Occupation
Wife/Mother/Grandmother/Retired School Teacher
Risk Factor
Undergoing chemotherapy due to breast cancer
“I’ve always loved life. Each day brings new opportunities and I just get so excited for them; life is such a gift. I used to walk 150 miles a month but the chemo has unfortunately taken all my energy. Even though I’m in my weakest state physically, I’ve found power in my faith. Nothing is in my control right now so I have to trust in God. The ‘Sacrifice The Weak’ sign hit me so hard; it broke my hope for humanity. The words on the sign alienated me into a subgroup of devalued humans. Understanding what it means to be ‘High Risk’ requires empathy and compassion but unfortunately, some people just have a cavalier way of thinking. They seem to forget that everyone will be ‘High Risk’ at some point in their lives, either because of a diagnosis or because they’re fortunate enough to reach a certain age. Those who align with ‘Sacrifice the Weak’ may be accustomed to instant gratification, resulting in acting out when they don’t get what they want. Delayed gratification requires self-discipline with uncomfortable and sacrificial modifications to our lives. Perhaps that is not comfortable for those people. However, the results may improve our lives if we can learn to adjust. As you age, you have to adjust your lifestyle because you can’t physically do the things you were once able to do. When you get married you make adjustments and modifications in your partnership. Retirement, a new job, having a baby, a diagnosis…they all require adjustments. Life is a series of adjustments and you just have to do it.”
