I have been looking into becoming part of the "buddy program" with the Colon Cancer Alliance. The description of this programs is as follows:"Living with uncertainty is the biggest challenge for any person faced with a cancer diagnosis. Even the most close-knit families need outside support — and who better to provide that support than others who have been there or are there now? Buddies have experienced what you're going through, or are about to experience. They understand because they are colorectal cancer survivors, caregivers, family and friends."
Number 1, I don't know if it's a great idea for me to get involved in something like that. Would it be too hard? I wouldn't know whether it would be more rewarding than depressing unless I try it.
Number 2, I feel like I would only be helping if my father survived colon cancer. How do I give encouraging words when my experience with colon cancer was a pretty bad one? Of course my grandfather survived it with early detection so I do have that, but I didn't know him. If my father had an colonoscopy at an earlier age the outcome most likely would have been different.
I want to get involved somehow, to help, to know that with my father's death I can be involved in something positive to carry on his name. Just not sure if this is the right choice or not.
3 comments:
I say do it. I think one of the hardest things for people who get a terminal illness is the question, "what will happen to my family if I don't survive?" Even though your Dad didn't survive his story doesn't end there. His legacy lives on through you and your family and you are still writing your story. I think by participating in something like this, you could show someone that family does have the ability to be resilient and continue to live their lives after a tragedy. That may be a comfort to someone.
No doubt it will be hard, but you might find the reward outweighs the challenge.
Thanks for the encouraging words Reid! I contacted them and they request that you wait at least 2 1/2 years if you've lost a loved one to cancer before you try to give support to someone else. So I guess I'll be trying back in October...
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