It is Wednesday, June 11, 2008, Charles Gibson of ABC News is reporting on a story where children who are cancer patients at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City were celebrating Prom Night. ABC asked its listening, viewing audience to send, “Messages of Hope for Cancer Prom-Goers.”
“We asked “World News” viewers to pass along their messages of hope to young cancer patients who just attended a prom. We’ve passed along your messages to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and we’ve posted some of your responses below.”
“Jeff from Bradenton, Fla., wrote: ‘Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about learning how to dance in the rain. Dance away’……Signed Jeff (Stage IV Lymphoma).”
Dr. Sharon McLaughlin from Wantagh, N.Y., wrote: ‘I loved your smiles on World News. This is a difficult time in your life. When I was 13 I was treated at Sloan-Kettering. I loved the playroom and the beautiful views of the city. I didn’t like losing my hair and the time spent away from my friends. My advice would be to live, love, laugh and fight. You will become a stronger person and have an understanding of life that some people do not learn in a lifetime. Best of wishes and only happy thoughts.’ Sharon T Mclaughlin MD FACS.”
I copied two of the messages and would share the with you because they are not just for the intended young people they are applicable to all of us.
Life is not waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about learning to dance in the rain. Dancing is better than crying.
We all have difficult times. Our times may not be as difficult as the patients face in Sloan Kettering. Sharon McLaughlin’s advice is just as vital for each of us. It is to live, to love, to laugh, and to fight for the right.