Guys and girls I just want to do something we don't say often enough, thank you for being here.

The first thing someone does when they even suspect they have cancer is to hit Google. All they want to know is "will this kill me" and they enter a sea of confusing statistics and usually read things way out of context for the type of cancer they might have.

Then comes the diagnosis and the bombardment of new information and concepts totally foreign to the average person. Words like "constipation" "nausea" are about to take on a whole new definition, and new words like "dysphagia" and "PEG" become new staples in the vocabulary.

The lucky ones find their way here. They are treated with respect, no matter how silly their newbie questions might sound to the veterans. In an internet full of trolls, haters and misinformation, they find trust, empathy and sound, heartfelt advice. Its not an easy place to be. For the veterans to constantly revisit their own pain is a difficult cross to bear. Some find it too depressing to stay, and I can understand that.

I want to make a special mention about ChristineB. I didn't want to name anybody, because I'd miss out on many deserving people. But to me, Christine is an absolute star. We have many mothers in the group but I consider Christine to be the mama bear. Nothing gets past the mama bear. If you're not having your 2500 calories and 48oz of water (those are MINIMUMS people!) you will hear from the mama bear. If you don't add a signature, or post something in the wrong board (heaven forbid the General Board!) you will hear from the mama bear. Her daunting signature shows she has earned her stripes and when she tells you something its like hearing it from your own mother. You had better listen because she has been through it all and she is telling you because she loves you, and its for your own good, especially when its not what you want to hear. I am so grateful she is here.

Now I hope you all get to read this before the mama bear swipes this post off to some obscure board down the bottom. I just want to thank all of you, the founders, admins, old timers and other contributors. You make this place a warm place to visit when the world is very small and dark.

Bless you all, your caregivers and your medical teams.