2009 was an interesting, yet frightful, year. I seemed to have been challenged by the strongest bully who is known to knock down anyone in his path- Cancer. Cancer knocked me off my feet- not in the good way- and took over everything I knew to be mine: life, emotions, well-being, even friendships. I was no longer in control and the only thing I could do was listen to everyone around me cheer on the words "Fight as hard as you can for as long as you can." Personally, I find this chant saddening. Cancer is not a bully that you can just kick on the ground and physically fight back for stealing your lunch money. No, "fighting" cancer is mental. You are not in control of where it spreads, if it goes in remission, or even how long it stays. You- as a cancer fighter- have to sit back and watch this bully take down your strength, your family, and your mind. You are helpless, just hoping that your life will be spared. Some people are lucky enough to be spared from the grips of Cancer; others are not so lucky. At 9 years old, I began my journey through diagnosis, treatment, and -luckily- remission. I have been spared three times. Cancer may be a horrid disease, but it taught me a hell of a lot of things about life. Cancer made me see life in a different perspective. I now appreciate what I have in front of me.