National Cancer Survivors Day really hits home

Almost everyone has been touched by cancer in some way.

I lost my father and sister to the dreaded disease when they were 75 and 57, respectively. I also have two older brothers who are cancer survivors.

With today being National Cancer Survivors Day, it’s time to celebrate those who are still with us and cherish the memories of the loved ones we’ve lost.

My 69- and 63-year-old brothers are among those who have looked cancer straight in the eyes and said, “(expletive) you.”

My father succumbed in 1999 after a three-year battle with the disease. But my father felt he lived a good life, raised five children with my mother and died in peace.

The cruelty of my sister’s fight, on the other hand, was that she was so young. When she was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 at the age of 53, she was given six months to live. Despite that prediction, she fought for four years before passing away in 2010.

Losing her was difficult for me to comprehend because she wasn’t just my sister, she was also my best friend and a mother figure to me after my mom died in 1987.

Despite the countless rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, she remained positive and always had a smile on her face. Perpetually selfless, she was always concerned about how my day was going.

I wish she was still here to see her family grow and to enjoy her 1-year-old granddaughter, who is the spitting image of her “Nonna.”

In my effort to alert people to National Cancer Awareness Day, I had the privilege of chatting with cancer survivor Lynn Watt on Boston Herald Radio.

It was eight years ago when Lynn was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40.

After undergoing a double mastectomy and a grueling chemotherapy regimen, it was four years later when a CT scan revealed tumors from her femur to her brain.

Undeterred, Lynn fought through and now, four years later, is cancer free.

Her oncology radiologist, Dr. Shannon Kahn, said she believes Lynn’s positive attitude was a critical part of her successful fight with the disease.

“Attitude is important,” Watt said. “I believe in me. I never believe I’m going to die.”

So, if you’re close to a survivor, call them, text them or give them a hug today and remind them that you believe in them. Positivity and smiles help.