Life threatening disease (LTD): Cancer - Mediaid Foundation

My Story:

When a loved one dies from cancer, one cannot just imagine how it affects the entire family unit. I don’t think there are really words to describe how someone feels when losing a family member or dear friend to cancer. I can say from personal experience that losing my son at the age of 29 , was one of the most difficult experiences in my life put it mildly. I know it was equally if not more difficult for my wife and other children as well.

As any person or family with cancer knows, cancer diagnosis, also affects in a big way to your immediate family and dear friends. You go through the complex feeling and lifestyle changes caused by cancer and its treatment.

The parent-child bond is one of the most meaningful relationships a person will experience. A parent who loses their child can often feel that a part of them has died. The despair and pain that follows your loved one’s death exceeds all other experiences. When our son died, a part of our future died along with him.

Cancer and even thinking about cancer can be a very scary thing. I believe that as with most things in life, it is far better to support each other than to try and endure loss alone. It is better to do something which helps people to live with a reason.

If you or someone you know has been touched or afflicted with cancer, I urge you to reach out. My and my family’s heart goes out to anyone who has been touched by cancer. Join us, join us to combat cancer. Today it is me, tomorrow it could be you!                   – Founder Member of MAF

                                                                                                  Salim Y Lorgat

Facts about Cancer:

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for more than 7.6 million deaths. Lung, stomach, liver, colon and breast cancer cause the most cancer deaths each year.  About 70% of all cancer deaths each year occur in low and middle-income countries. Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue rising and it is going to affect more and more people around us.

How can the burden of cancer be reduced?

Knowledge about the cause of cancer, and interventions to prevent and manage the disease is extensive. Cancer can be reduced and controlled by implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, early detection of cancer and management of patients with cancer. Many cancers have a high chance of a cure if detected early and treated adequately.