One year ago, my little boy was diagnosed with cancer. It was every mother’s nightmare. Our lives were turned upside down from that moment on, and nothing has been the same ever since.

Throughout the year, our journey has been long and difficult. There have been many tears shed, many sleepless nights, many fears realized. I’ve made weekly (four-hour) drives for chemo, monthly hospital admissions, and countless tests and procedures. I’ve watched my child reach out to me, beg me time and time again not to let the doctors and nurses hurt him. I’ve heard his screams echo down the halls. I’ve even watched one of his friends die. This year has been long and grueling, but, by the grace of God, we’ve made it this far, and we don’t intend to give up.

From the day we were introduced, Candlelighters welcomed us into their family, providing financial and emotional support when we needed it most. Adis called, sent cards, and even came to visit us in the hospital – she went out of her way to let us know that we were not alone. Words can never tell just how much it has meant to us all. This past year would have been ten times harder if it hadn’t been for Candlelighters. Through their efforts, I have come to realize that guardian angels truly do exist.

To me, cancer is more than just the growth within my little Randy’s body. It is more than illness, more than disease, more than anything I’ve ever read about. To me, cancer is the set of prescription glasses for myopia. It is the thing that helped me see what really matters, showed me who my true friend were, enabled me to appreciate all that I’ve been given. For so many people, cancer is all about loss. But, for me, cancer is the one thing that showed me just how much I already had.