Let’s Pause for a Moment on this Cancer Journey Series for A Public Service Announcement to Sing the Praises for Support People

When facing something so deeply personal and transformative, letting others in can feel incredibly difficult. Yet, it’s essential to allow those around you to be there—to support you in ways they may not fully understand but deeply want to provide. One of the most profound lessons of this journey is learning to be open and receptive to care, love, and support.

The Comfort of a Hand to Hold

This makes me think of the most special person who stood beside me through the hardest moments of my battle with cancer—my mother. She was there through every painful procedure, holding my hand as nurses struggled to find a vein, running for help when fluids infiltrated my arm, causing it to painfully swell. She was there when terror gripped me at the mention of an angiogram—when doctors needed to determine if I had enough blood flow to my brain before removing my left carotid artery. I knew how frightening it was for me, but I can only imagine how much harder it was for her, witnessing every step.

I needed her beside me as I faced some of the most difficult experiences of my life at such a young and vulnerable age. I also needed my aunt and uncle, who introduced me to new ways to cope. I needed another aunt and uncle who visited, played cards, sang loud, silly songs, and gave me moments of joy amidst uncertainty. I needed the aunt who sent a hot air balloon to my hospital room, its basket overflowing with Hershey Kisses—a reminder of warmth and love.

The Quiet Acts of Kindness That Leave a Mark

I needed the cards, the flowers, the prayers. I needed the presence of those who cared. I needed the forty people who filled the waiting room, standing with me as I headed into surgery with no certainty of its outcome.

I needed my boyfriend—and his mother’s generosity—to step into that crowded hospital, take one look at the waiting room overflowing with people, and instinctively go out to gather enough food to feed everyone.

The Comfort of Laughter in Difficult Times

I needed him to insist on being the first to see me in intensive care—and, true to form, to find humor in the moment, laughing as he declared I looked like a Cabbage Patch doll. I wasn’t conscious for it, but I certainly heard about it later.

I needed his humor to pierce through the heaviness, his arms to offer solace when the pain became unbearable. I needed him beside me in my hospital bed, holding me through sleepless nights, grounding me in the midst of uncertainty.

The Beauty of Simple, Heartfelt Acts

I needed him when they got me up and walking just a day after leaving intensive care—enduring a pain so immense, so beyond words, that I couldn’t even begin to explain it.

I needed him when nausea overwhelmed me, when my body refused to steady itself, when he held the bucket as sickness took over.

I needed him and my aunt to shave my legs when I couldn’t—just so I could feel human again.I needed my dad to find a way to wash my hair—carefully, skillfully—without letting a single drop touch the incision that stretched nearly to the top of my skull.

I needed every visitor brave enough to step into that hospital room. I needed each and every one of them.

Celebrating the One-of-a-Kind Ways Support is Given

I needed every support person to be different. To bring their own unique gifts. To show up exactly as they were—because in the midst of a battle for my life, they reminded me that I was still me.

Welcome the Care and Strength of Your Loved Ones

If you’re navigating a challenging journey—whether it’s sickness, disease, or something else entirely—I encourage you to let your support system in. Allow the people around you to be there for you, to offer their care and comfort. And don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.

Often, those who love us want to help but may not know how. Giving them guidance, sharing your needs, and letting them show up in their own way can make all the difference.

To Follow the Journey with Cancer Series

This Public Service Announcement is complete, back to the story. Look for Faith Not Fear to continue this series.

I wonder . . .

Sometimes I withdrew from those who wanted to help. I wonder if others struggle with letting the people who love and care about you be there through your hard times?