My Cancer Story: Carly Cox

Cancer is strange. It seems like it’s always lurking, just waiting for its time. When I come down with a cough that lingers too long. If my headaches are more frequent than usual. If my toe suddenly hurts. I immediately think, “cancer finally got me!” While that sounds a little funny, the data shows that about 40% of us will get cancer in our lifetime. The risk is even greater with a family history of cancer or for people who have certain traits or live in certain locations. Apparently, my wild imagination isn’t so wild after all.

Despite its lurking, somehow cancer is always shocking. It was winter. We had just finished breakfast. I was doing the dishes and the kids were playing in the living room. My husband stepped outside to take out the trash. That’s when my mom called and said, “your dad has cancer.” I think she had to say the words three times before I really understood. My head was spinning, and I had so many questions there were no answers for. What are the odds? How bad is it? Is he going to make it? I’m not old enough to live in a world without my dad! It was strange to me how my whole world could turn upside down while my husband was taking out the trash. Of course, my wild imagination took over and immediately thought about all the things my dad would miss if he died. His grandkids growing up. My career moves. He hasn’t made it to Hawaii with mom yet! What about his church – they need him. I felt gutted, angry, devastated, terrified, distraught, physically ill, and all the other extreme feelings out there. It’s strange how cancer can also take out the people around it.

I had energy that needed channeled which is exactly when my relationship with the Gala of Hope began. I was drawn to their aim to “send cancer into the sunset.” That sounded a lot like “we will knock cancer on its…” you know what, and I wanted to sign up for that! I joined the Board and started working with our grant committee to award funds to the many organizations who are serving cancer patients and their families. From high tech equipment and important research to mobile mammography and transportation to treatment, Gala is helping advance cancer treatment and care in our region. Together, we will make Dayton a beacon of hope for families fighting cancer.

Cancer certainly kicked my dad’s butt, but he won the fight and sent cancer into the sunset! He gets to enjoy his grandkids. He still leads worship at church. He’s looking forward to family vacation. My wild imagination now wanders into the future again.