September 24th would have been my Mom's birthday. She would have joined us for dinner. She would have blown out candles on a cake. She would have played with the grandkids. She would have had a few glasses of wine. She would have laughed. She would have lit up the room.

But unfortunately, cancer took her too soon.

And even worse, hers is not a unique story. Cancer continues to be absolutely devastating to families and friends and neighbors without stop, without discrimination, without reason, without cause, and without warning.

Black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Eastern European, etc? You might get cancer. Poor? Cancer. Rich? Cancer. Male? Cancer. Female? Cancer. LGBTQ? Cancer. Support MAGA? You might get cancer. Oppose MAGA? You might get cancer. Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Universalist, Athiest, Agnostic? Cancer again. Young or old? Cancer still here.

Do you GET what that means? It means that even when we are put under ALL these labels, when we treat each other differently because of ALL these labels, when we fight to legitimize ALL these labels, when we fight to tear down ALL these labels... Cancer still kicks the door in without warning or care for who you are, what you believe, and what makes you tick. It is the opposite of positive inclusivity...it is the worst club any of us want to find ourselves a part of. And yet, it continues...

This year, during October, can we all just put all the BS in the world aside for a few minutes a day and instead support everyone who has or is facing a cancer diagnosis themselves or for a family member or friend? Can we all come together in opposition to sitting by any longer and letting cancer ravage our shared humanity? Please? If you're so inclined, I'd love for you to stand shoulder to shoulder with me again this year in an effort to raise awareness and much needed funds to provide local support through the Twila Showalter Supportive Care Clinic. You can use the link on this post, or visit us anytime at JoinTeamSndy.com ... Team Sandy has raised well over $125,000 historically for cancer research, care, and support. Help us add ridiculous amounts to our total this year!

Be an Angel for Breast Cancer is a month-long effort to raise awareness and money to support the fight against breast cancer. Individuals come together, spread the word to their family, friends and neighbors, and ultimately help save lives. 100% of donations raised stay here in this community to help more women receive the care they need.