Importance of a Cancer Community

Undoubtedly, the most important part of any community is a sense of togetherness. In the case of a cancer research community, the thing that binds us all together is that we have the same goal: to help people affected by cancer. This may range from developing new medicines to help treat cancer or new methods to detect early onset of cancer. By having a sense of togetherness, we support each other in knowing that it’s not just one of us trying to find a cure or new method of detection, but an entire group of people coming together.

In the case of people affected by cancer, whether it be actual patients or families of the patients, they’re all bound together through their personal experiences with the affliction. These personal experiences bring people together through charities and support groups. This summer I saw one way how this brings people together, the Texas 4000 Riders. They spread cancer awareness, hope, and raise money for charity all while cycling a grueling 4000+ miles. In one way or another, these individuals were somehow affected by cancer and that brought them together.

Perhaps the most important part of a cancer community is knowing you’re not alone in whatever you may be enduring.

-Dalton Kotilinek, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology