Melinda Rose Hathaway
"Reflect, improve, and change everything. Go through life never judging, never criticising and when a friend asks you for help, you ask how. Live with purpose"
👏 Happy Friday!
On this day, September 22, we celebrate Rose Day - Welfare of Cancer Patients. This special day carries powerful symbolism in representing compassion, hope, and solidarity for those impacted by cancer. Dedicated to individuals suffering from cancer across the globe, the day is observed in remembrance of 12-year-old cancer patient Melinda Rose Hathaway from Canada, who died from the disease. The rose has long been associated with love and positivity. On Rose Day, it becomes an uplifting emblem, demonstrating support and commitment to honour those courageously battling cancer. The simple yet meaningful act of gifting roses helps create community, reduce stigma, and remind patients they are not alone in their journey.
✅ According to Melinda Rose’s parents, she often used the words, “Life is so much better when you concentrate on the things that you can do and on the things that you do have, instead of sulking and worrying about the things that you can’t do or that you can’t have.” Melinda Rose was twelve years old when she was diagnosed with Askin’s tumour, which is a rare form of blood cancer on February 14, 1994. The doctors said her chance of survival for anything more than one or two weeks was remote. However, she fought on until September 15th, 1996, when the cancer finally overwhelmed her. During this period, she devoted her existence to spreading joy and optimism among the cancer patients in her vicinity and insisted on going to school when able. Despite her tender age of 12, her change leadership, unwavering bravery, and determination served as an inspiring beacon for fellow individuals battling cancer. Improve and Change Everything.
“Reflect, improve, and change everything. Go through life never judging, never criticising and when a friend asks you for help, you ask how. Live with purpose”
👉 As we reflect on this important day, we are reminded of the profound impact that cancer has on individuals and their loved ones. Cancer, often labelled as the formidable ‘C’, is now being viewed differently by experts due to the advancements in treatments that have significantly improved recovery rates and the overall quality of life for patients. Media coverage of cancer plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and raising awareness about the disease. However, it is important to strike a balance between destigmatizing and desensitising the general public to cancer-related issues while also offering solace, hope, and potentially valuable advice to patients and survivors. As some types of cancer evolve into chronic, lifelong conditions, it is crucial for us to fundamentally change our perception of the disease and survivorship.
Have a fantastic weekend with the ones you love and care for, tell them you love them, enjoy some fresh air, exercise, eat, drink and be happy.
Peter consults, speaks, and writes on the Leadership of Change®.
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Peter F Gallagher is a Change Management Global Thought Leader, Guru, Expert, International Speaker, Author and Leadership Alignment Coach.
Listed #1 by leadersHum Top 40 Change Management Gurus You Should Follow in 2022 (Mar 2022).
Ranked #1 Change Management Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Change Management (2023-2022-2021-2020) by Thinkers360.
Ranked #1 Business Strategy Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Business Strategy (2022) by Thinkers360.
Ranked #2 Leadership Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Leadership (Aug 2020) by Thinkers360.
Business Book Ranking
Change Management Behaviour - Leadership of Change® Volume 6, listed among the 50 Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders to read in 2022.
Change Management Adoption - Leadership of Change® Volume 5, listed among year-to-date’s (Jul 2021) most popular books on business and technology from Thinkers360 member thought leaders.
Change Management Handbook - Leadership of Change® Volume 3, listed among the 50 Business and Technology Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders to read in 2021.
Change Management Pocket Guide - Leadership of Change® Volume 2, ranked within the top 50 Business and Technology Books (Jan 2020) from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders.