Editorial: Build on inspiring stories of cancer survivors

Fans of the just-completed final season of "Mad Men" (spoiler alert!) know that Betty Draper, in the penultimate episode, learned she had advanced lung cancer. Set in late 1970, the diagnosis was grim - she'd be dead within a year. No one close to her quite knew how to deal with her diagnosis - and because of the time period, the doctor wouldn't even tell her the news until her husband was present.

Back then, cancer was rarely discussed and cancer survivors were few and far between.

We've come a long way, baby.

Today we can use that phrase to acknowledge the gains we've made as a society in battling cancer and in recognizing those who have survived it. It thankfully is no longer a slogan for a cigarette marketed to women.

This past Sunday was National Cancer Survivor's Day. The website dedicated to the day says it is a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families and an outreach to the community. In other words, a wonderful way for anyone to take time out of their busy lives and recognize the struggles cancer survivors and their families - all heroes in their own right - have endured.

According to the American Cancer Society and reported by Daily Herald correspondent Janice Youngwith, almost 579,000 Illinois residents are celebrating survivorship this month. Nationally, 14 million Americans are living with or have survived a cancer diagnosis.

One of those is 92-year-old Harriette Thompson of North Carolina, who late last month became the oldest woman to finish a marathon. Cancer didn't stop her.

Neither did it stop 41-year-old Debbie Fagar of Roselle. "Cancer has changed me forever," Fager told Youngwith of her appendiceal cancer. "My family is closer because of the experience."

In the waiting area of the Cancer Care Center at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, survivors can now ring a bell to celebrate the lives saved and to remember those whose battles are over.

"It felt like, 'Hallelujah! I am still alive - and beating it," said Rosemarie Bruns of Elgin, a two-time breast cancer survivor who was first in line to ring the bell.

Cancer didn't stop her.

And it's the motivation behind Conant High School alum Kristin Decker's run across the country this summer. She is part of a 28-member running team that is raising awareness and funding for young adults with cancer. She is dedicating it to a former youth pastor in Schaumburg who died at age 41.

"I think it's going to be life-changing. It's going to be one of the most inspirational things I've ever done," Decker said.

Every survivor has an inspiring story. Take the time to listen and then give something back - volunteer, donate, raise money. Cancer be damned.