The Caryn-Dura Foundation for Cancer Survivorship is inspired by the courage that two people in my life have demonstrated in the face of a deadly disease.

My mother, Dura Elizabeth, was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer in 2013. She fought that demon for more than two years, but she lost her battle on August 31. Love of family was key to her survival. She was able to attend the wedding of her granddaughter and view that of her grandson this summer, and she welcomed two more great-grandchildren into her life.

My wife, Caryn Marie, was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer in 2012. She has approached this devastating diagnosis with tanacity that I could never have imagined. She informed herself of the treatment options and other information that, I believe, have increased her odds of long-term survival and enabled her to participate fully in the multiple decisions involved in her treatment. I am extremely proud of her and I admire what she has done. She serves as an inspiration to help others through knowledge.

For more than two decades, I worked in cancer clinical research as a statistician. I knew of patients who courageously fought similar battles and I knew of many who ultimately lost, but I never fully appreciated the difficulties that they actually faced. "Cancer surviorship' is a term that really covers the gamut of dealing with everything in the life of a cancer patient and those of their loved ones after a diagnosis is made. This site, cancercourage.org, is about showing how to go about dealing with cancer and surviving to the fullest.