My Rare Cervical Cancer Community

About a week after I was diagnosed with cancer, a package appeared on my doorstep. This wasn’t the usual brown smiling box that makes my husband mutter under his breath, “What did you order now?” and roll his eyes. Depending on the package dimensions, he won’t even pick up the box. He will literally kick it inside the house. But no, this package was special. It was white with blue trim, priority mail from the United States Postal Service. Addressed to me in a neat, purposeful font — someone had taken the time to send me something.

To my surprise, I found a cozy teal blanket inside with comforting words written on it, like “resilience” and “strength.” There were also other thoughtful goodies: ginger candy for nausea, head scarves for the inevitable hair loss, and a note that said "Dear Jezebel, No one fights alone. Love, SARCC."

Words can’t express the power that blanket gave me throughout treatment. SARCC stands for Sisters Against Rare Cervical Cancer. They are a Facebook group that I joined the night I was diagnosed. I did exactly what the doctors told me not to do after I received my diagnosis of small cell neuroendocrine cervical cancer: I spent the night on the internet. After reading so many scary things like “rare and aggressive,” “poor prognosis” and “chemo, radiation, surgery,” Facebook led me to SARCC.

The internet has fueled much of my anxiety, but it has also given me the gift of my community. This ugly cancer has given me the most amazing support from women who have made it their mission to help other women as they battle, no matter what stage of the journey they are in after diagnosis.

I wrapped my teal security blanket around myself and my young children when I explained to them that I had cancer. It was there for me after my surgery. It kept me warm during my rounds of chemo. Its home for the last three years is on my couch, where it serves as comfort in everyday life. It’s a reminder of my blessings and that I have a scattering of sisters around the world and in heaven who have their hands on my back and give me strength.

This blanket symbolizes more than warmth; it symbolizes hope, resilience and the unbreakable bond of a community that stands together, unwavering. Through every challenge and every fear, we find strength in each other, and we are never alone.

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

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