Everyone at some point in their life has been impacted by cancer. Cancer is blind, choosing its next victim without caution or concern. It doesn’t care if you are a mother, father, aunt, uncle, cousin, friend, daughter, son, grandma, grandpa; it doesn’t care what profession you have. It doesn’t only devastate the victim; it ravages families, friends, and coworkers alike. Everyone can think right now about how their lives have been changed by cancer. Multiple people in my family alone have had it, so this story hits home for me.
As a teacher, I have the privilege of becoming close with my students. One current student I have has forever impacted my life because of her dedication and bravery. Anja is making a difference in the world. Why? Because she wants to and she won’t let anybody stop her.
Anja approached me a few weeks ago and told me she wanted to shave her head. Specifically, she wanted to shave her head for cancer. I am ashamed to say that I am one of those people who does not entertain the idea of hope often. I’m not a pessimist naturally in life, but when it comes to things like this I tend to think they won’t work out. My reaction to her was “why, what are your intentions for doing that?” She explained to me that she has a passion for kids with cancer. She wanted to raise awareness by doing this, since she has a family member with cancer, and she hoped she could potentially spread the Gospel by doing this. She was hesitant though, because she didn’t want to offend cancer patients. She is an obedient child too, so since her parents weren’t welcoming the idea, she wanted to know where the boundary was between being obedient and doing something you felt passionate about. I told her to respect her parents (this is the hard part about being the teacher-because I know them as a student and I am supposed to be on their side!) but I also told her that hair grows back and I think it would be commendable if she did that. I didn’t think much about it, and honestly didn’t know if she would follow through with it. After all, doing things in theory and then doing things in reality are different. Reality takes courage. I mean, I can say most days I hate doing my hair and I just want to shave my head. If someone was standing right there with clippers though, I wouldn’t be so daring.
Within the next few weeks, Anja had emailed people telling her of her idea. She didn’t generally get a positive response. She did not give up. She was looking for guidance, looking for someone to tell her how to get a foundation started or what cancer patients needed or wanted the most. She finally found someone who told her to make care packages for them and that’s just what she did. For her 15th birthday, instead of having a party or receiving gifts, and making it all about her, she asked that her guests buy things to put in a care package like water, Gatorade, or blankets. I was so honored and flattered to be invited to this event. I wanted my family to be there because I want my boys to remember that. I explained to them about this noble thing my student chose to do. She chose to go against the social norm and shave off her long, pretty hair. She invited people to come together and share her passion with her. She explained her reasons for doing it and didn’t do it in vain. She decided on something and followed through with it despite fear or rejection. She is showing the love of Jesus in a practical, simple way. She displays the qualities I want my boys to have and I think her actions are just that of a role model.
If you know Anja, you know how cool she is. She considers herself “socially awkward,” but I was so taken by watching her interact with her peers and family at this party. I envy her strength and her bravery and her passion for something that will impact others. I know she will do great things in life and I’m so glad I can say I knew her in this life.
I've had this blog written for almost a week. I found out today that a previous student has been diagnosed with cancer. I was just talking with him this last week, recalling memories of when he was in my class. Memories like the dance-offs we would have because he is an awesome dancer. Memories like when he would so graciously correct me because he is a child genius, how he has scored so high on his ACT at such a young age; we also talked about his sophomore year and his junior year since being in my class. This student, like all of my students is special to me. I realized today why I haven't posted this blog yet. It is because of Jordan. And maybe because of Anja's bravery, maybe Jordan will have a little more strength undergoing Chemo because of Anja. Maybe because Anja cares and will make a difference through her practical ways of kindness, this boy who is in her youth group will be grateful.
Tucking in my boys tonight, after they prayed a special prayer for Jordan, we had to explain that God doesn't make bad things happen to good people but that he can heal them. They remembered Anja and her fierce bravery in shaving her head for kids with cancer, and even though everything doesn't make sense to them (or me) I know somehow it is all connected. I wish I had more words but right now I'm proud and heartbroken all at the same time.
Please join me in praying for guidance for Anja as she continues being obedient to God and please also pray for Jordan and his healing and his family.
*I asked Anja if I could write a blog about her and she agreed. I also asked permission before posting a picture.
