A Woman of Distinction

My mother-in-law, Verna Hollister and I have not always seen eye to eye. She is a woman of strong passions and convictions, a woman of strength and courage, sometimes that strength can be overwhelming, sometimes it can be amazing. When a dear friend was diagnosed with cancer and began to lose her hair due to chemo and radiation, my mother-in-law decided she needed a show of solidarity. I have never thought my mother-in-law more beautiful nor more courageous than when I saw her without her silver locks. Many cancer victims have no choice but lose their hair or lose their lives. We have all admired Joan Lunden who appeared on a national magazine with all of her bald beauty. This month as we celebrate cancer awareness and strive to make more people aware of cancer, it’s many types, symptoms and cures. Let us do our part for a cure. Give to your local cancer support programs, get tested for breast cancer, colon cancer, prostrate, throat and lung cancer, etc. Know your body and make your doctor aware of changes. Be proactive. May one day soon cancer be no more frightening than the flu but until then, we need warriors like my mother-in-law Verna Hollister who shed her hair to offer courage and hope to a friend.