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CancerCare’s “Remember and Renew” event offered a restorative space for people coping with the loss of a loved one to cancer to honor and remember their loved ones, connect with others, share their stories and provide words of encouragement and support.

Dixie shares: “One of the many beneficial things I learned from my time at CancerCare was the importance of self-care. Early on, I identified an important self-care activity as riding my bicycle. My Dad and I often rode together, and it was something that, long into his own treatment, served as a crucial self-care activity for him. It felt like I’d landed on the perfect fit when I discovered CancerCare was a represented charity for the TD 5 Boro Bike Tour, and I was honored to have the opportunity to raise money for an organization that had done so much for me.”

Joyce came to CancerCare after experiencing the loss of her husband to cancer. She shares,“The support [CancerCare] provided saved my life, and I hope to be able to spread awareness so that others may be impacted in the same way that I have.” Putting her gratitude into action, Joyce has become a passionate advocate for CancerCare, and is now being honored at CancerCare’s 2016 Festival of Hope Gala.

CancerCare recently hosted a yoga and wellness event for young adults who have used our services, and who are either in active treatment for a cancer diagnosis or are currently post-treatment. The group had the opportunity to engage in low-impact poses in a calming and restorative atmosphere.

On Tuesday, March 29th, CancerCare for Kids had the pleasure of partnering with Kids Kicking Cancer to offer a free martial arts class to children affected by cancer. The event gave children the opportunity to connect with peers while increasing confidence and coping skills in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Alex came to CancerCare for support after her friend Jodie passed away from an aggressive form of breast cancer. Jodie had also used CancerCare’s services while she was in hospice. “One of the things that was important to both of us was that CancerCare gave immediate support for people with cancer,” Alex says.

Now, Alex is riding with Team CancerCare at the TD Five Boro Bike Tour to raise funds for others who turn to CancerCare for help.

I found myself leaving sessions hopeful and revitalized, emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time. I was able to be a better caregiver for my Dad because I was finally taking care of myself - a gift from CancerCare that I will be forever grateful for.

Unfortunately, cancer touches even the youngest lives. Oncology social worker Sarah Paul, LMSW, shares how working with children and teens affected by cancer challenges and inspires her.

Last week, CancerCare recognized World Cancer Day by sharing ways that anyone can offer emotional support to someone affected by cancer. We also asked our followers on social media to share your ideas. Here is what you had to say!

Today’s guest blog post comes from oncology social worker, Sarah Paul, LMSW.

“I got to know Chris in the summer of 2014, almost a year after he was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer,” she shares. “[We] discussed the challenge of not letting his diagnosis become a part of his identity, his search for love and the difficulties of being a single young adult with cancer.”