HERO.

Everyone has a hero. When you’re a kid it usually is a cartoon character or an older sibling. As life progresses and changes, heroes change. As one enters adolescence, it is normal to look up to athletes and Hollywood actors. But here is a question, what makes a hero a hero? Is it one defining act or a series of acts?

There are two definitions in the dictionary for the word. Definition number one is “A man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.” And definition number two is, “A person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal.”

I think a hero is so much more. A hero in my opinion is defined by three simple but yet powerful words: warrior, fighter, and survivor. Most heroes have under gone some tragedy that has ultimately defined them. A poisonous spider bit Spiderman and he miraculously could fight crime. Lance Armstrong had prostate cancer and eventually went on to win the Tour de France. A shark attacked Bethany Hamilton and she surfs now with only one arm. The list goes on and on. Most heroes sustain something that results in them overcoming some obstacle. They fight through it and emerge a hero.

In my 20 short years here on Earth, I have watched a lot of TV, movies and read several books. So who is my hero out of the entertainment realm? No one. My hero is about 5’5’’ 120 pounds and has short salt and pepper colored hair. Her powers are endless. She is intelligent, funny, and has a heart bigger than anyone else I know. Within this heart of hers; faith, hope, and love radiate through it. Three characteristics that define her and the incredible person she is.

So who is my hero? Her name is Mary and she is my aunt AND a cancer survivor.

Here’s her story.

It all began in May of 2011.  My Aunt Mary was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma. Never heard of it? Me either until last spring. Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. It is incredibly rare and the diagnosis was a shock to my family. Immediately she had to undergo brutal chemotherapy treatments.

Chemotherapy, is essentially a poison that is put into a person’s body, it causes a person to loss their hair. But my aunt did not lose her hair to chemo. She shaved her head herself. This act was step one that she took to beat cancer. And get this; she donated the hair to an organization that makes wigs for kids fighting cancer as well. So cool. My aunt bought several wigs, fashionable hats and ball caps to wear. She really emerged as this cute accessories model. 

As time progressed and she underwent another chemo treatment it was time to have surgery. The doctor cut out a huge chunk of the cancerous bone and replaced it with a metal rod. The surgery was extreme and no one was ready for what the recovery entailed except one person, my aunt. Her mobility means the world to her, especially when it comes to walking her precious poodle Buddy, so the metal rod was not going to slow her down.

The recovery was painful and stagnant at first. She had to use a walker and now is using a cane occasionally and by Christmas I guarantee she will be walking all on her own.

Watching her fight this battle is not only encouraging but down right inspiring. She inspires me to be better. To strive for the absolute best and when bumps in the road occur you have to push through them with an immeasurable amount of faith in God. He can carry you through ANYTHING.  He is a healer and he healed my aunt.

My hero is my Aunt Mary. She is a beautiful woman and if I can achieve and overcome half of what she has been through I will have lived a fulfilled life.

“The LORD will fight for you, you need only to be still.” –Exodus 14:14