Cancer, Pain, Death, and Voting

Today is election day and it is probably the most important political election in my lifetime. But what does this have to do with cancer?

Well, being a cancer survivor changes your perspective of the world and the people in your life. You realize how fragile life is. You understand the cycle of life and the reality of death. You realize it is important to stand up for what you believe. You understand the importance of character, respect, kindness, and the journey for the truth. The people in your life become very precious.

When I was a child, I mistakenly believed that all grown-ups were good and acted like adults. Boy, was I wrong!

What being a cancer survivor really changes – at least for me – is the knowledge that some people you love can emotionally cause enough pain in your heart that they literally die in your life even though they are still alive. They become toxic.

When you have a catastrophic event happen in your life, it becomes a healthy choice for survival and wellbeing to stay away from toxic people. Sadly, sometimes those toxic people are family, friends, or neighbors.

My Dad always told me that arguing about religion or politics is a no-win situation. How wise he was! I never thought his wisdom could have a connection with cancer.

I have witnessed this pandemic and this election bringing out the worst in people. I had hoped it would bring out the best.

Be patient with me. I need to give you a little background to those of you who do not know me well: My mother was a German immigrant to the U.S. She had to have 86 documents signed to prove that she was not part of the Hitler Youth Organization before she could legally come with my father to America. My father was Nisei – first generation Japanese-American, born in this country. He told me many stories of intolerance, hatred, and division based upon the fact that he looked different.

Because I am half and half – half Asian and half White, I have had the benefit of White Privilege. That is, people assuming that I am Caucasian. I have been able to see and hear what people really think.

Having a blood cancer that does not always show itself to others, puts me in a similar position. Shortly after I was diagnosed with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia, I heard these comments: “You don’t look like you have cancer.” “You have the good cancer.” “You really must not have cancer.”

Now with the pandemic, I am concerned because even though I am in remission, I have a compromised immune system. I wear a mask to protect you. Wearing a mask to protect me is a kind gesture to a cancer survivor. It is not political. It is human kindness.

I have gone to Congress several times to explain the importance of healthcare accessibility for every American, as well as to discuss the cost of cancer drugs and the value of these drugs. This is not political. This is how we repair the country I love.

So, on this day my thoughts are deep and a bit sad. After this election half the country will be rejoicing and half the country will not. The question is … what happens next? What behavior do we model to our children and our grandchildren? What legacy do we leave them? Will we ever become united? Will we ever again behave like grownups?

Please vote! The right to vote is an extraordinary privilege. Do not waste it.