I watched Farrah’s Story, knowing full well it would make me sad, and it certainly did do that, but it also was so much more than just another sad celebrity story. It was Farrah’s gift to us - to her generation of Baby Boomer men and women. It was her way of giving us a Paul Harvey-esque “end of the story.” We are left with a wake-up call - the reality that if it can happen to Farrah, it can happen to any of us. It’s also given us an opportunity to give something back to Farrah, a chance to collectively hope she will find a miracle to regain her health.
I am one of the millions of women who has suffered the ugliness and devastation of cancer. Luckily, I’m most happy to say that so far I’ve won that war, but I still wrestle with the fear of those renegade “terrorist” cancer cells returning. Although ever vigilant, my present life situation makes it much harder to fight for my health than it should be. However, this is where Farrah’s Story will make a difference in my life. It has given me a new perspective of my own struggles, (and how small they really are) and that in itself will help me get through them much more easily.
Farrah showed us what cancer has done to her. She humbly shared her story with us - the women of her generation, her fellow Baby Boomers (and the newly named, GenJones). We should all look back and remember just how much we were touched by Farrah Fawcett when we were young. Now it’s our turn to touch her and take on her cause. Let us say to Farrah that we will continue her fight against cancer, and find a way to de-politicize it!
I’ve studied and used alternative medicine therapies for over 25 years (and written a book about my experiences and beliefs, Healthy Aging & Ageless Beauty, which has been reviewed). Unfortunately, I’ve always known our health care system is based on sickness, rather than wellness. It’s an outrage that many complimentary healthcare options are kept from us in America, and as we saw in Farrah’s Story, her last word was, “why?”
Article comments
1 - Christine Lakatos
Great article, Alie! On a light note: I remember when I was in high school (78'-80'), and even had the Farrah Fawcett hair-cut, just like every other girl. LOL On a more somber thought, it is truly sad what she is going through and my heart goes out for her, however, I am not quite ready to watch Farrah's documentary""but I will. Cancer is extremely devastating, and I am glad you are a survivor"I hope and pray Farrah is one too. Keep up the "cause" and we will all be healthier for it!
2 - Silver Bullet
To make our self healthy so its good to discuss about health. Great article, Alie. Cancer is extremely devastating, and I am glad you are a survivor.
3 - Alie James
Thank you for your comments. There's always a somethings that sparks a new conversation. Farah's gone now, but we must keep talking.
4 - Rankers
The views of reasonable people will matter much more to the fate of health reform than the protesters would lead you to think. Alie. Cancer is extremely devastating, and I am glad you are a survivor.