My 82-year-old mom just went through one of the most difficult experiences of her life; surgery for lung cancer. I will say at the outset that she is amazingly resilient for all her apparent frailties, and has bounced back. In just a little over two weeks, she is chipper, happy, pain and cancer free, and has regained her twinkling smile.

While I noted that this was a most difficult experience for my mom -- she stated earth-moving, mind-altering experience for me. I over and over again that "I didn't think I was going to make it," it was also an had to see my mother in great pain. I had to watch her cry, and see her put through really tough treatments. I felt helpless, horrified, and angry at the unfairness of it all. Why the pain? Why did she need to suffer so much of it?

Obviously, fairness has nothing to do with cancer. Sobering statistics suggest that one in three of us will be affected by cancer at some point in our lives. My mom got lung cancer -- ironically she has never touched a cigarette in her life. She doesn't drink alcohol or coffee either. Go figure.

Though the first few days were admittedly torturous for her, she is one of the lucky ones. The surgery was successful. This time, cancer didn't win. But like most of you, I have family members and dear friends who fought the battle of cancer, and lost. It's not a disease we can take lightly. Finding a cure is something we should all be very committed to - and I will do my part.

But today, I am counting my blessings, living in this moment, and enjoying my mom's smile.