Cancer is everywhere. Or maybe it just feels like it these days.

A mere two weeks ago, my friend’s 6-yearold son was diagnosed with leukemia. It’s a cureable leukemia, but still a scary path for any mama to walk with her child.

Rewind a few more weeks, and another friend was diagnosed with Lymphoma. His bright sense of humor is an essential companion on this journey, but it cannot be an easy path t walk.

If I allow my mind to rewind even further — to a year ago — I remember the death of a close high school friend to lung cancer (she successfully defeated cervica cancer a few years previously).

Just when it feels like maybe we’re climbing back into some semblence of normal after 2020, these sorts of diagnoses land on families close to my heart. And it hurts.

Like any illness, cancer doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care how old or young you are. It doesn’t care what the balance of your bank account is. It doesn’t care if you’re on speaking terms with God or not. If it’s going to come, it will simply kick in the front door, turning your life upside down in its wake.

I’m watching from the sidelines as my friend makes 80 mile round trips so her son can recieve chemo treatments. This isn’t just once a week — this is multiple days per week.

Time and time again, when cancer rears its ugly head, I see communities rally to support the patient and family.

This is why I am thankful Ellsworth has the Ellsworth County Cancer Fund (ECCF), which hosted its annual Triathalon on Friday. The visible support and stories of survival are what my hurting heart needs to hear right now.

I admit, it’s easy to focus on those I have loved and lost to cancer. Yet an event like the Triathlon helps remind me to look around. I have far more friends who have come out of the experience victorious. I need to focus on the wins, not the losses right now. Especially as I watch and support my friends on their cancer journey.

The time and financial commitment of cancer treatment can be draining, which is where entities such as the ECCF come into play. It’s encouraging to see a group of residents raising money to support the additional costs associated with cancer treatment. Yes, insurance covers many of the medical necessities, but a multitude of additional expenses arise. Simply put, medical insurance does not cover fuel for long trips to visit specialists or recieve treatments. If overnight stays are required, forget about submitting that hotel expense to your insurance company.

Money raised locally by the ECCF goes directly to assist Ellsworth County residents with these additional costs. Bravo, ECCF, and thank you so much for the essential support you provide!

Editor’s note: I was going to write an editorial praising the work of the ECCF, but with a lengthy letter to the editor, decided to turn it into a commentary.