It seems like many people are expressing relief that 2009 has ended. It was a difficult year for many of you who, like me, faced challenges you didn’t expect.
Leukemia certainly wasn’t on my mind when 2009 started, even though it was already in my body and affecting my life. The complications, diagnosis, hospitalization, treatments, financial consequences and other aspects of having cancer brought changes that mean starting 2010 in a radically different world than the one I was in a year earlier.
It some respects it seems like I’m in a time warp and still back in September when I was diagnosed with a chronic form of leukemia. Time played a lot of tricks on me during the last third of 2009. What I know for sure is that I have some of the best friends a person could ever have, and their support, prayers and words of comfort enabled me to move forward faster and I will always be grateful for what my co-survivors have done and continue to do.
A cancer diagnosis is never easy, but having the support of others and very practical and much needed help with everyday matters that suddenly became real obstacles - like simply getting food and meals - made a world of difference.
Many of my friends shared their very personal health stories, affirming there are far more people going through difficult situations than one would think from what manages to pass for “news” today. The research I’ve done for my own illness, and the work I do for EmpowHER.com also affirms this. The more I’m around people who are new to the healthcare system, the more I realize how much they need translators and guides.
In 2009 the death of Walter Cronkite, and the media obsession with the balloon boy, octomom, white house crashers and other dubious characters really drove home how much the media has changed since I first started my career as a journalist. I think today – more than ever – the need is there for media outlets that will bring people the information they truly need. EmpowHER is one of those outlets and I’m proud to be part of the team here. We’re providing a way to bring together a wide variety of medical experts as well as a wide variety of every day people – some who have problems and some who have great solutions for those problems. Together we’re able to tackle some mighty sticky situations and help each other work towards having the best and healthiest lives possible.
My wish for all of you in 2010 - and beyond - is for health and happiness. Happy New Year everyone!