Letter of the Day | Cancer survivors are real heroes

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As Jamaica celebrated National Heroes Day on October 20, we paused to honour the great men and women whose courage and sacrifice shaped our nation’s destiny. Yet, even as we reflect on their legacies, we must also recognise a different kind of heroism that lives among us today – the quiet, everyday bravery of cancer survivors.

Heroism does not always wear a medal or stand on a podium. Sometimes, it sits in a hospital chair, endures countless treatments, and wakes up each morning determined to keep fighting. Cancer survivors embody the same spirit of resilience and fortitude that our National Heroes displayed – the will to overcome, to persevere, and to inspire hope in the face of impossible odds.

A cancer diagnosis is one of life’s most devastating battles. It demands physical strength, emotional endurance, and an unshakable faith. Yet, through the pain, uncertainty, and fear, survivors continue to rise. They redefine what it means to be brave – smiling through hardship, holding on to hope when the future seems uncertain, and inspiring others simply by refusing to give up.

Many of these modern-day heroes go beyond their own recovery. They become advocates and educators, using their stories to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and support others along the journey. They remind us that cancer is not just a personal struggle – it is a shared fight that calls for compassion, community, and courage.

As we celebrate our National Heroes – from Nanny of the Maroons to Marcus Garvey – let us also salute those who fight unseen battles every day. Their stories may not appear in history books, but they are written in every heartbeat that refuses to quit, every scar that tells a story of survival, and every life that continues to shine after darkness.

Let us honour Jamaica’s cancer survivors – men, women, and children whose resilience keeps the flame of hope burning bright. They are living testaments to the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance.

Indeed, cancer survivors are not just survivors – they are our modern heroes, symbols of courage, and champions of life.

LEROY FEARON JR