Question:  What is Love, Light, and Hope National Day of Yoga & Meditation?

Answer: On November 15, 2023, we are thrilled to bring together a community of friends, supporters, mission partners, and yoga lovers from all over the country for Cancer Hope Network’s Love, Light, and Hope (LLH) National Day of Yoga & Meditation.

We are delighted to be working with our amazing lead yoga instructor, Brittany Torstrup, as well as mindful meditation expert, Claudio Pannunzio, and content partner, yoga4cancer, to provide you with exciting content and access to helpful resources and information on the benefits of yoga and the healing power of hope.

This is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of connection and the incredible difference we can make by coming together in the spirit of hope.

Get your mats ready. Open your hearts, and join us for a day filled with love, light, and hope!

Question:  When is this event happening?

Answer:  All day Wednesday, November 15, 2023 (see details below re: the LLH experience). While we are encouraging participants to practice at 11 am EST for a unified national experience, you may practice at any point throughout the day.

Question:  How can I participate?

Answer:  There are several ways to participate. 

1. You can make a one-time contribution in whatever amount you wish on the LLH Fundraising page: https://justgiving.com/campaign/lovelighthope
2. Alternatively, you can set up your own fundraising page and have your family, friends, and colleagues join your efforts.
3. And of course, you can share the LLH page and event information with your network!

*Note:  Anyone who contributes to an existing fundraising page will also be able to participate in all the LLH events planned for November 15.

Question:  Once I’ve signed up/contributed, what happens?

Answer:  You will receive confirmation of your contribution via email.  You will subsequently receive a second email closer to the LLH date of November 15 containing links (and respective instructions) to access all of the materials and programs that come with your LLH experience.

Question:  What will be included in my LLH experience?

Answer:  Anyone who signs up via a one-time contribution, creates their own fundraising page, and/or contributes to an existing fundraising page will receive access to the following on-demand, pre-recorded materials:

• Exclusive yoga session by lead instructor Brittany Torstrup
• Guided mediation session by cancer survivor, Cancer Hope Network Peer Mentor Volunteer, and USCC Certified Chaplain, Claudio Pannunzio
• Additional resources and video courtesy of yoga4cancer

*Note: If you wish to purchase LLH merchandise, you can do so separately by visiting our merchandise page.  Please note these items usually take about 10 business days to arrive.

Question:  While I would love to participate in Brittany’s yoga session, (a) I have a conflict at the scheduled time, and/or (b) I have a yoga studio/place where I already enjoy going to practice.  What are my options?

Answer:  Make the day your own!  Many of us are regulars at yoga studios where we love going, or part of groups that get together outside or at friends’ homes to practice – please do that!  We welcome everyone to bring love, light, and hope by practicing however they wish on November 15.  And if you want to do both Brittany’s session and your separate class, the more the merrier!  There are no limits!

All we ask is that you enjoy, celebrate, share your experience on social media (photos/videos of course encouraged when possible), tag us in your post @cancerhopenetwork using the hashtag #LoveLightHope and fill the day with love, light, and hope!

About Cancer Hope Network

Cancer Hope Network provides free and confidential 1:1 peer support for cancer patients, survivors, and those who love them. Our trained survivor and caregiver volunteer mentors provide support from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship. They have faced more than 98% of the cancers that will be diagnosed in 2023, speak 15 languages, and are prepared to offer hope and guidance through a wide variety of challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

All volunteer and client matches are overseen and supported from beginning to end by a team of healthcare and social work professionals. For more information about Cancer Hope Network and its mission, please visit https://cancerhopenetwork.org/

The post FAQs: Love Light & Hope National Day of Yoga & Meditation appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Need a guide to hope? We’ve got you covered with straightforward directions and a 2-minute explainer. Hop aboard!

Stop 1: The Intake

A brief conversation with a member of our Programs Team to learn more about your journey – and the best ways we can help.

Meet The Team

Stop 2: Finding your match

The Programs team will find the perfect volunteer to meet your needs. You’ll be matched with a survivor or caregiver who has a shared diagnosis, went through the same treatment or has a similar life experience.

Volunteer Stories

Stop 3: Your Visit

Once you’re matched, your first visit will usually happen by phone. Your Volunteer will listen, share and understand.

Stop 4: Additional Resources

Need more than peer support? Our coordinators direct you to helpful resources.

Helpful Resources

Destination: HOPE

Our support is available to patients, caregivers and survivors from diagnosis, through treatment, into survivorship and beyond.

Learn more. Get matched. Find hope.

The post Destination Hope appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

According to The National Cancer Institute, “There is strong evidence that higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower risk of several types of cancer.”¹ Fitness can lower your risk of cancers like, Bladder, Breast, Colon, Endometrial, Esophageal, Kidney and Stomach. For more information the Physical Activity and Cancer Fact Sheet is a great source on how activities effect the individual cancers listed above.

Going through cancer treatment can wreak havoc on your body and mind. While fitness is definitely not a cure-all, it can help alleviate many symptoms. There is “strong evidence that moderate-intensity aerobic training and/or resistance exercise during and after cancer treatment can reduce anxiety, depressive symptoms, and fatigue and improve health-related quality of life and physical function”¹ Another great tip to help relieve symptoms like anxiety without having to exert too much at times it feels like you can barely move is going for a walk outside, “My tip for staying healthy… get outside for at least 15 minutes every single day. It’s good for the body, mind, and soul” (Blakey, 2020).

As your journey moves into survivorship, the importance of physical activity does not lessen. Fitness can help you get back to feeling like yourself again after treatment. “Before cancer I was quite fit. I would do exercise in preparation for various events such as cross-country skiing or climbing a mountain.  But after cancer, I became determined to exercise for life…” (Mary, 2017).

One person who is embracing fitness and doing so for a great cause is Lindsay Tasher, Cancer Hope Network Board Member who is raising money for CHN with a virtual 5K in honor of Elizabeth Ann Mitchell McCarthy. CLICK HERE to learn more or to register for the event.

1. Physical Activity and Cancer Fact Sheet. (2020, February 10). National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet

The post National Fitness Day: Cancer and Fitness appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

CHN is working to raise our profile on LinkedIn. “With over 190 million active members in the U.S. and two profiles created per second, LinkedIn is the largest professional network worldwide. Tapping into this community could help your nonprofit manage its image and develop its professional network.” 1 

LinkedIn helps people find our services, is an opportunity to recruit new volunteers and, of course, is an opportunity for our volunteers of all types to celebrate their work to make sure no one faces cancer alone.  

Here’s how you can help:  

• Follow us – Mashing that “Follow” button is a great way to stay up to date with what’s happening in the CHN community, including volunteer profiles (Ruth, Bridget) and articles about various services we’re offering. (CURE , Speaking Out) 
  

• Add Cancer Hope Network to the Volunteer portion of your personal profile
  You’re doing the work – it’s time to let everyone know! Adding your volunteer experience to your LinkedIn profile is a way to let people know what’s important to you or to gently encourage fellow survivors to volunteer.
  

• Spread the word –  
  Share our Golf Classic or other fundraisers with your colleagues and connections. Or introduce someone to our free and confidential peer mentors.  
  

However you choose to interact, we hope you’ll join us as part of the Cancer Hope Network LinkedIn community. Follow us on LinkedIn and link with hope! 

https://www.springly.org/en-us/blog/linkedin-for-nonprofits-hidden-potential/ 

The post Link with Hope appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

The holidays, while joyous, can be a stressful time under normal circumstances. When you attach the added pressures and emotions of a cancer diagnosis, treatment or loss, this time of year can become unbearable. There are many reasons for this including a multitude of changes, difficulties meeting expectations and awkwardness around the topic, as well as the challenges faced by caregivers. At our recent Volunteer Roundtable, we discussed ways to keep (or find!) the joy this holiday season.  

Know yourself and your limits, identify your triggers, and make a plan. If all else fails, as Support Volunteer and survivor Rachelle says, “use the cancer card,” and excuse yourself. 

 One of the biggest stressors when going into a holiday season with a cancer diagnosis is change. There are changes in schedules, in traditions, locations, roles, etc. This can be a lot to digest and grieve. “Grief is actually the primal adaptation of change,” shared Support Volunteer Gregory. While it can feel extremely difficult to do so, accepting that you may not be able to duplicate past holiday experiences can relieve an immense amount of pressure. Pre-planning is another great tool to navigating the season. Take some time to identify your triggers, know what you can and cannot do and set expectations for your family and friends. One simple strategy for accomplishing this is to sit down and write letters to your loved ones, as well as to yourself owning your needs and asking for support.  

Your letter can be a great tool to help introduce and navigate the alterations to the holidays. It can also be a wonderful tool in expressing your feelings and avoiding uncomfortable discussions during get togethers. Cancer can become the metaphorical elephant in the room and addressing it beforehand gives you some degree of power and control over the narrative. You can update everyone on your treatment and recovery so you don’t have to repeat yourself over and over or explain that you would not like to discuss it at all.  

Another strategy is to simplify. In the best of times, money is a burden for many during the holiday season. The additional stress of facing huge medical bills is both frightening and heartbreaking for those facing cancer at this time of year. “Look at your holiday budget. Have your financial circumstances changed since your diagnosis? Be aware of that and release any guilt associated with that.” Rachel DiQuattro, Cancer Hope Network Program Coordinator. When it comes to fulfilling expectations, don’t be afraid to ask for help, your family or friends will understand and be willing to assist.  

Caregivers are amazing agents of hope, yet they are often overlooked, especially during the holidays. They can be unsure of (or unwilling to recognize) their own limitations. Friends and family may be focused on how the patient is feeling without taking into account the needs – physical and mental – that the caregiver is facing.  

Once again, simplification is key. Communicate with caregivers and loved ones to work out issues ahead of time. When everyone goes into the season with a game plan, it becomes much easier to focus on the HOPE, love and joy that comes with it. 

To request support and to be matched with a survivor or caregiver who can offer further advice on how to survive the holidays, please visit cancerhopenetwork.org or call us at 877-467-3638 (877-HOPENET).  

Sample pre-holiday letter: 

Dear Friends and Family, 

As you know, I’m going into this holiday with a cancer diagnosis. With this and the treatments I am undergoing, I’m finding it hard to muster up holiday cheer. I won’t isolate myself this holiday, but I will probably have to excuse myself early from get togethers. I don’t feel like talking about my diagnosis very much right now. I might become upset and cry. These tears may be necessary for my healing and recovery so please don’t be embarrassed by them. Pat me on my shoulder, offer me a hug and let me know that you are there. Words aren’t necessary. 

My energy level is going to be low this season. I can’t do everything that I used to do. If someone is available to help me with some home and holiday tasks, that would be appreciated.  

Thank you for caring about me. Your love and concern is a comfort. 

Love Always,  

Grissom, S. Surviving the Holidays: Grief Share. 2007. Inspired by.

The post Surviving The Holidays appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

“In addition to providing a relaxing escape against the backdrop of treatment anxiety
and fear for the future, creating art may help you understand the myriad of emotions that can go along with a diagnosis of cancer. Emotions that are often difficult to express in words.” – Lynne Eldridge, MD

While personally I have not experienced the emotions and stress associated with a cancer diagnosis, I am no stranger to the difficulty of dealing with overwhelming emotions. As someone living with an anxiety disorder, I needed to find ways to cope. At the point in my life when my anxiety was manifesting, I happened to be a graduate student studying photography. My program of study required me to create a thesis project that combined a body of artwork with a consistent concept.

What started as a graduation requirement turned out to be an opportunity to discover and understand my own emotions. It was my introduction to art as a form of therapy.

I created a fine art series with the intent to use my photography to aid my anxiety. Through the artmaking process I discovered more about myself and about my mind and I gained knowledge and tools to help fight my disorder.

To reap the benefits of art therapy you do not need to be an artist, you don’t even have to like art. The only prerequisite is that you have an open mind, because creating art for healing is different from creating art that may be used in a gallery. The motivation is internal. A 2018 review saw benefits that included a reduction in anxiety, depression, and fatigue in breast cancer patients.  An article by Lynne Eldridge, MD notes the benefits found during a study of women creating art while going through radiation therapy,

 “Those who participated had improvements in total health, total quality of life, physical health and psychological health. Positive benefits were seen in body image, coping with systemic (whole body) side effects of treatment, and in “future perspectives” or a sense of HOPE.”

Another benefit is establishing a sense of control during a time that many cancer patients feel they have none and are filled with uncertainties. With art you can control the what, the where, the when and the who. You are in complete authority over what medium you want to use (painting, drawing, etc.), where and when you want to create (a quiet corner of your home, perhaps while listening to music), and you also get to decide who sees it. Unlike so much of a cancer journey, with art, you are in control.

Using art as therapy helped me learn about my own emotions and calm my anxieties. Art making can be a powerful tool in the arsenal of self-care and mental health. The best part of art is that anyone can do it. Go to the dollar store and pick up an adult coloring book, go to an art supply store and pick up some paints, use your phone to create stunning photographs. The possibilities are endless, and HOPE is just a brush stroke or a pencil scribble away.

Interested in learning more about art as therapy? Cactus Cancer Society (formerly Lacuna Loft) helps young adult patients, survivors and caregivers discover support and community. Check out their Art Workshops HERE            

The post Art as Therapy appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

“Mental Health First Aid was created in 2001 by Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education, and Anthony Jorm, a mental health literacy professor. Kitchener and Jorm run Mental Health First Aid Australia, a national non-profit health promotion charity focused on training and research.” Today, serving across the globe, MHFA’s goal is simple – it “takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problem”

Trainees include teachers and first responders, advocates community members – even Former First Lady Michell Obama. It’s a 2.5 million strong group that now includes the Cancer Hope Network Staff.

The CHN staff, along with professionals from several other cancer support organizations across the nation did lots of homework and pre-tests, then gathered virtually for an instructor-led training one sunny Saturday.

We learned about ALGEE, a step by step action plan for folks in distressing situations, much like first aid’s ABC action plan for people needing CPR. We discussed patient-first language (“my patient is bi-polar”, not “my bi-polar patient.”) as part of maintaining an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We also heard great insights from participants (first names used for privacy).

“When it’s happening to you, it often feels like it’s happening ONLY to you,” ~Gail

“Sometimes, that best voice to give is the voice of silence.” ~Anthony

We were encouraged to listen with a blank canvas – letting the speaker paint with their words, listening non-judgmentally.

The day touched difficult topics – suicidal ideation (Sometimes, people downplay what they’re going through – and sometimes we downplay what we’re seeing.), traumatic events (Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Unless you’re in construction, can’t promise someone a new home.), along with the importance of self-care for MHFA’ers being trained.

It was a challenging, thought-provoking day of learning and empowerment. “We were thrilled to bring access to this critical knowledge to caring professionals,” said Samantha Schrager, CHN’s Director of Programs, who organized the session. “A cancer diagnosis or treatment can be traumatic for the patients and caregivers we serve. Being trained as MHFA professionals will help each of us better assist our clients.”

Interested in receiving MHFA training? Contact CHN Director of Programs Samantha Schrager (sschrager(at)cancerhopenetwork.org) to learn about CHN-coordinated sessions or visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

The post CHN staff, other caring professionals, certified as Mental Health First Aiders appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Cancer is isolating and scary. For 40 years, Cancer Hope Network has trained cancer survivors to step into that fear, serving as mentors for newly diagnosed patients, providing comfort and companionship.

To folks whose primary experience with cancer has been seeing pro-athletes wear awareness ribbons or making gifts to a colleague’s cancer fundraiser, the isolation often faced by cancer patients can be shockingly appalling.

Jane, a longtime Support Volunteer, recognizes the fear that sometimes drives friends and family to disappear after a diagnosis is shared. “I’ve been both a cancer patient and a caregiver – most people if they find out you have cancer are either afraid or thinking ‘thank god it’s not me.’ I was lucky to have very supportive family and friends.” Russ found a similar experience when facing non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but he also found comfort in unexpected places. “People are tempted to withdraw. They don’t want to bring negativity. I tell the clients I mentor to be open. You don’t know where your next bestie will come from. People you expect to be most helpful disappear. My brother called once in a year, but my neighbor down the street was also a survivor and I found myself sitting on the deck drinking iced tea almost every day.”

What Not to Say – and when to say something
For friends and loved ones learning about a diagnosis, a fear of saying the wrong thing can be paralyzing. No one wants to be “that person” who made a traumatic time worse. (Ovarian cancer survivor Gayle recalls people telling her that she “didn’t look sick.” Her response? “You don’t look stupid.”)

Discussing cancer, even a non-terminal diagnosis, often feels like a discussion of mortality. It’s a difficult choice: avoid the topic entirely, making the patient or caregiver feel ever more isolated or lean into the awkward.

For patients undergoing treatment, the choice is simple. Saying nothing is worse than saying the wrong thing. “There’s nothing that will make it all better,” shared Rachel DiQuattro, CHN’s Programs Coordinator and certified death doula who frequently leads support workshops. “Be honest. It’s ok to say ‘I want to be here for you; I don’t know how, but I want to learn.’” Perfection wasn’t most important to Support Volunteer Greg as he cared for his wife. “Care, compassion and trust are the main ingredients that allow errors to go by the boards. My matches today aren’t based on technical expertise – but on solace.”

Reaching Out in Meaningful Ways

The group discussed four approaches to connect in practical ways:

1. Communication – Once the initial conversation is complete, consistency can make up for any inadvertent slips of the tongue. Lung cancer survivor Bonnie begins her matches by listening – and then listening some more. In her “regular” life, she’s supporting a friend long-distance by setting up a call chain to keep everyone informed. “I can’t be there every minute I’d like, but I’m offering continued support.” Jane’s check-in texts with a friend have turned into a nightly phone conversation. “Knowing that someone else is going to call and check on you is especially good for long distance caregivers. It lets the person know you’re thinking of them, gives them something to look forward to.”
   
   
2. Gifts – Breast cancer survivor Rachelle was especially moved by a friend’s gift of an oncology massage. “As a massage, it wasn’t great – but what was wonderful was having my body touched in such a meaningful, loving way.” (Looking for other cancer-specific gifts? Visit our friends at Mend Together who provide curated gift options, along with a handy updater tool and (coming soon!) volunteer signups. cancerhopenetwork.org/mendtogether)
   
   
3. Acts of Service – For Jeff, who has survived multiple cancers, a kidney transplant and more, help has come in many ways. The “touch of compassion” was particularly appreciated. “Sometimes, just a touch on a shoulder was so meaningful. Knowing that someone cared.” Support Volunteer Rachelle treasured the people who showed up to drive. “I don’t drive. Rides were really essential – for chemo, radiation, acupuncture, even trips to the grocery store. People were very good about giving me food – but wanting to be able to make my own decisions about what I could eat was really important.” She was also thankful for the friends who showed up with their sleeves rolled up. “Sometimes, the thought of doing the laundry, changing the sheets and cleaning the bathroom was just too much. Cleaning was a big help – I even had a friend who changed the kitty litter.”
   
   Patricia appreciated friends who gave a list of ways they could help instead of making her think of things she needed. “It’s like sales,” laughed Jeff. “Give them a choice. Do you want me to mow the lawn or wash the dishes?”
   
   
4. Rallying the troops (Acts of service 2.0) – People want to help. For loved ones separated by distance, unable to stop by for a cup of tea, a batch of dishes or a ride to chemo, coordinating local helpers is a practical way to be helpful, as Rachel found when she started a spreadsheet of needs and the local volunteers to fill those needs. “People want to help, but they don’t know what to do – they need someone who’s a little pushy to help them. I can’t help watch her kids, but I can make sure someone goes over once a week to give her a break.”

Accepting Help

For patients and caregivers used to taking care of things on their own, accepting help in any form may be difficult. But our Rounds group was quick to point out that helping is incredibly empowering for the people who are giving the help as much as the ones receiving the help. Give them the opportunity to help.

“As a caregiver, you’ll feel overwhelmed,” Jane recalls. “I tell them the mistake I made when Jeff was first diagnosed. I tried to do it on my own – and then it took a long time to accept help once I was overwhelmed. I tell them I made that mistake the first time around, but not the last time around. That was a lesson I learned, and it was a hard one.”

Whether accepting or offering help – the thought really *does* count. Want to connect with a survivor or caregiver who’s been there? Call 877-HOPENET (877.467.3638) or click HERE.

The post What do I say? Keeping your foot out of your mouth when a loved one is facing cancer. appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

After a cancer diagnosis, the first half of the list is frequently discussed – supportive services provide classes on nutrition, friends give gifts of hats or offer rides to treatment.

But, for patients and loved ones facing cancer-caused problems with sexuality and intimacy, the second half of the list is critical in maintaining quality of life. Breast cancer patients suddenly undergoing menopause may find themselves with decreased desire and increased discomfort. (1) Men dealing with erectile disfunction face “an increase in depressive symptoms, frustration, shame, disappointment, and lower general life happiness.” Others face “3am” fears that keep them up – worrying if surgery scars will make them unattractive to their partners (2) or agonizing that disclosing their survivor status will send prospective partners running.

Unfortunately, sexual side effects are frequently omitted from the topics discussed during oncology appointments. (3)

That’s where Indiana-based Reclaiming Intimacy comes in, with a mission to provide “resources, educational services, and therapeutic products to help overcome illnesses and issues that create sexual dysfunction and loss of intimacy.”

More than a decade ago, Jen Fecher, now RI’s Director of Educational Services, was facing her own chronic health issues and began a course of treatment often reserved for cancer patients. Battling side effects faced by many cancer patients, she connected with resources from Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. A teacher by trade, Jen soon found her passion helping others who needed help. “A struggle with intimacy causes so much stress and many find it is slowing their healing.” Her recovery was an opportunity to team us with Cancer Services to create “The Big C and The Big O,” a class for patients and caregivers still available today.

Reclaiming Intimacy offers a variety of support services, with a holistic view of sexuality and intimacy. Classes are offered online and in person, for individuals or partners. There are paid and free options– with scholarships available for patients facing financial toxicity. A customized wellness guide that includes tips, tricks and suggested aids is available for free through signup on the organization’s website.

Gone is the awkwardness of fruit-shaped vibrators and furry handcuffs – fun in their appropriate framework and sometimes shared in an attempt to bring levity to this serious issue, but off-putting to patients facing life-threatening illnesses. The group offers medical-grade sexual wellness aids that are frequently covered by insurance. (RI staff will help clients file for reimbursement through their health insurance.)  “At some classes, we’ll have a table set up with a variety of sexual aids,” Jen said. “Participants are able to look silently and write their questions, which we will discuss as a group.” RI also provides one-on-one consultations for clients looking for a bit more privacy.

Cancer doesn’t happen in a vacuum, so Reclaiming Intimacy is working with organizations across the nation to provide up to date resources. They’ve partnered with the National LGBT Cancer Network to ensure the information they share is inclusive to all patients.

Jen and her colleagues are committed to providing judgement-free, fact-based resources and action plans, recognizing the challenges that come with talking about an often-taboo topic. “We started in a conservative state. For many of our friends and neighbors, talking about sex is out of the norm, except for pregnancy. We’re working to make these crucial conversations more accessible for everyone involved. Our medically-versed staff works with insurance companies and doctors, our educators are empowering patients and caregivers with information.”

To connect with a volunteer who has also suffered through intimacy or sexuality challenges, request a match by calling 877-HOPENET (877.467.3638) or click HERE.

(1) Changes in Your Sex Life. Breastcancer.org. (2021, February 3). https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/intimacy/changes.

(2) Nelson, C. J., & Kenowitz, J. (2013, February). Communication and intimacy-enhancing interventions for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners. The journal of sexual medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4324570/#R7.

(3) How Cancer and Cancer Treatment Can Affect Sexuality. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/how-cancer-affects-sexuality.html.

The post Love, Libido And Chemo: Discovering Intimacy After Cancer appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Tempers are shorter, patience is thinner and it seems everyone on the internet is about three clicks away from revealing that they’re a devastatingly awful human being. The ones we love are facing challenges that seem insurmountable.

When you work in a place like Cancer Hope Network, inspiration and courage are a daily occurrence. Coming to the office (or signing in remotely!) means talking with people who are mucking through some of the worst days of their lives. It means partnering with patients and caregivers who have faced catastrophe.

It also means seeing bravery and courage. It means bearing witness to strength and wonderfully generous humanity. Time and again, our volunteers focus on others when it’d be easier to focus on their own pain. Time and again, we see expressions of care when it’d be absolutely appropriate to shout “LOOK AT ME! LET ME SHARE MY PAIN!”

Time and again, we see good humor and a determination to find the silver lining in pretty awful situations.

“It sounds strange, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.” This, from a woman who had just returned from the hospital hours before. She’d discovered that her cancer had returned –the scans hadn’t come back clean and it’s time once again to plan her way forward. We discussed her treatment options – more surgery? more chemo? radiation on already thinning bones? – and talked through what’s important to her. She was honest about her pain, but despite the shattering news, reflected not on her losses, but what cancer has added to her life. “It’s given me a chance to right my wrongs. It’s helped me to know how loved I am.”

“You guys have sure been through a lot lately.”  This, from a volunteer who is struggling with her metastasized cancer and the latest treatments she’s using to fight it. From someone who counts time out of the hospital as a victory and celebrates just being close enough to the beach that she can feel salt air. Instead of focusing on her struggle to go to work or talking about the latest excruciating treatment she’s completed, she asked about my family, cared about our small victories.

In the face of this graciousness, hearing this strength from these remarkable women, I’m reminded that a rough year isn’t a reason to give up. A bad day is a challenge to find what’s salvageable and move forward. To keep caring.

Want to connect with a Support Volunteer who understands? Call 877-HOPENET or click HERE.

The post Attitude adjustment: Finding perspective when everything feels awful appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.