cancer angels

One of the most beautiful things that I have experienced with my decision and public discussion of my participation in a 45 mile Livestrong Challenge Bike Ride and my discosing my Dad's cancer diagnosis, are the stories that people share with me, about their experiences with cancer. If you think about it cancer affects us all on so many levels and it affects each of us in different ways. You probably know someone who either has had cancer or knows someone with cancer or has had cancer. It is all around us. 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. It affects us all!

There are so many angels that have crossed my path over the years and this Livestrong Challenge journey has only put their memories fresh in my mind. Then there are so many new ones. Here are a few. I will continue to write about the cancer angels I meet and have met.

There are all sorts of cancer angels out there. There is the hairdress who helps the cancer patient going through chemotherapy hold onto their self-esteem by going to their home to help them shave their head. They help them find the right wig. They encourage them to take the opportunity to be bold and do something completely unique and out of the ordinary with their hair while they can change their wig. Or the hairdress that trims the hair of the cancer patient as their hair grows back after chemotherapy and does not charge them, because it was just growing back and still sparse.

Then there are the countless number of hospice nurses and grief counselors lending a kind ear, encouragement or suggestions to help. Holding support groups and offering shoulder to hold you up.

The friends that move to the of the theatre for you when they usually sit in the front, because they know you just found out a loved one in your life has a grim diagnosis.

The friends that listen over lunch, dinner, tea and chess.

The cancer angels who have survived the disease and are there with a kind ear for someone that just got a new diagnosis. Or the cancer survivor who has feet so numb from the neurapthy from chemotherapy they still standing strong as they listen to all of the fears of someone after their new diagnosis.

A woman fluffing pillows and making sure there is nothing you need as you sit for many hours receiving your chemotherapy drip. Listening patiently to anything you have to say, know that you are scared, nervous and just need to talk about something other than what you are experiencing.

We are all angels. We are all one. We are all in this fight together.

Keep sharing, it keeps those pedals moving around. It helps me to remember why I ride!
-Rhonda