Sandy Jessop
November is a time of reflection. With thoughts of the Thanksgiving holiday, we here at Saddlebrooke Ranch have much to be thankful for!
But when you have cancer, or a loved one has or had cancer, it’s so easy to forget about the good things in our lives. Emotions include sadness, anxiety, anger, and sometimes grief. Still, many cancer survivors and their loved ones find gratitude and positivity within their upturned lives.
Here are just a few testaments shared by our Cancer Support Group members:
“During my radiation treatment, I started my day (seven weeks, five days a week) at the cancer center before heading off to work. I was so grateful to be greeted by medical staff who lifted my spirits and made me feel like I was on the road to recovery.
“I had two young children who had so many activities, and I am so thankful I was able to continue taking them to their events. As exhausting as it was at the time, my heart was filled with love and a feeling of accomplishment.
“I joined the local Komen Race for Cure,® which guided my life for the next 11 years. I am beyond grateful for the friendships I made, the people I was able to help, and the sense of purpose that filled my life and the lives of my family. We all learned what a gift it is to help others. For that I will be forever grateful.”—SCJ
“ Why am I grateful for a cancer diagnosis? When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt that I was all alone in a vast ocean of uncertainty. Confused, angry, sad, scared. But overnight, women in my community came forward with their own stories of hope and resilience. These were Pink Warriors who were 20-year, 10-year, 1-year, and even 6-month survivors. They became my role models. I’m so grateful that they were willing to share their journey. It comforted me and I wanted to be like them—survive one day at a time.”—LH
“During my mom’s last rally soon to be dying of lung cancer, she had a time of 10 minutes of complete lucidity. She told me things about her life and suggested ways for me to live my life and shared important family moments with me. I treasure and value what she shared with me in her last moments. I’m so glad I took notes because all these many years later, I frequently go back and reread the prophetic things that she said.”—GJ
“I actually feel fortunate to be a breast cancer survivor. I was a workaholic and I may have worked forever and totally missed life. Cancer changed everything for me. I am grateful everyday. I went from a type A personality to a type B. I am at peace with the world.”—JB
To join, please use the TeamReach app and enter the Cancer Support Group Code: SBR-CSR24 or email Sandy Jessop at [email protected] with your name, phone number, and email.
Have a happy and grateful Thanksgiving.