Kiss The Waves

Rachel Swander 

Cancer Warrior

 

  July 6, 2012, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  I have gone through two surgeries, two radiation treatments, the loss of my singing voice, and an absolute transformation of my relationship with the Lord.  Thyroid cancer is not uncommon, and it is one of the most simple to treat, with a 98% success rate.  Yet I have been told that I may never be rid of this terrifying disease.

 

    I am not dying of cancer, but I will need to fight it indefinitely.  So how do I go on?  How do I face each day?  How do I look into the eyes of my husband and children before the next blood draw, the next scan, the next treatment...how do I have hope, and offer it to others?

 

    I can only tell you that this is the battle that Christ has called me to fight.  It is so much more than living through a disease.  It is so much more than being brave enough to face reality.  I may never become a Survivor; so I am willing to be a Warrior.  And as I face the cancer that so many people deal with, God uses it to purify my mind, strengthen my faith, and fill my heart with compassion for others.

 

    Kiss the Waves is an overflow of the lessons that God is teaching.  We, as the body of Christ, are called to love one another, strengthen one another, and bear eachother's burdens.  As I continue to walk this path, as I fight a seemingly unending battle, I am prompted to share with those around me the encouragement and hope and peace that can be found, even in the midst of the darkest moments of our lives.  I have been blessed to have incredible people join me for this event.  Each of us have been impressed to teach a different area of dealing with the unexpected storms of life.

 

    I am looking forward to discussing specific ways you can help those in the midst of a storm.  We will also learn about how to allow others to help when we are facing tragedy in our own lives.  How to ask for help, and how to give it, without being intrusive or insensitive.  I pray that you will join us so that you can be better prepared to be a warrior when your time comes.