World Cancer Day

Feb. 4, 2026

Today—February 4, 2026—is World Cancer Day. It was established on Feb. 4, 2000.

I’m sorry to say I had not paid much attention to it. Until this year.

I lost Dorinda to cancer on April 25, 2025. I always thought she would get better. Always.

Through 40 radiation treatments, six chemotherapy treatments, two surgeries, and more, I believed it. I know why now—it was because of her outlook.

For her—at least the way she presented it to the world—it was always positive. She would call our children, her mom, after most of our dozens of trips to UAB, updating them honestly. But she always framed it with optimism. Never downtrodden. Never “why me.” It was always, “This is the next step ahead.”

There were moments, of course, when we broke down together. And moments when she carried it alone, I’m sure.

But outward-facing? Always a smile. Always optimistic.

She was brave because of her love for others—putting everyone else first. Always.

That’s why I thought she would get better.

Always.

Dorinda. Pink Out Cancer shirt. Putnam County, Florida. 2019.