“Hey, cancer. I had to celebrate my 39th birthday with you, but you will not be at my 40th birthday bash next year.”

Gail had a few things to say to cancer. So she wrote it a letter. Talk about inspiring.

“We have known each other for a very long time, since I was 19. I remember my mom calling me and saying you had come to visit her. Back then, I didn’t know who you were, what you were capable of or how to stop you. I thank God for giving her the strength to fight you.”

I could not forgive or forget, like a thief in the night, when you stole something so dear and precious to me – my mother. For two years, I fell into a dark abyss, consumed by grief, guilt and anger.

But this time is different. I am older and wiser and have a team to support me – my family, friends and my personal army at MD Anderson. As the saying goes, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Going through this journey with you, cancer, has taught me a lot. I can’t consider you a friend yet, but you have created a fire inside me that I am thankful for. I learned to let go of the negative thoughts I had pushed deep down inside myself and to release the emotions that were harming me physically. I will not let you have the last dance. No, sir.

So, cancer, I will keep you close, and my army at MD Anderson is here to make sure they keep a watchful eye on you. I promise to do my part to prevent cancer and help others learn how to stop you, too.

Yesterday, I did something that shows my strength, too. I made a video about my story and posted it on YouTube to let the world know who you really are and share my plans for the future. I don’t have superpowers, but fueled with passion and action, I will help others take back control and knock out cancer.”