Cancer is not exactly a laughing matter by any stretch.
But when you're facing it — or seeing it wreak havoc on other people around you — sometimes humor is your best defense. It might not solve everything, but it can at least lift some spirits.
That's what 21-year-old Tessa Calder discovered while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
A medical student in New South Wales, Australia, Tessa was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year after experiencing back pain and vomiting.
As part of her treatment, she's now hooked up to an IV pole. It's a grim reality for the young woman, as was seeing her fellow patients with their poles, all undergoing the body-ravaging treatments.
But instead of feeling bad all the time, Tessa decided to spread some cheer through some humor. Because if there's anything cancer patients (and people with all kinds of illnesses) know, it's that regular get-well platitudes just don't cut it.
Instead of seeing her IV pole as a burden, she decided to use it as a prop for some good-spirited fun.
(via My Modern Met, ABC)
Tessa started dressing up and using her IV pole as a prop in an attempt to cheer her fellow patients. She credits her father with giving her the idea. He likened the patients, with their white hospital gowns and IV poles, to the pope. 'There's so many popes!' he said.
So when she had some time, Tessa made herself a paper pope hat and shared this photo on Facebook. The picture has since gone viral.
Her caption read: "Everybody meet Francis, the IV pole. We're joined at the hip (well actually the chest to be anatomically correct) and he's very pope-ly. I know that word should probably be papal but pope-ly just sounds so much better. Disclaimer: does not include bulletproof vehicle. But Francis is very mobile (see what I did there?)"
Since then, the IV pole has taken many forms, including Gandalf's staff, a boxer's punching bag, and more. Not only did it amuse Tessa, but she says the photos also cheered up her roommate.
Her friends have also gotten in on the project. 'We talk about these things and get an idea going and one of them will say, 'Oh, I've got a hat I can bring in,'' she says.
'My friends and family really have been the best medicine. They've stuck by me and it's been tough for them, too, but they make me laugh and smile and forget about the yucky stuff.' Here, Tessa and a friend are posing by some oxygen taps.
Tessa's friends are doing what they can to support her, and one of them is even partaking in a charity bike ride to raise funds for brain cancer research and study.
And as for Tessa, the silly, fun photos are a way to get back to normal. "In a way, you've got to laugh at yourself," she says, "in any challenge."
To help raise funding for brain cancer research and to spread Tessa's good humor, please SHARE her story!
