IN MEMORY OF MY MOM, KAREN

1957-2023

After my mom's pancreatic cancer diagnosis, I felt like I needed help navigating my caregiving journey - one day it was meds and chores and tasks while the next day it was booking a last minute trip to Disney with her grandkids. The SCAN-xiety, the impossible-to-read test results, keeping your hemoglobin #s up, keeping your weight stable, keeping your mood elevated and hopeful... it was A LOT! And every day seemed different than the one before.

I found a once-a-week Caregiver Support Group that truly has made me feel incredibly supported during this weird time. We laugh, we cry, we exchanged phone numbers and stories. My group remembers big test/scan days and wishes my mom luck! We celebrate milestones like someone's loved one going into remission or someone's family member finally pooping after 10 days without it. The big stuff, the small stuff, all the stuff. Our Go To introduction for any new members is always "We're glad that you found us, even though we hate that you're here." And it's so true: this really does SUCK, but I will sit with you in this dark place and hold your hand (virtually, since we've all only met in person once).

Wellness House provides complete cancer care with more than 520 programs being provided each month to give people touched by cancer a support network like no other. Because of the Walk, and the generous donations of individuals and businesses, everything at Wellness House is provided free of charge, providing one less thing to worry about when struggling with a cancer. That's why I have joined the Walk and why I ask you to join me in giving what you can to support people (and their families!) in the fight for their lives.