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A couple of weeks ago The Weekend to End Women's Cancers took place in Toronto. Thanks to my 'naturopathic' family doctor, who was so hesitant to prescribe meds to treat my injured knee, I was not able to participate. It took me a LOT of time to recover from the knee injury that I got earlier this year.
So, I was walking to the store and observing a pink crowd rolling down the streets, decorated cars, people in costumes and I could not help but think - I do not belong.
I am all about fundraising money for good causes - cancer research, help for new immigrants, single parents, you name it. However, I do have a bit of a problem with how any type of cancer events are portrayed in our society. Think about it. What type of the language do we use?
He/she is fighting with the cancer.
He/she joined the battle.
There is a strong image of war.
So, what happens if a treatment does not work?
Right, according to this language you LOSE.
I absolutely hate the idea of people with terminal cancers being losers, someone who was not able to win their battle. As a hospice volunteer I strongly disagree. I see winners in a hospice. Not losers.
It is a strong fundraising idea to show battles, survivors, winners. I agree. However, it just does not match with me. Hopefully, with Canadian hospices startng to be more active in the media we will be able to change that...
So, I was walking to the store and observing a pink crowd rolling down the streets, decorated cars, people in costumes and I could not help but think - I do not belong.
I am all about fundraising money for good causes - cancer research, help for new immigrants, single parents, you name it. However, I do have a bit of a problem with how any type of cancer events are portrayed in our society. Think about it. What type of the language do we use?
He/she is fighting with the cancer.
He/she joined the battle.
There is a strong image of war.
So, what happens if a treatment does not work?
Right, according to this language you LOSE.
I absolutely hate the idea of people with terminal cancers being losers, someone who was not able to win their battle. As a hospice volunteer I strongly disagree. I see winners in a hospice. Not losers.
It is a strong fundraising idea to show battles, survivors, winners. I agree. However, it just does not match with me. Hopefully, with Canadian hospices startng to be more active in the media we will be able to change that...