A Beacon Leading the Way
Iam Alfred McPherson - a cancer survivor of now over ten years and a proud volunteer with the Jamaica Cancer Society for a similar period of time. I was diagnosed with multifocal prostate cancer in the summer of 2006. The ultimate diagnosis heralded that lifetime change that most cancer victims experience at the onset, or sometime during their battle with this disease. My experience was no different and therefore not exceptional in the scheme of things. For me, the psychological impact of being told that I had cancer signaled that my life would never be the same again. One passes through the gambit of emotions – from shock, disbelief, terror, anger…..and then, the acceptance and strength to move forward. Truthfully, the journey is not all so clear cut. There is a day when you are filled with optimism and the strength to beat the possible odds that confront and threaten your mortality, then, the next day the complete opposite occurs. Hopelessness and despair and the recurring words of self pity, the profound “why me?” It is a journey and I would rather others not have to actually experience. However, once you have experienced it , there is some kind of rebirth of life and a true appreciation of the beauty and gift of a healthy life. That there is, indeed, life after cancer!
I underwent surgery in November of 2006 and since that occasion I have only looked forward. The grace of God, the love and care of my wife, sons, doctors, friends and relatives, too countless to mention, saw me through the dark days and back into the sunshine of life. I appreciated the colours of green of our land that I had hitherto taken little notice of. I saw how beautiful my wifeʼs garden was/is, and learnt to treat each and every day as a special gift that must not be taken for granted. An important aspect of my healing process was my newly found association with the Jamaica Cancer Society. Approximately six months after my surgery I was actually approached and recruited to become a volunteer, and at the time of my recruitment I was the only cancer survivor on the Organising Committee of Relay for Life. Within a year of joining I became the Chair of the Organising Committee of Relay for Life - a position which I held for a two year period. Actually, I am the only cancer survivor to date that has chaired the Relay for Life Committee! I have continued to serve with enthusiasm on the Relay Committee as I consider myself to be a vital link between those who have either lost or coped with the pain and distress of someone afflicted with the disease of cancer on the one hand, and those, one the other hand, who have actually been afflicted and have survived this terrible disease. I have experienced both. Serving as a volunteer is almost addictive - you think that you will stop .... but you just can't stop! The rewards are incalculable in terms of personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Do volunteer ....... and even if you don't ...... support the great work of the Jamaica Cancer Society by attending Relay for Life 2017. It is an experience that you will never forget. After ten years as a cancer survivor, I am proud and highly blessed that I can sing with confidence and steadfastness of purpose the words of Nesbeth….. by exclaiming….."LOOK AT ME NOW!!" Help the Jamaica Cancer Society to continue like a beacon to show the light at the end of the tunnel by supporting it's life saving and outreach programs and providing for survivors like myself the opportunity on an annual basis to celebrate our survivorship, and also to pay homage to those who fought the good fight but eventually answered the call of our God and Saviour to ascend to higher service where there is no longer pain nor suffering. Just look what the Jamaica Cancer society has done for me ...... and perhaps, just perhaps, one day for you!