July 24 1992

16 years ago today a doctor walked into my hospital room at Sloan Kettering, and told me I had Cancer. I was 17. Nine months of chemotherapy, radiation, and finally a bone marrow transplant, and I was cancer free, and thank God I have been ever since.

But I know that I was one of the lucky ones. I had two friends, both teenage girls, from the hospital die of the same cancer I had. One died during treatment, and another died 8 years later after battling the disease for years. Why did I survive? Why did I get to live? I ask myself this often. Biologically my body just responded better to the treatment. Spiritually, well I'll have to wait to ask God myself that one day.

One thing that Cancer has taught me is that it can be a treatable disease, and that someday there will be a cure!!! There has to be!!!!

Lance Armstrongs "Livestrong" campaign is constantly working toward finding a cure. During this presidential race he is making sure that Cancer is a part of the national dialogue, and that we advance our progress in finding a cure.

There are two things you can do today to help in the fight against Cancer.

1) Download this song onto your ipod. http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2662157/k.BC61/Maybe_Tonight_Maybe_Tomorrow.htm
It's a really good song and 100% of the proceeds benefit the Livestrong campaign.

2) Stop smoking!!!! I know that's easier said than done. Just think about this, 30% of Cancers could be prevented by stopping tobacco use. 30% of Cancers just gone. So if you smoke, or your husband uses chewing tobacco, or your friend only smokes when she has a drink. Talk to them about quitting for good. Then send them here http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/quitting-tobacco-use-overview. You could just be saving a life.

So today on this not so happy anniversary, I will be counting my blessings of the last 16 years, thanking God for the path my life has taken since my treatment. And remembering that I am one of the lucky ones.