Some avid readers may have noticed my lack of posting last week. The reason for this unusual blog lapse was the illness and death of a close relative. My aunt passed a way last week after about an 18 month battle with skin cancer.
Among other things, I'm saddened at the thought that my youngest two children, the twins, will have no personal memories of someone who was very much a part of this first year of their lives. Newly diagnosed with cancer my aunt chose not to wallow in self pity, but instead to fight for her own survival and to celebrate life by planning a baby shower for the twins, a picnic for the bishop, attending numerous family events, trying every experimental treatment available to her, and taking on a myriad of other charitable projects. She will be greatly missed by many, and that very much includes myself, my husband, and my children.
There is much that can be learned by the way my aunt lived as well as by the way she died. I by no means, could cover all these lessons in a single post. Instead I want to just cover one very important lesson, that seems particularly paramount on these sunny summer days, sun protection. Please use sunblock, seek shade when possible, and utilize other sun protecting gear such as clothing, hats, extended stroller shades, and sunglasses. The sun is a beautiful thing that should be safely enjoyed by everyone.
According to SkinCancer.org, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and more than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually. Additionally, the incidence of many common cancers is falling, but the incidence of melanoma continues to rise significantly, at a rate faster than that of any of the seven most common cancers. Parents, please consider visiting skincancer.org for information on how to protect yourself and your children while enjoying this summer and many springs, summers, falls and winters to come.
I know my children and I will forever remember the significance of sun protection in every person's daily routine.
+MCD+2008.gif)
