As I sit here at my house writing this, I’ve already received several calls from our county emergency alert system requesting everyone stay home, because COVID has overloaded our hospitals once again. My Thanksgiving, like yours, looks quite different this year. But I savor the opportunity to pause and reflect upon my blessings none the less. In fact, I feel more grateful than I did last year. And a large part of that is due to the community AnCan has.

One of my favorite people in this world, Fred Rogers from Mister Rogers Neighborhood, has a quote that touches me deeply.

 

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping’.

 

I am so blessed that I get to talk to people every day here at AnCan who are helpers!

I’m so thankful for webinars like our Active Surveillance series, for recognizing this population of the prostate cancer community, and getting their questions answered. And we’ll be sure to see you at our next one on Monday!

I’m so thankful that in these uncertain, stressful, times where in person support is limited, we always have a spot at the table for everyone, no matter where they are, with our virtual support groups.

I’m so thankful for all the amazing people of AnCan. Because I know I have an entire extended family that spans vastly different conditions and demographic factors, but are always here to support me (and you!).

I’m so thankful that we provide men a safe space to talk and support each other. As an advocate in the cancer community, I know there is so much work to be done, but I am grateful to people like Rich Jackson for stepping up and getting it done.

I’m so thankful that AnCan helps provide a platform to rare diseases that others are scared to even acknowledge. From Sarcoidosis, Men’s Breast Cancer, and Renal Medullary Carcinoma, we are so proud to stand with you!

In Gaelige (Irish), we say thank you with the words “go raibh maith agat” (and no, I will not quiz you how to pronounce it!). Literally translated, it means may you have goodness.

I hope the goodness you brought to me returns many times over.

Happy Thanksgiving, and know that we give thanks for you.