We were made to be courageous

This time last year I was at the annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Summit for the first time. It was an experience I will always cherish. I felt as if I was part of something bigger than myself and truly helping to make a difference. I became bonded even closer to my ZERO family and was fortunate to storm Capitol Hill with the Nikituk family advocating before Congress for prostate cancer funding (but really so much more than that!)

Yesterday, I saw numerous photos posted by the Nikituk ladies on Facebook from the Summit. It brought every emotion back as if I was there yet again. I, unfortunately, could not attend this year for numerous reasons but my heart and spirit are right there fighting with them. This morning, the VP of Marketing and Communications for ZERO emailed me a photo of the year's Summit brochure.

To my surprise and delight, right there in the brochure is the picture of the Nikituks and myself with Representative Meadows, a Republican from North Carolina from last year's summit. While we were scheduled to meet with aides from Virginia (our home state) offices, it was fate that brought us to Representative Meadows. While he gave us more attention than any other representative throughout the day he was honest and told us he would not be able to sign on to our wants. He did tell us he would talk to another member and get her to sign on though.

Months later when the final signatures were released, Representative Meadows not only kept his word with getting Barbara Comstock to sign but HE signed as well! There was nothing better than that feeling of accomplishment! Knowing that I would soon be living in the state he represents made me even prouder.

Tonight, as I'm sitting in my living room looking out at the ocean, I am thinking of the Nikituks as they are getting ready for the closing Summit reception. The people I met, the networking done, the stories shared and the advice and support received for Dad last year remains unmatched.  So much has changed in the lives of these men who are battling prostate cancer.  I know for a fact so much has changed in a matter of a year for my dad and his continuous battle.

One thing that has not changed though is my passion for raising awareness for prostate cancer and for fighting to put an end to this disease. Every man is at risk - it doesn't matter your age, your lifestyle or your background. The sheer fact that you are a male means that you can be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

It is now that I plead with each of you to please take a moment of your time and reach into your pockets to make a donation to help us raise awareness and put an end to this disease that has been attacking my father and his quality of life for going on 21 years now. Your donation DOES make a difference to so many - my dad is proof.

http://support.zerocancer.org/site/TR/RunWalk/RunWalk17?px=1102458&pg=personal&fr_id=1271

To those who stormed Capitol Hill today and who are now celebrating their hard work and remembering and honoring those men who are survivors or who have been viciously taken by this disease,, I thank you. I am sorry I'm not with you in person but I thank you for being courageous. Not only are the prostate cancer survivors courageous in the battle of their disease but WE are courageous in our fight to make sure they are never alone.

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chains
We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing, unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the Lord

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight.

   - Casting Crowns