“At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
In the throes of her diagnosis and the beginnings of her cancer journey, these closing words from Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales reflect her understanding of the role she plays as a world leader (a world influencer), and how important her opinion is to her subjects and all other followers / listeners.
As more and more people are touched by the heavy hand of cancer, and more of those victims are celebrities or people of fame in our lives (folks who have earned or been bestowed with a culturally elevated status), it is always helpful when they exhibit their bravery and share the disclosure of their diagnosis. This not only humanizes the disease (cancer happens to people like me; it can happen to people like "them" as well), but their proclamation also adds a degree of support to their given followers.
There is still so much more that we don't know about Kate and her fate, and the speculation by the overly curious (nosey) British tabloids runs rampant. Her medical situation is private and hers to share as she sees fit. So, for her to end her recent revelation announcement video with words of comfort and camaraderie, can act as a helpful salve or even a lifeline for those who are similarly starting their cancer treatment journey.
Few in the world will get the level of medical care or imposition of media attention that Catherine will receive throughout her ordeal. But at a time when she has every right to think only about herself and her family - her personally telling us that she is the newest comrade in the club that no one wants to be a member of, is a generous gesture of selflessness and majestic magnitude. It won't pacify the gossip hounds, nor will it expedite her recovery, but it may help even one other person out there with cancer - and that's what makes this particular sacrifice of her privacy all the more honourable.
