Messages of Hope for Cancer Prom-Goers

'World News' viewers sent notes from across America and the Middle East.

ByABC News
June 11, 2008, 3:54 PM

June 11, 2008— -- We asked "World News" viewers to pass along their messages of hope to young cancer patients who just attended a prom. We've passed along your messages to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and we've posted some of your responses below.

Jeff from Bradenton, Fla., wrote: "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass it's about learning how to dance in the rain. Dance away......Signed Jeff (Stage IV Lymphoma)."

Stephen from Hope Mills, N.C., wrote: "I don't know if you guys will get this, but I just wanted to say it's wonderful to see you smile. It means so much to me! It makes traveling to Afghanistan worth it for people like you! And I will be proud to go back to make sure you guys are safe here in the U.S., and so many others!"

Rafael from Kabul, Afghanistan, wrote: "I am serving in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom, and I saw the show from Tuesday. Seing shows like that shows that in America we all carry courage. Some of us use it in wars and children like you use it fighting your disease. Never give up the fight no matter how hard it gets. If you believe, you will be cured. GOD bless you all. From someone who cares in Afghanistan."

AJ from Hialeah Gardens, Fla., wrote: "So, I was reading the news and I found that I could tell one of the cancer patients at Sloan-Kettering something, so I do hope this little note finds one of you well; I know you're going to need a little reassurance. As a former chemotherapy patient myself (it didn't happen too long ago for me, just two years), I know what it's like to be going through the trials and tribulations that you're going to face, and I'm not going to lie not for a second. It will not be easy. There will be times when you lie in bed, hoping to do nothing more than give up and that it'll all go away. But there is one thing to remember: No matter what may happen to you, you are stronger than it. As long as you have hope, you have confidence. I'm 14 now, and I'm still thankful that I pulled through. If I could do it You can, too."