer Society for their use in raising awareness and generating funds.

Special thanks to my entire family, Mrs. Kim Simplis-Barrow, Mr. Burns, Jerome Florez, Belize Cancer Center Dangriga, The Belize Cancer Society and The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for being a part of this effort. I would also like to give a big thank you to Michael Vasquez (Aalawi Productions), Skip Weaver (Belize Film Works), and Jahmai Trapp (Ignite Communications) for having such a big heart and supporting me in this cause.

“I close my eyes and visualize you, the way you used to be, before this came to be, and I ask the Lord to empower you. Lord I ask this in your name. I know you’ll take away the pain, and be her breath.”