IT IS a New Year. It is time for change, resolution, promises and committment. It is time to turn a new leaf. As we reflect on all the things that took place in our lives last year, don't we all have a lot to be thankful for?

We are survivors of another year, after all. Each and every day is precious to us, but another year... well, a year is a gift from heaven.

The year holds so much promise. Only weeks ago the headlines in the news blared, "Cancer deaths fall for the first time in decades!" Maybe this will be the year they find the cause.

The year holds so much hope. New drugs are developed every day that prolong our lives, ease the pain, suppress the disease. Maybe this will be the year they discover a guaranteed treatment.

The year holds so much passion. There are physicians, scientists, politicians and clergy who are all doing research to put an end to the disease. Maybe this will be the year they find a cure.

So make a resolution: to maintain a positive and healthy attitude each and every day. So that this time next year, we will all be able to say: "See, we did it again! It is another New Year!"

CHRISTINE CLIFFORD

The writer is Chief Executive Officer and president of The Cancer Club. She is author of two award-winning books entitled Not Now... I'm Having a No Hair Day: Humor and Healing for People with Cancer and Our Family Has Cancer, Too!