This was a great story, and I'm glad I was able to read it. My father, a hero of mine and one of my best friends, passed away due to cancer at the end of 2012.

This was a great story, and I'm glad I was able to read it. My father, a hero of mine and one of my best friends, passed away due to cancer at the end of 2012. My mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer the following spring. For over 3 years, I've been accompanying them to weekly or bi-monthly visits to the oncologist and for treatments. Being the personal representative and power of attorney for advance directive for each has put me in very similar situations, like this story shares, where the doctor was blunt with me but my parent was semi-oblivious. Although there is very little to be thankful about regarding cancer, the perspective I've gained from my experience helps me to make better decisions in my life. Making my little son laugh and generally enjoy himself is the best part of my day. I make sure my wife knows how much I love and appreciate her. I may not have prioritized those actions enough without the perspective I've gained. Synthetic genomics seems to be a very promising approach to reaching a cure, or at least more effective treatment. Hopefully we'll get there soon and prevent as much suffering as possible.