I started following a fabulous non-profit called “Humor Beats Cancer” on Instagram. I had a sense from what I was reading there that the Editor, Olivia from Chicago and I were of the same ‘spirit”. I was right.
Olivia and I are a few decades apart but exactly on the same page when it comes to understanding how important humor and attitude are to getting through cancer.
To be able to look on the bright side during dark times we can both assure you, makes the experience of battling cancer a little easier.
Olivia and I are both breast cancer survivors. I love that she’s made it her mission to bring joy and humor to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers around the world. It’s a mission that surely helps everyone going through cancer – feel less alone.
I decided I had to connect with her and invited her to join me on my radio show in the NY Tri-State area to talk about the power of this.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Olivia and I are both well aware of the importance of finding breast cancer early! Both grateful survivors, we each found our own ‘lumps’. It’s SO important to check your breasts regularly and have regular mammograms! Olivia found her breast cancer at age 36.
Nothing funny about that. Nor is there anything funny about the challenging cancer treatments regardless of the kind of cancer. But take it from two gals and many others who know…humor has an amazing effect on your immune system.
Olivia started noticing her dark humor things happening when she was going through her treatments. She thought maybe she was the only one, until others also began sharing their funny stories from all over the world. I’ve even written my own funny story about how Dying Of Laughter Can Keep You Alive.
Using humor as a coping tool takes your mind off some hard things and connects you with others who are also maybe crying and laughing at same time. In this case ‘you wouldn’t know until you know’ and may you never have to – but if you find yourself going through cancer or know someone who is, be sure to connect with Humor Beats Cancer.
It’s more about the ridiculous and awkward moments and situations that provide some good belly laughs. Those belly laughs stoke the immune system and help get cancer patients and their caregivers through. It’s very therapeutic.
Check out Humor Beats Cancer. They can send care packages and there’s even a grant program to help pay medical bills for cancer treatments. Fabulous!
Thank you Olivia for risking starting this great non-profit! You Rock!
