The past few weeks have been quite a whirlwind as I have been preparing to make a major transition in my life…moving to Texas! Eek. Although I’m confident that it’s the right move for me, it’s a bit scary for a number of reasons. Mostly because I don’t like change. Yesterday was the last day at my job and I bawled as I left the family I’ve been working for. I love them dearly and will certainly miss them. I think my highly emotional (and unexpected!) response was really because this is the first thing to come to an end for me in Nashville. And, again, change is hard for me. I continue to remind myself that “for everything there is a season…”
I have the most incredible support system in Nashville. Friends are the family you choose for yourself, you know. I adore this family. They have walked with me through many joys and sorrows. But, I have come to the point in my life where it is actually more painful for me to stay comfortable. I know God is stretching me and it’s time to do something new. So, here I go. Doing something new. Which, despite my apprehensions about the transition, I’m actually very excited about.
The primary reason for the move back to Dallas is to launch HOW YOU LIVE—the organization I’ve been telling you about. I’ve had a few top-secret meetings J and I’m so completely thrilled about what’s on the horizon! Brace yourself…it’s going to be off the chart. In a nutshell, as I’ve learned more and more about the young adult cancer crisis, I have realized that there is a massive need for education and health care resources for our people. As young adults, we avoid issues that are intimidating—like our health. Check it out: 35% of adults in their 20s are uninsured (that’s almost 14 million). If a young adult doesn’t have a job that provides coverage (and many don’t), how do you even go about finding a policy…much less paying for it? Have you ever asked these other questions: How do you find a primary care doctor and why is that even important? What are symptoms of serious illness? What if I can’t afford to go to the doctor? These are only a few of the reasons why only 50% of young adults (20s and 30s) diagnosed with cancer survives. It all comes down to early detection. And that’s were HYL comes in. We’re not trying to cure cancer. We want to empower our generation to be proactive about their health and prevent late-detection of a disease that, if diagnosed early, is almost always curable. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: Young people get sick, too. Cancer is no respecter of age and it’s time for us, as individuals, and our doctors and healthcare community to pay attention to the needs of young adults.
I can’t wait to unveil the strategic plan for How You Live and enlist your help! We CAN make a difference. I believe it with all of my heart. Most importantly, I know it’s God’s heart, too.
I leave you with wise words from Dr. Seuss:
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So…
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!
What are you waiting for? Let’s get moving!
Peace and Love-



