Life is about friendship and compassion.

This is the message that Andrew Cummings, QC, left with patrons at the Annual Dinner hosted by the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Cancer Society at Government House on Saturday, November 8th.{{more}}

Cummings, one of the guest speakers, spoke of his battles with diabetes. He said his experience with diabetes, which he called a “living hell”, has taught him several lifelong and valuable lessons, such as having a deeper appreciation for friendship after a friend donated a kidney to him.

He also used the opportunity to speak about some of the ills that are brought on by diabetes and cancer.

Cummings told the gathering that when one is having a nice time, that person tends to dismiss several critical aspects of life, which they grow to have a deeper appreciation for when they become a victim.

“Sometimes only Jesus knows the trials and tribulation we bear,” he sighed, during his passionate speech.

He offered the tips of developing courage and having faith and love, as important ways of dealing with the two major diseases he had earlier mentioned.

The audience was also moved by Anthony Theobalds, the second guest speaker.Theobalds is well-known for his work in Culture, but few persons know that he has been a survivor of cancer for the past 18 years.

Speaking of his experience with the disease, he said that he has learnt to live each day on its merit and in the moment -not tomorrow.

“I have given up seeking the things most people call success. I don’t plan grand plans for the future. Life changes when you become mortal,” said Theobalds, explaining that one of the keys to survival is having a positive attitude. He said the sense of one’s mortality conquers death.

“Don’t feel sorry for me because I am a cancer survivor. I am having a good time,” he added.

Theobalds advised patients to communicate with their caregivers because the caregivers are not mind readers.

Several students of the Trinity University School of Medicine, as well as members of the medical fraternity and the general public, were in attendance to give support to the Cancer Society.