Maureen

I've never wanted to be a spokesperson for fighting cancer. I would have rather it just stayed the hell out of my life. But, it didn't. And, I can't forget that it did. I will not forget that it did.

Because at the end of the day, and sometimes like today at the beginning, I know that you and I have always drawn the long straw. We are the lucky ones.

I didn't get cancer. My wife did. Breast cancer.

Yes, I lost everything in the world that was important to me, but, I did not lose my life. There isn't a day that goes by that I didn't wish it was the opposite way around.

'What am I going to do?' was the hardest question I was ever asked. Now, it is the hardest question I ask myself. When someone in your life is diagnosed with cancer you get asked that question. You ask yourself that question for the rest of your life.

I'm past my grief. I've moved on with my life, I've loved again and lost, and will love again. My wife made me promise her that I would move on with my life, but never forget her. She made me promise her I'd do all the things we had intended to do...

I know what I want to do.

But, I need help. Your help. I can no longer just sit idly by and give generously to cancer research and survivorship. Because I can't let cancer come into your life, and take away everything that was important to you. You have NO IDEA how horrible this disease is.

No idea.

Governments are not going to cure cancer. Private enterprise will cure cancer, but, only if we fund them.

We.

Me, you. We.

So today, I'm not pulling any punches. I'm sharing with you pictures from my life with my wife. Some of you feel you know me. Take a look at the pictures, that was me. The guy you see racing around in a tri one piece. That is not me. That is me after cancer dragged me into its world -- a widower -- left to try and find his way alone.

I feel more strongly compelled to do this, than anything in my life.

I feel like I am not alone.

I feel like there are many others out in blogland, that have had their lives affected by cancer. Many of you have written about cancer in your blogs; many of you have written to me about your stories; and many of you may have yet to write. Many others who want to do something.

I feel like there has to have been some greater purpose to my having a blog, than just writing about triathlon and my life now. I find it hard not to do something more. We share much of our lives in blogland. Maybe we can share our need to do something about cancer. And, that will make our blogging experience more meaningful, because it has the context of something greater.

We've created this blog just to share our stories of how cancer has affected our lives. Each person that contributes a story, will be listed on the blog. Each blogger that donates to fight cancer, will be listed on the blog.

We will write to fight. Bloggers against cancer.

Events like Breast Cancer Awareness month come and go. Now, we can build out a blogging network that can help in the fight against cancer every month.

We've built this site to create ongoing cancer awareness. The idea behind the stories, will be to share how cancer has affected our lives. But, only have people read the story, these stories, until you want to donate towards the fight against cancer. We will be asking you to donate to the cancer charity of your choice, and just leave a comment on the blog that you have done so and why. In this way, we will create a virtual cancer foundation in blogland, that will be independent from all of us, but championed and built out by ALL OF US. Bloggers helping people understand the need to donate to cancer research and survivorship.

All I'm asking from you to give up, is your stories for the blog, and your donations. For your help.

I hope all cancer ever asks of you to give up is your time and money. Cancer asked me to give up my wife. Let's do something about it together. I want you with me on this one.

If you would like a recommendation on two cancer charities that were important to me and my wife, and would like to honor her memory. You can donate generously as I have to cancer survivorship at The Lance Armstrong Foundation donation page or to breastcancer.org donation page.

Both were a source of inspiration and information to us in our fight together against cancer in our lives, and would encourage you if you do not wish to make a donation to learn more about these resources here at The Lance Armstrong Foundation or breastcancer.org.

Submitted by Greg aka Bolder in Boulder