This spring Chris and I were blessed to be able to spend some time in France, specifically the Normandy region.  Normandy was on Chris’s bucket list and I was happy to be his sidekick. I’m not a huge WWII buff but I have always been drawn to history (I wish I would have paid better attention in high school.) I did my best to prep for the trip by watching Band of Brothers (incredible series) and leaning on the historical fiction books I read through my book club…but mostly, I simply showed up curious. 

We stayed in Deauville and rented a car to visit Utah Beach and some of the surrounding sites on our first day. One of the things that fascinated me was all the logistics required prior to D-Day to plan for the offensive. The training, the commitment of the soldiers and the bringing together of nations in support of one mission. I was escecially drawn to the harbor that was created off of Omaha Beach with its makeshift roads allowing trucks, tanks and supplies to be brought on shore. The remains of the harbor are still visible during low tide.

For our visit to Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the Normandy American Cemetery, we joined a tour group. During the bus ride, our guide, Elena, asked for a show of hands: “Who had an immediate relative who was part of D-Day or fought in Europe?” A few hands went up, including Chris’s; his Uncle Bruce served in the Third Army. Elena then broadened the question, asking who had relatives involved in “the war effort.” Again, a few hands raised. She paused thoughtfully before saying, “If you had a relative living in the U.S. from 1941 to 1945, they were part of the war effort.”  She went on to explain how nearly every action at home supported the greater cause. Factories retooled for military production, families adapted to rationing, and farmers increased food output to sustain troops and allies. Even efforts that seemed small, like writing letters, played a role in boosting morale.

That idea has stayed with me.

April is recognized as Volunteer Awareness Month, a time when we celebrate each of you. I am reminded that supporting young adults facing cancer is a collective effort. There isn’t just one way to make a difference, there are so many.

Every event volunteer who shows up early and stays late.
Every board member that volunteers their time to lead CHSCF.
Every school that chooses to fundraise for CHSCF.
Every individual who gives—big or small.
Every storyteller who shares our mission and helps someone feel less alone.

You are all part of this.

Just like the war effort, it takes a community, each person contributing in their own way, to move something bigger forward. And because of you, young adults facing cancer are finding connection, support, and strength when they need it most.

When we finished our tour, Elena gave us each a postcard and asked us to write our thoughts and include a personal highlight. Mine came quickly…the war effort.         I had seen a lot of incredible things and heard stories of heroic soldiers that risked everything for a cause bigger than themselves but my mind thought of all the behind the scenes folks that tossed coal on the fire to keep the engine running. Without the war effort, the outcome of WWII could have been very different. 

Not everyone is on the front lines or receives recognition, but everyone can be part of the effort.

Thank you for being part of the effort. 

Peace, Love and Kayak,

xoKaren