Holding onto hope has been a long standing theme for me. Maybe even a life motto, but that phrase came to mean something even more as I started down a new path with cancer. I immediately began reaching out for anything to hold onto, to calm my fears and steady my anxious heart. I found three things that came together that helped guide me through. First, I turned to God. I reached out to Him daily, multiple times a day. I came to know God more intimately than I ever had before and I because I knew Him, I believed Him. I felt peace even when walking into the unknown.
Second, I let others in. The more I let people in, the more people reached out. I discovered that people who care are the greatest gifts of all. Many people helped me in countless ways. My family simply could not have done what we did without the help of such wonderful humans. But even more than our physical needs being met, it was the people who had been down a similar path that gave me the hope I desperately needed. I sought out advice, knowledge and experiences that resonated with me and I clung to the hope that was in them.
Finally, giving back. After going through what I’d been through, I had hope and knowledge to spare. It was pouring out of me and I wanted to share that with others!
Learn more about my story
Read about my long-term relationship with cancer and the moment that inspired me to create a guided cancer binder to help others.
Awareness & Support
Cancer awareness is a big part of why I share and add my voice to all the others who have been affected by it. Maybe it’s because of my trauma and journey to heal, that it helps to get it out there.
But also, my heart remembers the feelings so well. Of those early days in my cancer diagnosis. It’s a lot to take on, and with so many unknowns. I had people in my life who cared and were very supportive but only a few who truly understood the heaviness deep in my soul. I craved the connection of those people. The ones who “knew.”
That’s why I felt impressed to re-create that feeling in the form of a binder. A guide of sorts to help others on their way. Maybe giving them the feeling of having a friend who “knew” with them, every step of the way.
Thoughtfully Made For You
Not only does the cancer binder include my cancer story and personal tips, but this guide is invaluable for someone facing the long road of treatment ahead. The beautifully designed, turned-edge, color cover with its “You Are Here” messaging is a heart-warming reminder that they are not alone.
I offer the guided planning pages in 3 forms:
- a full binder with pages, pocket dividers, and stickers housed in a physical binder.
- a downloadable planner with pages that can be printed at home.
- a free lightened up printable, sharing my experience with cancer along with helpful tips.
* Scroll to the very bottom of the site for my free breast cancer specific printable. *
Other Support Gifts & Products
Supporting those you love can look like a million different things. Here are more great ideas to get you started!
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
Advocating For Yourself
Being a self advocate means taking charge of your own health. It means consistently checking in with and knowing your body well, so that you will notice any changes right away. There is no greater gift to yourself!
Days before I discovered a lump in my breast, I attended the funeral of a dear friend who had died from breast cancer.
Her name was Kay. She had a letter read at her service that prompted me to be more aware and proactive in knowing my body and my health. Because of her words I felt impressed to do a self breast exam and that is when I felt it. It was definitely noticeable and I instantly knew it was something so I didn’t hesitate. I made an appointment first thing in the morning. Kay is the reason I found “my lump” early. She is also the reason why I took it so seriously and urged my care provider to send me for further imaging.
When it comes to cancer and survival, timing is crucial. I can’t stress this enough.
The longer cancer grows in the body undetected and untreated, the more dangerous it becomes. So if you notice something, anything different, don’t hesitate. Advocate for further knowledge, imaging or testing so that you know exactly what is going on. Early detection only happens if you are proactive.
Sometimes you simply needed someone kind to sit with you while you dealt with things.
Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
When Words Fall Short
Words matter but sometimes you just need something more. I created these playlists and listened to them during my chemo infusions and on days at home. When my bones ached, my stomach was hollow, and the isolation seemed to swallow me whole. On those days it was all I could do to just exist and music became my medicine.
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