My dad was... a total pacifist. He was kind and gentle, level-headed and sincere. Despite his peaceful nature -- or, more likely, because of it -- he showed up as a "fighter" in a different way. He fought to protect others as much as he possibly could, always generous with love and care. And fought to give life as much as he could give. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he chose to spend as much time with family and friends as time would allow -- insisting on showing his strength so we wouldn't be scared. ...A month later, he was gone. ...The unfortunate truth is that there are too many stories like this -- too many people that can relate to losing someone they love more than anything to cancer. ...I'm fighting because there shouldn't be. I'm fighting for my dad and every other parent, sibling, friend, neighbor gone too soon. I'm fighting to knock out cancer for good.