Why Me?
Kevin Kuster
by Kevin Kuster
Cancer forces us to wrestle with questions that seem unanswerable, none louder than, “Why me?” Like so many facing this battle, I have searched for meaning, for solace, for a way to quiet that relentless question.
In December 2024, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer—another fight in my life’s path. This is not my first battle. Twenty-seven years ago, I overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma with my wife, my son, and my daughter steadfastly by my side. We have been married for 40 wonderful years, and I fully intend to celebrate our 50th anniversary—and many more—together.
Now facing cancer again, finding a way to quiet the relentless question of “Why me?”, I remember a heartfelt conversation I once had with a dear friend, James, who is still learning to cope with the lasting impact of his daughter’s cancer. He told me how, in her darkest hour, she cried, asking why she had to bear such a heavy burden. And in the gentlest voice, with a heart full of pain and love, he softly asked her, “If not you, then who, sweetheart? Who would you pass this to if you could? Your mother? Your sister? Your husband, son, or daughter? A stranger on the street—someone with dreams, someone with a family who loves them just as we love you?”
Hearing those words, she grew quiet, and in that stillness, she found clarity. It wasn’t resignation; it was a kind and loving strength. She understood that this was hers to carry, hers to fight, and she chose to face it with all the courage she could summon.
At the time he shared this story with me, I felt it settle deep within my heart. Now, as I face this battle once more, I realize that while I may not have chosen this, I wouldn’t give it to anyone else. This is mine to bear, mine to endure, and I will meet it with all the strength I have—because that’s what love does. It shoulders what it must, not just for ourselves, but for those who need us to keep fighting.
Thank you Jim for sharing such wisdom born from love, pain and loss. Your words have become a source of strength I will carry with me always.
I share my story in the hope that it will bring comfort, focus, and encouragement to others facing their own battles. I pray that my words will help someone find the strength to keep going, to believe in brighter days ahead, and to never lose sight of what matters most—love, family, and the will to fight.
Kevin Kuster is a quality manager at Menk USA/Prolec GE, where he has worked for 22 years. He is a devoted husband, father, and cancer survivor. In December 2024, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, 27 years after overcoming Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Kevin lives with his family in Prophetstown, IL. This essay is written in honor of Jessica Lynn Strader-Coleman.
