Hammad on family

* Hammad is my biggest inspiration in running for the American Cancer Society in the Chicago Marathon this fall. I wanted to share his thoughts on the importance of family for cancer patients. Your overwhelming support has helped me get to 78% of my fundraising goal; you can contribute at http://bit.ly/abbasacs.*

One of the questions I’m asked most about my time with cancer is how I was able to mentally cope with having the disease, not to mention treatment itself. While it certainly was a testing time in my life, I never fail to mention how taxing it was upon my family, not just physically, but emotionally. We often forget that hardships and tribulations affect not just individuals, but also the lives of those around them. When we hear of someone being stricken by illness, we naturally focus upon their suffering. Of course, the affected person is and should be the main focus of all attention, but it is easy to forget that the battle against cancer is fought and won not only through the resolve of patients and through the expertise of their physicians, but just as importantly through friends and family, always there to care for, listen to, and emotionally support their loved one. For my parents, my cancer experience was a life changing experience, but they took on the challenge with optimism that even I, as a young man, did not have. My mother was in constant prayer and prostration, my father left his professional obligations for months, and my younger sister often felt guilty for being out with her friends rather than keeping me company. My family made me a priority above everything else, and they were there for me for my every need, doing small things that made all the difference, such as staying up late and sacrificing their sleep even if only to give me a glass of water. All of these were sacrifices for which I will be forever thankful and without which I would not have been able to overcome the most difficult tribulation of my life.

Abbas’ endeavor to run the Chicago Marathon and raise funds for the American Cancer Society is noble and thoughtful not just because ACS works to support cancer patients, themselves deserving of our attention, but also because ACS works to help family, friends, and others who help cancer patients throughout their treatment and recovery process. By donating, you can help ACS help those who selflessly put their own lives on hold, all the while still being able to smile, laugh, and look towards the future with optimism even when the present is gloomy.

Thank you Abbas for remembering our unsung heroes.

Advertisement