CopeLink

Jonah was only 28 years old when he was diagnosed with stage-3 melanoma. He immediately started radiation treatment while continuing to work full-time.

But when the melanoma recurred and he began chemotherapy, “the psychological burden of my treatment became too much to bear [and] I simply couldn’t manage,” says Jonah. That’s when he found CancerCare.

“My counselor at CancerCare helped me gather the pieces of my life and start to reassemble them.”

Today, more than three years later, Jonah continues to manage his diagnosis with support from his friends and family, as well as the support he receives from his oncology social worker at CancerCare. His is one of the many inspirational stories we hear from people every day at CancerCare.

“The way I see it, dealing with cancer is like navigating whitewater rapids,” says Ann, another CancerCare client who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma seven years ago. She sought out CancerCare to help deal with her feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“When you have someone to share it with, you’re in a canoe. No matter what it’s like, you face it together. When you do it alone, you’re in a kayak. Yes, your friends may be running along the shore, waving from time to time, but sink or swim, you’re out there on your own.”

Today, Ann serves as a mentor to others who have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma thanks to the support she found through CancerCare.

Read more about our inspiring clients in CancerCare’s “Stories of Help & Hope.”

How has CancerCare helped you better cope with a cancer diagnosis? We’d like to hear from you.

Tell us your story and inspire others.