This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we celebrate the everyday heroism of our amazing, incredible – dare we say heroic?!? – Support Volunteers. They don’t have lassos or shields or Vibranium anything – but they do have phones.

And those phones have power. In the hands of a trained survivor or caregiver, some bits of metal and plastic become a superheroes’ weapon against despair. Their super power? HOPE! Each time they accept a new match, send a call or a text, they’re saving, not a city, but someone’s calm.

No matter what their tools, the throughline of every hero’s story is courage. Courage in the face of evil, darkness or difficult times.

Our volunteers share that courage with clients like Lucille** who wrote to “Jane is wonderful!! A perfect match for me. I was really reluctant to do this, I felt I was going ok and didn’t really need any support (stubborn). But when I  started talking to her it was as if I already knew her!! God bless her for what she has gone thru and be so willing to support me and listen…very humbling  I hope to return the service to someone else, one day.”

Or Heloise** who thanked her volunteer directly. “She told me that I always lift her spirits and she feels “healing” after talking with me and that she thought I was put on this earth to help.”

One volunteer, now retired, reached out to connect when their cancer returned. “As I former volunteer, I know how the service works. Now, as a client, I was humbled by the compassion of those I spoke with, both staff and volunteer.”

This year, the theme for Volunteer Appreciation Week is empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It’s particularly fitting, for our volunteers, as they listen and mentor patients and caregivers across the country.

Cancer can bring out the best in our personal networks, as friends rally and family host fundraisers and bring dinner. But it can also be isolating, as friends and family wait to be asked for help or struggle to find the right words to say. (Looking for tips? Check out “What do I say? Keeping your foot out of your mouth when a loved one is facing cancer.”)

But in that isolation, nearly 500 CHN Support Volunteers grab their phones, marshal their courage and live out the definition of empathy, reducing anxiety, inspiring courage and bringing out the best of humanity. “Mark was able to outline what’s coming up for me and dampen my anxiety.”

“To say that we appreciate our volunteers is an understatement. Put bluntly, Cancer Hope Network wouldn’t exist without the hundreds of Support Volunteers who show up when life is dark. Each year, in thousands of phone calls, text message and emails, they’re demonstrating heroic empathy. Our volunteers aren’t flashy,” said CHN Director of Programs Samantha Schrager. “They aren’t looking for awards or recognition – in fact, many of them don’t even recognize the noble work their doing as anything out of the ordinary. But in that ordinariness is hope.”

Volunteer Appreciation Week comes around once a year – but each and every day, we are thankful for the superheroes who share their compassion, their strength and courage. And, you know, their tools.

Thank you.

**Names have been changed to protect privacy.

The post Heroes of Hope: Cancer Hope Network celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Week appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Our new class of volunteers were born to help others. There is a three-time caregiver and powerhouse mother, sister, and daughter. One is a Pediatric Nurse a mother and was a caregiver to her husband, she was also a former client. We are joined by a tremendously strong and smart 19-year-old and a Junior in college, who was a caregiver to her mother, she is also fluent in Spanish. Another young caregiver supported her friend at the age of 14 and is excited to help others while raising awareness in honor of her friend’s memory. One mentor had the unique experience of being a caregiver throughout the pandemic as her husband was diagnosed in September 2020 while another was not only a caregiver to her parents but a survivor herself.    

Rounding out the new class, we have a survivor volunteer that brings the unique perspective of a cancer journey that began at age 13 and is on her way to becoming an oncology nurse. One is a survivor and past CHN client who cared for her mother through Alzheimer’s. Another survivor is interested in becoming an end-of-life doula and lastly, but not least we have cancer survivor brought to us by Stanford Health. 

We are deeply grateful to these strong, caring women for their willingness to help other navigate life and cancer:  

Alyssa- Head & Neck: Tongue, Caregiver 

Annabel– Caregiver 

Brooke- Caregiver 

Barbra- Inflammatory Breast Cancer 

Carolyn- Caregiver 

Erika- Caregiver 

Kaci– Caregiver  

Jeanne – Intraductal Breast Cancer 

Madison- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) 

Martha (Marty)- Cervical, stage 1 b2 

The group joins our team of nearly 500 Support Volunteers already committed to providing peer mentoring for cancer patients and the people who love them.  To connect with these, or one of our other volunteers, please call our Programs Team at 877-HOPENET (877.467.3638) or visit cancerhopenetwork.org. 

The post Meet the New Class of Support Volunteers: Caregivers Need Support Too  appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Our three new cancer survivor and caregiver volunteers come from all over the US, from San Francisco to Wyoming to New Jersey! They also bring with them a vast array of experiences and expertise.  

Our new Support Volunteer from the rolling hills of San Fran, has one of the most welcoming and upbeat personalities and brings a unique skillset as a certified Death Doula trained with Inelda. Over on the east coast we have a former client who was looking for a way to give back. We are also joined by someone who has the distinctive perspective of being both a cancer survivor and a caregiver to his wife.  

• Wayne– Head and Neck: Tongue 
• Rich– Prostate 
• Sarah– Breast with metastasis to liver and lymph nodes

The group joins our team of nearly 500 Support Volunteers already committed to providing peer mentoring for cancer patients and the people who love them.  To connect with these, or one of our other volunteers, please call our Programs Team at 877-HOPENET (877.467.3638) or visit cancerhopenetwork.org. 

The post Meet the New Class of Support Volunteers: East Coast to West Coast  appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Undergoing cancer treatment during a global pandemic. 

While the entire world was upended by the COVID pandemic, with many calling 2020 the worst year of their lives, these brave folks faced the additional stress of cancer treatment. 

One needed to have major surgery, walking into the hospital alone, while their devastated spouse put on a brave face and watched from the parking lot. Another felt severe loneliness and isolation, leading to them seeking counseling. The pandemic threw a wrench into another’s already stressful situation when they were furloughed from their job in March of 2020. 

We are grateful and excited to welcome this new class of volunteers and are inspired by the overwhelming sense of joy and passion they exude. One is bringing his intense caring spirit and expertise he developed from caring for his wife, sharing the intricacies of explaining cancer to his young children. Another has been a caregiver for multiple family members throughout the years which brings a unique perspective on various diagnosis and treatments. 

Whether they cared for their spouse, brother or fought cancer themselves in unimaginable times, they are trained and ready to help bring hope to the world. 

• Bill– Brain Cancer 
• Karen– Uterine Cancer  
• Mark – Stage 2 Hodgkins Lymphoma 
• Faye – Stage 1 Triple Negative Breast Cancer 
• Hassan– Caregiver 
• Greg– Testicular Cancer  
• Cheryl– Lung Cancer 
• Kishore – Caregiver 

The group joins our team of nearly 500 Support Volunteers already committed to providing peer mentoring for cancer patients and the people who love them.  To connect with these, or one of our other volunteers, please call our Programs Team at 877-HOPENET (877.467.3638) or visit cancerhopenetwork.org. 

The post Meet our newest class of Support Volunteers 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.

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.

One was motivated to support other caregivers because they would have loved to have had that support while they were caring for their mom, best friend, and cousin. Another was the first person diagnosed in their entire family and knows what it is like to feel alone. And still, another went through two bouts of strenuous surgeries whilst being a single mother and understands the value of support.  

These six men and women each saw the value in talking with someone who has been there and wants to share that there is hope. Individually these journeys are treacherous and exhausting but together they provide hope. Half of the group underwent treatment during a pandemic, giving them a unique understanding of what it is like to undergo treatment alone. No one to sit with them as they battle their disease.  

We are grateful and excited to welcome this new class of volunteers and are inspired by the overwhelming sense of caring and devotion they bring. One served 20 years in the military, aided in special Olympics, provided rides for cancer patients to their treatment, and still felt that he had more to give. Another saw her mother diagnosed, was diagnosed herself, and was inspired to help when she saw young women diagnosed felt compelled to tell them they, like her, could beat it. While each journey is unique some feelings and emotions are universal.  

• Carmen – Breast Cancer, Stage 4 Bone Cancer, Liver Cancer 
• Dana – Prostate Cancer 
• Erika – Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer 
• Victoria – Caregiver 
• Ashwini – Breast Cancer 
• Miriam – Thyroid Cancer 

The group joins our team of nearly 500 Support Volunteers already committed to providing peer mentoring for cancer patients and the people who love them.  To connect with these, or one of our other volunteers, please call our Programs Team at 877-HOPENET (877.467.3638) or visit cancerhopenetwork.org.

By Suzanne Leger

The post CHN Trains a New Class of Volunteers appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

They enjoy golf and fishing, play tennis and practice yoga. Some run, others knit (including completing their first-ever sweater not long ago!) One served in the Army and another is a personal trainer and certified nutrition coach.

“Each new class of survivor and caregiver volunteers is a reminder that kindness and strength are in rich supply,” said CHN’s Director of Programs Samantha Schrager. “Thanks to these cancer survivors and caregivers willingness to serve as mentors, we are providing support and hope for clients across the nation.”

• Carly – Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
• Betty – Caregiver
• Travis – Head and Neck Cancer
• Terry – Anal Cancer 2, HPV+ & grief caregiver
• Perry – Multiple Myeloma/Amyloidosis

The group joins more than 400 Support Volunteers already committed to providing peer mentoring for cancer patients and the people who love them.  To connect with these, or one of our other volunteers, please call our Programs Team at 877-HOPENET (877.467.3638) or visit cancerhopenetwork.org.

The post CHN Trains New Class of Volunteers appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

She began treatment, but soon faced many complications, including a chemo-induced blood clot on her lung. “I was in the ICU for nearly a month,” she recalls. “They weren’t sure I would make it. My first medical team was ignoring symptoms, side effects and drug interactions. The decision to move to a different oncology team was simple. I was blunt with my new oncologist ‘You’re hired. Please don’t let me die. My kids are too little.’ That started a new relationship of open communication and making sure my doctor knew all of my side effects – and addressed the ones we could.”

Today, after a double mastectomy, 38 rounds of radiation, 12 cycles of chemo, 2 pulmonary embolisms, chronic recurrent cellulitis infections and at least 15 hospital admissions, Bridget’s health is vastly improved. She’s once again exercising. She has scars, but views them as badges of courage, not something to hide. “For each scar, I have a story to tell you. Yes, I survived. And you will too. Your inner strength, faith, hope and love will help you through.”

She’s grateful for the many ways her community came together in support – from  the integrative services offered at Carol G. Simon Center (“They offered me such love, support, guidance, direction, a plan…”) to friends she barely knew (“The community at Little Village Daycare collected money and paid for a cleaning service for a year. Each week, a family took a turn cooking two meals for me. These women pulled together and I didn’t even know them. Talk about the power of love and care.”) and her incredible husband Erich (“He is a firefighter, the most amazing man ever. He lost his mother in the middle of all of it, but he stood by my side, helped me mentally, physically, emotionally. He was my solid rock to the right of me. He always did things to make me feel special and outlandish. Never made me feel sick. He faced it right there with me.”).

She’s overjoyed to be watching her kids grow up. “We’re taking time to watch sunrises together,” Bridget smiles. “At one point, the doctor sat across from me and told me that I had three weeks to live. I bought two notebooks and started writing letters to each kid, focusing on every milestone I could think of. I recorded myself reading them stories through one of those Hallmark recording books.”
Bridget lives by her favorite mantra – “Get up. Dress up. Show up and smile. If you look good, you’re going to feel good it’s that simple.” Her energy and zest for life is infectious. “Even though you’re feeling shi**y, look in the mirror, face it and say, I’ve got this. I painted on my eyebrows. I wore big earrings and red lipstick. I was really into hats. Wigs made me claustrophobic so I got hats.” Her mother would also provide comfort and shopping ideas for all kinds of hats.

But she’s never forgotten those days after diagnosis. “I tell people the raw truth. You’ll deal with unknown side effects, the sleepless nights, challenges of acclimating back into society when your treatment is over.  No Reason to minimize what happened, just raw truth that yes these things happened to me, but I channeled my energy to focus on the reason why I had to get better.  When you have a reason why, you find a way HOW. It’s that simple.”

She recommends every patient gets a notebook, encouraging them to write what they’re thinking, what they’re feeling and, most of all, five things they’re grateful for each day. “Whatever that was, acknowledge it as something that was monumental. It helps validate your feelings and provide perspective.”
When asked about the best advice she ever received, Bridget’s answer is simple, “Don’t worry about anything. It’s going to be all right.”

Going through chemo, she’d gone to an ice cream shop craving peanut butter ice cream. Just before she stepped to the counter, the clerk scraped the last of the peanutty goodness from the bucket. “As I glumly looked at the empty container, the kid next to me, with the confidence of a three year old holding a rainbow bubblegum cone, encouraged me with those words. ‘Don’t worry about anything. It’s going to be all right.’”

“Talk about ‘out of the mouths of babes,” she laughs, recalling the lightning bolt of inspiration. “Here’s this kid who knows nothing about me. But she was right. It did turn out all right.” (And the worker brought out another tub of peanut butter.)

Shortly after treatment, her mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Bridget knew all too well the journey and wanted to provide the same comfort and support as she received.  Her mom is doing well and now lives with her family.

Bridget’s focus continues to be on hope – “You have to live for now. You cannot worry about tomorrow. It’s promised to no one. When you worry, it’s like walking around with an umbrella waiting for it to rain.” Looking back at the fight she’s fought, she knows proverbial rain may fall, encouraging matches that “The sun is going to shine again. Life sucks right now. But the sun will shine again. Go do everything you want to do. Make your bucket list and check it off.”

“Before the C word, I would have never done that. Since the C word, I’ve gone to the Saratoga Springs, Lake George, Walt Disney World and have watched many sunrises in Siesta Key with good friends.”

“Remember these key profound words that STORMS always lose to the sun. “
“GET UP. DRESS UP. SHOW UP. SMILE. ”

The post Get up. Dress up. Show up. Smile. appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Today, Hugo and Amanda share 37 years of marriage, two daughters, two grandchildren and have another grandchild on the way. They’ve also navigated multiple cancers diagnoses, a variety of treatments and participation in several clinical trials.

A routine trip to the gynecologist in 2000 revealed a lump, which was soon confirmed as breast cancer. Within a week, Amanda had received surgery and was starting four rounds of chemotherapy and 30 days of radiation. “At the time, the information in the Internet was very limited,” Hugo, recalled.

“As a father and a husband we want to protect our family and we struggle to balance the information yet spare our family. As a husband my duty is to protect her and not only inspire confidence that everything will be ok, but also be understanding or her fears and feelings.”

“One of the hardest things was having to go home and give her bad news. After surgery, the doctor called to say that the margins weren’t clear and she needed another operation. I pulled into the driveway and heard her laughing with my brother and mother. Those who have being on this road know how difficult is to give this kind of news to the person that you love the most. But Amanda’s resiliency and love for life is awe-inspiring.”

They called on that resilience when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer that required more surgery, iodine and radiation treatments. After treatment, they enjoyed seven happy, cancer-free years until 2011 when a checkup revealed elevated markers and testing confirmed that cancer had metastasized to her lungs. Since 2011, she’s been receiving palliative care and has participated in several clinical trials.

“As much as I want to, I cannot protect her and the girls from everything. I accept that this is our reality that every three weeks we have to go for treatment, that every three months we have to go for scans. I accept the reality of my life. What’s difficult for me is to accept that she has to go through this.”

Hugo’s advice to new caregivers is straightforward. “Don’t be afraid to admit that you’re scared. But don’t be paralyzed. Be your own advocate. Don’t ever stop telling her how much you love her and that you are going to be there for her. “

He encourages caregivers to reach out for connection. “My wife was the first person in either of our families to be diagnosed. Cancer wasn’t something people talked about. Cancer is not going to stop us from living a full life. Starting the conversation helps break down taboos.”

“I know tomorrow is not promised to any one. We must enjoy today. We can’t waste time crying for tomorrow. When this first happened, I’d always say ‘One day at a time….’

“Since she was first diagnosed back in 2000, our love for each other got stronger. We renewed our wedding vows on our 30^th anniversary, we celebrated out daughters sweet sixteens’ and weddings, we received God’s blessing in the form of two grandkids and are looking forward to meeting our third grandchild soon. All those things happened while we were living our life “One Day at a Time.”

The post Caring and loving when cancer comes back to stay. appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.