With Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

I have had the privilege of caring for thousands of cancer patients over many years. I continue to be humbled and inspired by their tenacity and resilience in the face of adversity. I have often wondered what is unique about the small number of patients who continue to do astonishingly well despite complicated conditions.

A few years ago, there were studies suggesting that a "fighting spirit" or having a certain attitude was a factor in survival. However, rigorous studies have not supported these early claims. Nevertheless, there is something different about these patients. Likewise, there is something unique about the members of our digital community. Each of you participates, sharing your survival skills and enriching all of our lives.

Recent studies have examined individuals who have survived trauma, natural disasters, and being prisoners of war. I am reading that there are several factors from which we can each profit. The individuals who seem to thrive in adversity have many characteristics but especially five.

• A faith and a power or energy over and above themselves to offer peace and comfort.
• A sense of connectedness. The recognition that family and community are crucial to survival.
• A sense of altruism, somehow sharing of themselves whether a sip of water or a piece of bread to make the life of others a little bit better.
• Some fundamental level of health and physical fitness. We all cannot run marathons, but we are responsible to keep ourselves as healthy as possible.
• Most of these survivors had an optimistic attitude and sense of humor. The ability to see the absurdity of life and to recognize that yes there are some funny things that happen even when we are faced with dire circumstances.

I would be grateful for any other characteristics that our community could add to this list.

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