To all children affected by a serious illness:
We have never met before , but I want to thank you. Wait, you are probably confused. “How can someone I have never met before, be thanking me? For what?”
Okay, maybe I should explain. You see over the past four years I have been fighting cancer. With surgery, chemotherapy and radiation I have been pricked, poked, drugged, scanned and examined more times than I can count. I have gone from being extremely hungry and thirsty to not wanting to even see a piece of food or a drop of water. My hair has gone from normal to bald to my current style which looks like a bowling ball with a dead rat taped to the top!
Any of this sound familiar? But through all that has happened, I still feel quite lucky.
Why? Well, when I step back and think of what kids like you are going through, or may have to go through, I can’t help but be inspired in how much courage you show. I’m 33, an old man by your standards, and it is different for me. At your age the only “cycle” you should be on is the type that has two wheels that is taking you down a hill at top speed.
Your courage inspires me. But it is not just me. You are inspiring everyone that is battling cancer or any other disease. You are inspiring the doctors and nurses who treat you every day. Plus you are inspiring the scientists that are working hard to find the medicines and cures to get rid of these diseases so no one else has to go through the treatments like you and me. That is why I am thanking you.
I want to help you in your fight. I wrote a story about an awkward furry alien creature named Philmore who, like you and me, is unwittingly forced to take on a huge challenge. I think you will find it funny, entertaining and a good way to pass the time. I also think it will be something for you to hold on to for those days when you aren’t feeling great. I hope it will just be a reminder to you that you have people like me, that you don’t even know, that are wishing you good things.
Good luck with everything!
Sincerely,
Lucas Spata
