When you hear the word “cancer,” you might picture hospital rooms, IV drips, and people wearing scarves over bald heads. But behind every diagnosis is a human story — and a journey that is far longer and more complex than most imagine.

A cancer warrior is anyone in the fight. They may have just been diagnosed, be undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy. They’re facing the appointments, the waiting rooms, the good days, the bad days, and the fear that lives in the background of everything.

Some warriors are in active treatment. Some are living with cancer long-term. Some are in remission but still deal with side effects or the shadow of recurrence. All of them are fighting in their own way — and no one fights the same way twice.

A cancer survivor is anyone who has lived through a cancer diagnosis. That survival might be one year, five years, or twenty. Some survivors feel stronger than ever; others are still coping with scars — physical and emotional — left behind by treatment.
Survivorship is a new chapter, not the end of the book. Regular scans, ongoing medications, and mental health struggles are common. Many survivors will tell you the journey didn’t “end” when treatment stopped — it simply changed.

From the outside, it might look like:

• Diagnosis → Treatment → Recovery → Back to normal
  But the reality feels more like:

• Shock → Endless decisions → Treatment side effects → Physical and emotional exhaustion → Fear of the unknown → Adjusting to a new normal you didn’t choose.

Every stage has its challenges:

• Diagnosis: Processing the news, learning a whole new language of scans, blood counts, and tumor markers.

• Treatment: Navigating fatigue, nausea, hair loss, neuropathy, weight changes, and countless hospital hours.

• After treatment: Facing survivor’s guilt, health anxiety, and a body that doesn’t feel like it used to

Emotional support is powerful. Research shows that patients with strong social networks experience better quality of life, are more likely to complete treatment, and even live longer.

But support also fuels progress.
When people donate to cancer organizations, fundraisers, or research institutions, they’re not just “giving money.” They’re speeding up the science that changes survival rates.

Not long ago, many cancers were almost certain death sentences. Today, thanks to research funded by communities, donors, and advocates:

• Leukemia: Childhood leukemia survival rates have jumped from under 10% in the 1960s to over 90% today.

• Breast cancer: Targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) have transformed outcomes for HER2-positive patients.

• Lung cancer: Immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) are helping patients live years longer with fewer side effects.

• Cervical cancer: Widespread HPV vaccination is preventing thousands of cases before they start.

Behind every new drug, scan, or surgical technique are years of trials, thousands of researchers, and millions in funding — much of it powered by public support.

Caregivers, families, and even medical teams need support too. A caregiver might be juggling full-time work, parenting, and hospital visits while running on almost no sleep. Doctors and nurses carry emotional loads from patient losses while still showing up with compassion.

Support can look like:

• Giving a caregiver a few hours off.

• Providing gas cards for long drives to treatment.

• Funding hospital programs that offer counseling, art therapy, or survivorship planning.

• Advocating for policy changes that improve access to care.

Fifty years ago, many cancers were detected too late. Imaging was basic, chemotherapy was brutal, and palliative care was often minimal. Patients suffered more, and families were left without resources.

Today, thanks to global support and investment in research:

• Screening tools like mammograms, colonoscopies, and low-dose CT scans catch cancers earlier.

• Precision medicine tailors treatment to each patient’s genetic profile.

• Minimally invasive surgeries mean shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

• Survivorship programs address life after cancer.

But progress isn’t evenly distributed. In many parts of the world, patients still lack access to early detection or advanced treatments — a gap support and advocacy can help close.

• Be present: Call, visit, send a note — presence matters more than perfect words.

• Offer practical help: Meals, childcare, rides, or cleaning can make a huge difference.

• Give what you can: Donations fund the next breakthrough.

• Educate yourself: Understand the cancers affecting your community and share accurate information.

• Advocate: Push for policies that make screening and treatment more accessible.

We know that behind every diagnosis there’s a person with dreams, fears, and a life that deserves more than just medical care. Support isn’t a single moment — it’s the ongoing presence of people who care enough to stay.

That’s why our work happens through three core programs:

1. Dream Grants – Small grants that turn healing wishes into reality for cancer warriors and survivors, whether it’s a special trip, essential home equipment, or a memorable experience.

2. Peer Connections – We connect warriors with survivors who’ve walked the same road, offering lived experience, hope, and guidance you can’t find in a medical chart.

3. Cancer Awareness & Education – From newsletters and toolkits to public campaigns, we share knowledge that can lead to earlier detection, better understanding, and stronger advocacy.

And as we mark National Nonprofit Day on August 17, we’re reminded that the impact of nonprofits like ours exists only because of people — people who share, volunteer, donate, and stand beside the cause they believe in.

Ready to put your awareness to the test? This week’s puzzle is all about WORLD LUNG CANCER DAY, and yes, every answer is hidden in our feature article. If you haven’t read it yet, now’s the perfect time to brush up. Once you solve it, share your completed puzzle on social media and tag @ngotcw so we can celebrate your win with you.

That being said for this week… when you share our work, volunteer, donate, or connect us with a warrior who needs support, you’re not just helping a cause — you’re stepping into someone’s story at the exact moment they need you most.

That’s what this month is about. That’s what every month should be about. Cancer changes lives — but so does love that refuses to leave.