Yes, cancer has taken a great man. Moments after the news broke, tributes began pouring in from all around the world using technology created or inspired by the visionary company led by Steve Jobs.
But according to the WHO statistics, more than 20,000 people die every day from cancer.
Parents, children, grandparents, spouses, friends, co-workers. More than 20,0000 of them. Yes, Jobs did amazing things and he will be well-remembered over the coming days, weeks and decades. He built a legacy worth celebrating. But watching the outpouring of condolences for Jobs made me wonder how many other families, friends and co-workers lost loved ones today?
I hated the answer…the families, friends and co-workers of more than 20,000 people lost loved ones in the same 24 hour period that will be remembered as the day Jobs died. So today, not only do I send thoughts of compassion and appreciation to the family of Steve Jobs but to those left behind by the 20,000 people daily who leave the planet, lives cut short by cancer.
Moments like these are worthy of notice. When something like this stops me in my tracks, I ask what is the takeaway for me? There are several:
- we’ve come a long way in the fight against cancer
- we have a long way to go in the fight against cancer
- there are many thousands of people suffering through the loss of a loved one every day on this planet
- some will leave grand and well known legacies and others will leave more silent and personal ones
- no matter who we are, no one lives forever but we can choose how we live and how we love
- if the outcome is assured, then what have we got to lose…why not reach toward the level of vision, inspiration and action of a Steve Jobs with our own goals and dreams
- what are we waiting for?
Jobs’ death does not have to mark an ending. It can mark a beginning of more people taking up the torch to lead and live a legacy daily in their own, unique way. It can fuel our commitments to continue to raise funding to support research and prevention programs not just here in North America, but worldwide.
Imagine if every person who posted, blogged or honored Jobs in some other way donated a dollar in his name to any one of the outstanding non-profit organizations out there making strides in finding a cure…American Cancer Society, Keep-A-Breast Foundation, I’m Too Young for Cancer, Stand Up to Cancer, Imermans Angels, Thrive/Survive Los Angeles, Livestrong or any of your own personal favorites?
So, today, I’m not going to eulogize Steve Jobs…I’m going to shine the light on the 20,000 others who lost their battle with cancer and call out for us to commemorate not just with words but through action that can make an impact $1.00 at a time. Jobs showed us one person can make a difference…will you?
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Great post, Tambre. And, an action item every reader can and should effect.
Fantastic, Tambre. I thought something similar about the many others who die every day (which is also why I’m not eulogizing Steve Jobs), but I never extended it to taking action. What a beautiful idea! Thanks for writing this.
This is a terrific post. I was sad when I heard the news of Steve Jobs. As with many well-known talented people, he seemed large than life and when he died, it seems an era went with him. But there’s no reason that it’s any different with those who aren’t well known. We are all larger than life to someone. The loss is just as great. And the things you take away from it all are valuable lessons for us all. Thank you. ~ Suerae
Tambre,
I wondered where you would go with this – Excellent post!
A few of my extended family members have died from cancer-related complications. In today’s world, none of us have been untouched – we all know someone that has had, beaten, or been affected by cancer.
Hats off to you, for your work and your support of others.
To ‘fess up: I work in social media. The technologies of my profession have been greatly influenced by Steve Jobs. But it was only 6 or so months ago that I finally bought a Mac.
For years, I knew about Apple and Steve Jobs, but I didn’t really get what the big hoopla was. And, honestly, I still do not feel so connected.
I choose to celebrate others on a daily basis – as we never know. It is appropriate to acknowledge everyone….all. And to have sensitivity for those that need it.
As the so called, “Walt Disney,” of our generation, I think Steve Jobs would admire and acknowledge your stance here.
I did write a post the day after about my impressions of being on a call with Guy Kawasaki talking about Jobs…as the story broke. Wow, what a privilege to hear some of that insight!
The post’s purpose was really to talk about the opportunity of taking what is, and setting forth on a new beginning.
I wish you, and those you work with the opportunity of new beginnings.
~Keri
Of course it is a major loss and Jobs lived such an extraordinary life making incredible contributions…but I also like to remember there are often unknown, unsung heroes we have lost.
I so agree, Suerae…very sad and he is a great model for seeing the difference one person can be in the world when we take risks and live our greatest gifts, not just have them. I love your comment…beautifully written. Thank you for posting.
Thanks, Roy…just felt the story could use a different take and some additional layers. And who doesn’t love a call to action…therein lies the place we truly make a difference.
I donate every month to the American Cancer Society in memory of my dad, who had cancer and left us on March 3, 2001. Thank you Tambre for recognizing how so many others have gone through losing a loved one from this awful disease.
My thoughts and prayers goes out to Steve Jobs family, and also to all those that are battling or have lost the battle to cancer. I hope some day soon, we can find a cure.
Wow…thank you, Keri. So interesting to hear your perspective and being on the call when the story broke…that’s memorable. Jobs is an icon. I have been an appreciator of Mac for many years…and I so appreciate you got my point. Jobs’ contributions are beyond measurement AND I wanted to add in some perspective and inspiration. Love your personal commitment to celebrate others daily. We can take nothing for granted and celebrating local heroes and our loved ones is a call we can all respond to…thank you for highlighting this. I’ve got to check out your post…historical!
Lynn, I am sorry to hear you lost your father to cancer. What a service you do through your donations. I second all your thoughts. No matter who Jobs was to the rest of the world, his family has lost a father and a husband. For those we have lost, we can continue to support anyone whose life has been touched by cancer through whatever feels most appropriate to each individual wishing to make a difference.
You know your title was a very interesting one that said “Read me, Read me” LOL
I do appreciate your point of view and call to action. I love the way you presented your point.
In addition, I think about this every time a “celebrity/public figure” pass away – if we put the same amount of energy into caring for/eulogizing/supporting those who aren’t so public, we would probably be better off. Not to downplay who our public figures are, like Steve who obviously paved the way for so many people with his creative thoughts and leadership, but what about those who, like you said, leave the silent and personal legacies?
Food for thought for the rest of us
~Kesha
Thanks, Kesha. I admire so many bloggers who regularly do a great job creating titles that invite readers in. Gaining interaction through a strong title is an art…one I am just learning. As writers, we can offer the most value filled content but if we fail to magnetize the attention of an audience, it’s a little like the tree falling in the forest with no one there to hear.
Tambre – a tip of my hat to you!
Like Lynn, my father died of cancer (metastatic cancer) at the young age of 63. It invaded every bone and organ in his body.
I’ve always been and will always be an advocate for the “underdog”, if you will. Your post made me feel very good about my efforts to shine the spotlight on those who may never have “celebrity” status … but who are, nonetheless, just as worthy of recognition, acceptance, and support in whatever their battles, challenges, and struggles may be.
Every time a person leaves this life, there is profound loss. To their families, friends, co-workers, etc. A human life is precious and cancer is a horrible disease. I don’t think remembering Steve Jobs for his contribution to the world in any way diminishes the lives of the other 20,000 people who died that same day of cancer. Your idea to remember those we love who have been taken by the disease is a good one. Bless you for all the good work you do
I agree, Martha. This was an opportunity to expand awareness and I absolutely acknowledge the incredible contributions of Jobs AND remind everyone we are each capable of the same. We are the only ones who limit what is possible for ourselves. Sometimes it takes a headline to paint an entire picture
Hi Tambre,
I loved your post and how compassionate you came across to Steve Jobs and his family along with honoring all the others out there who are suffering with Cancer.
I have a sister in law who is in remission and several friends who are fighting some form of cancer. This blog post reminds us to remember all of them, not just one person.
While Steve Jobs contributed so much, there are so many others out there who have a lot to offer and a lot to lose while fighting this terrible disease.
Thank you so much.
Cindy
Wow! Like Keri, I was wondering where you were going to go with this post and I absolutely love the point you made. Jobs’ passing can be a reminder for us of the impact cancer has on so many people, not just him. Thanks for reframing this and for reminding us that one of the best ways to commemorate his life is by contributing to our knowledge and understanding of cancer. I really appreciate this message, friend!
This was an awesome post, Tambre. Being that I lost my mother to cancer in September of last year, I can relate deeply to this post. Those other people who suffer from or whom may have lost their fight with cancer often go without the recognition, that they too deserve. Each of these individuals are strong and incredibly brave to have endured such a difficult illness; some who often decide to fight the battle alone for years, out of fear of sharing it with their loved ones. I think that you recognized them all with this post. And for that, I personally truly thank you for sharing. I’m sure it will touch many of those who think no one even cares about their personal lost. I’ve been there and it’s a wonderful feeling to know that someone cares.
Deeone, thank you for sharing your personal story. I am sorry to hear about your mother. It is often a very isolating experience as survivors and caregivers tend to put on brave faces of support for everyone around them which takes a toll. It takes courage but helping people find ways they can express their fears and challenges and get support…well, that’s really what I’m all about. Helping others connect in times of great challenge to be supported so they can put their energy in their healing journey or caring for their loved one and themselves instead of bottling it all up. I so appreciate your comment.