Dear Darcy,

As a co-caregiver to my brother, I found that the love I had for him was immense, love I knew I had but when he found out he had cancer and the thought of losing him, it changed me forever. My big brother now needed me. I was the little sister who looked up to him, idolized him in every way and now I could show him how much he meant to me.

I looked at him hooked up to machines, feeding tube, unable to eat or speak, living in agonizing pain 24 hours a day, and realized how fragile life is. That is how it changed me. This strong, athletic man was reduced to a dependent, sick, fragile man. I do not take anything for granted anymore. I live each day as best I can. I appreciate all I have and am grateful I am healthy and not a cancer patient. I now have more respect for anyone going thru this disease and the will to live.

This is how oral cancer has changed my life. I want to stop this disease from taking more people. There are not enough hours in the day for me, but I will do what I can.

What would I say to a patient? I am here for you, I will help you all I can, no matter what happens I will be beside you. Knowing someone cares for you in your time of need is one of the greatest comforts you can receive. My brother had that, and I feel good knowing I was there for him until the end.

I will honor his memory with my cancer walks for as long as I can.

Thank you