When I’m instructed to think about things that are meaningful to me, the very first thing that comes to mind is family–especially my mother, father, and brother. Those three people have done so much for me; they’ve given me everything they possibly can, despite a myriad of challenges they’ve faced themselves. Each of them has had to overcome numerous obstacles to get to where they wanted to be, and to help me get to where I wanted to be, too. Honestly, my family is a topic that I could talk (or write) about all day long. I would write about every last detail if I could, but that’s not the topic at hand here. Instead I’m going to write about some of the challenges they have faced, and why they’re in the public interest. To do so, however, I’m going to need to provide a bit of background and context.
My mother is an established and accomplished employee of the federal government. At work, she is often surrounded by doctors who have not just an M.D. or a PhD but both (many of whom were appointed or even hand-picked for their role by whomever the President is at the time). Getting there, though, was by no means easy for her. She wasn’t born into a family with money, a family with many impressive job titles, or a family with a long string of legacy degrees from prestigious colleges. She was just a little multiracial girl from The Bronx who grew up attending New York City public schools. Some of her closest friends were her siblings and her cousins (many of whom grew up in the housing projects of the Bronx). Her father at times worked three jobs to support the family, her mother one (at a time where it was far from the standard for a woman to be working). My mother was more than halfway to adulthood before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, sex, nationality, and religion, was signed. She doesn’t like to talk much about the difficulties of growing up as a black girl in times that discriminated against her for both her gender and race, but everything she has overcome has nonetheless taught me the importance of intersectional feminism and combating racism.
My father’s upbringing was in some ways similar to my mother’s, and in other ways very different. But the most notable life lesson I ever learned from my father did not come from his experiences growing up; instead, it came much more recently. It began in April 2015 when I found out that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Since that day, the way he has fought through pain, fatigue, nausea, and more without a single complaint has inspired me. It has taught me to always look on the bright side of things, to be grateful for every day of life I am granted, and to be even more grateful for every memory and every moment I get to spend with him. Perhaps most of all, it’s made me realize how much I have to grow up, and how much I still rely on my father. Someday, many of the tasks and responsibilities he currently takes on, I will inherit. The more I think about that, the more I realize that I am far from prepared for that.
It is often said that cancer has an impact on all of our lives at some point. I’d be willing to bet that every member of our class can name somebody close to them — a friend, family member, classmate, teammate, etc. — who has had cancer. But I don’t think it has to be that way. That’s why I feel it is important to Stand Up To Cancer: supporting cancer research, helping out with awareness, and more.
As important as it is to me to find a cure to cancer, I think it is even more to me to work towards a more socially and economically just America. Our society still disproportionately favors certain demographics; certain groups benefit from great privilege, while others face oppression (both to varying degrees). Institutional racism still exists. Sexism still exists. I know these statements to be true, but I also know that gaining more knowledge about the topics would help me improve at fighting against these injustices. I don’t know if it is possible to ever “end” racism or sexism in America, but I do know in my heart that it is worth trying.
Thanks for sharing about your family background. I wish all the best to your dad and your family. The narration of your background provides some experiential knowledge that connects with the interests you outline–from your mother and her experiences as multiracial to your father and his diagnosis of cancer. If you choose cancer as something to focus on, what are some possibilities to do? What attitudes do you want to change and/or some actions you want your audience to do? Awareness and education sorts of things? Advocacy for policy changes that impact cancer research or treatment? Access to healthcare? For the latter issues, I would also have you think about possibilities and concrete things to take on. Something to be done in Western PA? Pittsburgh? Elsewhere? Something national or international?
So, I just invite you to think more! Narrowing down from the good stuff you have so far.
Looking forward to see where you go!
I really appreciate the background that you have shared. Much like you are a product of the stories of your father and your mother, I think you have the potential for a joint campaign here. Race, gender and income are all pieces that play into the determinants of health. Patients who are black, low income and female experience more negative health outcomes than do their wealthy, white female counterparts. Institutional racism impacts healthcare as well; for example more African American women die from breast cancer than Caucasian women https://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/BreastCancerAfricanAmerican.html
I think if you wanted to look at both cancer and racism and sexism, you have the opportunity to create a really interesting campaign. I look forward to seeing your thoughts develop!