As we fight for the cure, we also fight for the caregivers. It is the caregivers who shepherd patients to remission or to the great beyond. I fight for my mum, my dad, for my grandparents, and for all the caregivers who give so much to patients as they face cancer.

My mom spent 5 years of her life taking care of her parents at the end of theirs. My maternal grandparents both suffered from cancer (melanoma & lung). My grandfather declined first. Before my mother arrived, he was largely confined to a chair. My mum moved hundreds of miles to serve as the 24/7 caregiver. My mum reworked his nutrition, hired a physical trainer, and talked to him. By the last year of his life, my grandfather could swallow home cooked meals and even managed one last swim in the ocean (first time in many years). After he died, my mum stayed and took care of my grandmother for the last few years of her life.

Cancer exacts a horrible toll. On the patients themselves and their caregivers. My mum was able to provide a comfortable end of life to her parents only because she put her own life on hold for 5 years, with little compensation and at great personal cost. My paternal grandmother was able to die at home as well, because of the direct care her children provided. My dad cooked my grandmother’s favorite breakfast one morning, from scratch, just as he used to when he lived at home. That was her last meal before she died a few days later (from leukemia).

And, I fight for my students. Throughout the school year, I encourage my students to embrace the academic challenge, to lean into the areas of discomfort, and to take risks. One of the strengths in teaching is modeling. I expect my students to listen to each other, to treat each other with respect, and to challenge each other in constructive ways. I model that in my behavior with them, my colleagues, and myself. On the mornings I wake up with that negative voice telling me “You can skip boxing, just stay comfortable in bed. You’re not that good anyway…” I think of my students. What would I say to my students in such a moment? So, I get up, grab my bag, and wrap my hands. If I ask students to face their fears, to embrace the challenge, I can do the same.