Nothing can shatter the hope and promise of a life more than the diagnosis of cancer. It can take the most positive person and turn them into a hopeless schizophrenic.

When I was diagnosed in December of 1990, Rhabdomyosarcoma was a death sentence. Stage Four Rhabdomyosarcoma was my diagnosis. I was told I had six months to live and even if I went through with treatment, the depths of what they needed to attack my system with was so severe that they told me there was a good chance the treatment would also kill me.

I was always a very positive person. My faith in God was always a big part of my life since I could remember. I would encourage anyone who is dealing with such an unknown as cancer to have something you can look to sustain you during the roughest times.

During my first few weeks in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital, I would run into people that were searching for anything to put their hope into. One lady gave me crystals that she told me to put under my pillow. Another spoke about tarot cards and getting a reading.

I want to encourage anyone who gets diagnosed with cancer to never lose hope in the things you believe in that sustain you. If you don’t believe in God, use whatever you have looked to leading up to diagnosis to give you hope.

WHY IS GOD THE ANSWER FOR ME?

My faith in God did not waiver upon my diagnosis. Many asked if it did, but God did not give me cancer. Despite having faith that doesn’t eliminate the threat of bad things happening to me. We live in a fallen world. However, my hope in God and His promises for me grew indefinitely. I came to an entire new understanding of what it is like to rest in the hope that God gives us.

I believe God is the answer for everyone. However, I respect others ability to choose what makes most sense to them. I never would judge another on what they view as what they need to make it through the day. No one should do that to anyone. Cancer is hard enough without someone shoving their religion or anti-religion down your throat.

POSITIVE THINKING CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE

Saying that, keeping positive is vital in fighting the constant battle your mind and body is fighting against a invading threat. That does not mean that you live in a fantasy land. It can be a fine line, but what is realistic is for the individual going through treatment to determine.

I encourage each of you to keep fighting the good fight. Never quit. Never give up. You never know how your story of persistence will bless others in the years to come.

God Bless and as always my prayers and thoughts are with you.

Mark Everett Kelly

NEXT BLOG DATE - Thursday, August 8, 2019