Finding A Community of Hope in the Midst of Cancer

A famous quote about there being strength in numbers resonated with me recently. During my wellness journey, I came to fully understand the meaning of this saying.

I was very concerned when my doctor told me he didn’t have another case like mine to benchmark my survival. Having a rare form of an uncommon cancer with limited treatment options and research, I felt alone. I was grateful that a couple of cancer survivors prepared me for my isolation. They told me to expect to lose many friends throughout this journey. Some friends distance themselves because your facing death reminds them of their own immortality, or they don’t know what to say so it’s easier to avoid you. While others don’t want to get closer to you to protect their emotions in case you don’t survive.

I recall that many friends visited me while I was in the hospital but then disappeared during my recovery stage. I grew tired of waiting for remission and I guess did they as well. This discouraging experience led me to seek out additional support.

After much research, I found a support group near my home and decided to attend a meeting. This was difficult because I am not one who is eagerly willing to share health concerns with strangers. Despite my hesitancy, I still went.

I was greeted by the founder of the group who was one of the kindest, warmest and friendliest individuals that I had ever met. Later, I discovered he had survived three forms of cancer and still had a radiant smile and an equally radiant spirit of hope.

While attending this group regularly, I discovered a place where others could relate to my experiences and express unwavering support. Although the participants had different forms of cancer and very distinct challenges, we all shared one common thing and that was a spirit of hope. For this community, fear of cancer was far greater than a fear of losing friendships. Therefore, we were able to bond and support each other through the highs and lows of our cancer journeys. Some survived and some did not, but we all found joy in embracing the “gift of time” often found when time is uncertain.

In the end, I found more than a cancer support group. Instead, I found a group of wonderful friends and a most importantly, a community of hope.

This post was written and submitted by Linda Windham. The article reflects the views of Windham and not of CURE®. This is also not supposed to be intended as medical advice.

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