New Year's Wishes
Bob Riter
I wish that everyone with cancer had a kind, steady and supportive companion beside them.
I wish that everyone with cancer that does have a kind, steady and supportive companion beside them recognizes and appreciates the treasure that they have.
I wish that people with cancer were immune to other diseases and misfortunes. We should only have to deal with one bad thing at a time.
I wish that bake sales, community barbeques and other events to raise money for individuals with cancer weren't necessary.
I wish that people with cancer weren't beaten over the head with the importance of positive thinking.
I wish that people didn't feel awkward talking about rectal and anal cancers.
I wish that people received hospice care for many weeks - not just days - before their deaths.
I wish that more people recognized that reducing one's own risk of cancer isn't confusing or dependent on expensive supplements. Just try to maintain a good weight, exercise, eat a balanced and largely plant-based diet, and don't smoke.
I wish that people understood that we can help prevent cancers in our children and grandchildren by taking better care of our environment.
I wish that all journal articles emerging from medical research funded by the government were made available online, without charge, to the public.
I wish that the relatives, friends and neighbors of people newly diagnosed with cancer refrained from giving advice (except when requested).
I wish that kindness was consistently recognized and valued as an essential component of cancer treatment and care.
I wish that every cancer patient understood that reality and hope aren't mutually exclusive.
Reprinted with permission
Ithaca Journal, Dec. 31, 2011
