This Sunday’s readings contain hopeful messages of healing for those who are afflicted. In the case of the first reading and gospel, the affliction is leprosy, a widespread condition in the ancient world. Today, cancer is one of the leading conditions afflicting the population, and October brings particular focus on breast cancer awareness, with pink ribbons coming to the forefront.

"Life goes on for everyone else after the initial shock of the diagnosis, but for the patient it's a long haul and it's nice to know people are thinking of you still."

“The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2016 about 40,450 women will die from breast cancer.”