Cancer doesn’t care what side you’re on for judicial reform

I recently spent the day at Park Utopia with families from around the country — religious and secular Jews, Muslims, Druze, disabled, able-bodied, and more. 

We wondered at the butterflies and pet the bunnies. We did not touch the carnivorous plants as instructed, and we drank in the beauty around us. 

No one talked about the reform. We all have something in common that eclipses judicial review, Moody’s ratings, mechitzas, and politicians’ incitements. We have all been touched by cancer.

At a time when political, cultural, and religious divides seem to be widening, leaving many feeling isolated and alienated, it’s the nonprofits who have stepped up to do the work. To remind us that we both need and must support each other. That very real dangers like cancer and more transcend what divides us. And that fundamentally, we are all the same.

Cancer does not discriminate. No child should have to deal with their parent’s or sibling’s cancer alone. Jeremy’s Circle is a nonprofit organization supporting children and teens coping with cancer or cancer loss via family fun days and teen events throughout the year. 

Butterfly and flower seen at Park Utopia. (courtesy)

Most Jeremy’s Circle kids live in homes filled with tension and fear, where their childhoods are put on hold as their parents focus on the survival of the family member, or I am sad to write, cope with loss. Inciting anger, provoking and responding to provocation with even more incitement might get likes on social media, and mentions on prime-time news, but it multiplies the tension. And most of us already have enough tension, thank you.

Our organization is just one example of nonprofits working to make sure everyone – regardless of their politics — has access to the support they need. Please write in the comments the names and links to organizations who deserve recognition for supporting those in need, while helping to bridge the divides. Maybe together, we can all become more inclusive, compassionate, and united.

Don’t get me wrong. I have strong feelings about the reform and its implications and I am deeply discouraged by the inability of our leadership to work together for the good of us all, civilly and reasonably. But, beyond all, I believe in the importance of agreeing to disagree… politely… and taking care of each other.

Jeremy’s Circle families gather for a light lunch at Park Utopia. (courtesy)