I think after a year and a half of working at a cancer support and wellness center in the D.C. metro area, I am just coming to understand what drew me to this work. I volunteer once a week to lead a mindfulness meditation group.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have learned a lot from the cancer survivors I have interviewed. I am reminded of the real value of life, how precious it is, and how unimportant our mundane challenges really are.

Social media gets criticism for the harm it can do, but social media can be a source for good. One way Facebook is being harnessed for the greater good is by providing support and education for the cancer community.

Am I suggesting an upside to this disease? No. Far from it. That said I embrace what it taught and I cherish the love and the kinship it allowed to surface.