Everyone with a purpose

I heard of Tigers with a Purpose in my public relations class. Our teacher shared this group because they were members of PRSSA and her former students. The group intends to raise awareness about pediatric cancer. The staple fact is that 1 in 5 children diagnosed will not survive. She raved about the heart-wrenching video that interviewed people affected by childhood cancer.

I didn’t give it much thought until my boss heard something about yoga and LSU. I found that this was the same organization.

I love the idea of using yoga to share awareness because I believe that is the best way to make yoga your own. Yoga should be personalized to fit everyone’s need. Even in Baton Rouge yoga can become ultra-specific. Do you like beer and yoga? Yoga on Tap. Do you like bunnies? Bunny yoga. Do you want to sweat every day of the year? Hot yoga.

The article about the group using yoga to raise awareness showed me something more. The “purpose” of Tigers With a Purpose is awareness for pediatric cancer. Their video was heart-wrenching and hit home.

Cancer became a reality for me when my uncle was diagnosed. He lived at my house for the last six months of his life. I had a blast listening to him play the accordion and making him chicken and waffles. My dad said his x-ray looked like a constellation, but even then he was drinking champagne with me and laughing about life.

His last few weeks were so challenging. I hoped, prayed and watched as his smile and comfort fade away. One sunny day, he left us through a calm and peaceful breath.

He was 49 years old. I know that he lived his life to the fullest but I couldn’t imagine seeing a family member so young suffer so greatly. How can we bear the fact children do not have the option of growing old?

I join the fight for five because pediatric cancer is everyone’s purpose.