On a cool September morning along the southern waters of Hood Canal, the rhythm of paddles striking water carried more than momentum — it carried prayers. For the ninth year, Pacific Northwest canoe families came together for Paddle for the Battle, an event where every pull of the oar is lifted as a prayer for...
When Dr. Bonnie McGregor founded the Orion Center for Integrative Medicine in 2015, it was with one clear conviction: cancer care must treat the whole person. As a psychologist, researcher, and advocate, Dr. McGregor has long been passionate about bringing integrative and psychological care into the standard of cancer treatment—not as an afterthought, but as...
July marks National Minority Mental Health Month, a time to acknowledge and address the unique mental health challenges faced by communities of color. While much of the conversation rightly focuses on access to therapy and overcoming stigmas related to seeking help, one critical area that is often overlooked is the emotional toll of serious illness — especially cancer. For...
Earlier this month, members of the Cancer Lifeline team had the deep honor of participating in the Cancer Survivorship Celebration hosted by the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA). It was a two-day event filled with joy, remembrance, and resilience — a gathering that lifted up the journeys of Indigenous cancer survivors and honored the...
In the world of cancer support, every journey is as unique as the individual walking it. For many, joining a Cancer Lifeline support group is a courageous first step—one taken in the midst of fear, loss, or uncertainty. Participants often arrive carrying heavy questions and quiet hopes, unsure of what they’ll find or how they’ll...
My name is Victrinia, and I am a uterine cancer survivor. I am, in fact, a poster child for early detection. I’ve lived as a survivor for over sixteen years. And even after all these years…I still think about it. I still have an emotional relationship with that experience. Like so many others, I can...
Everyone knows about the conventional treatment pathways for cancer…. Chemotherapy… Radiation… Surgery. This three-pronged approach has been the bedrock of cancer treatment since the 1940s. But since then, so many other pathways to healing have emerged. Immunotherapy… Targeted Therapies… Hormone Therapy… have all changed the landscape of care. But there is an underpinning modality which...
Life often presents unexpected challenges, and for cancer patients, those challenges can feel overwhelming. The emotional, physical, and mental struggles may seem impossible to overcome, but even in the darkest times, hope is within reach. If you’re feeling stuck, here are some steps to help you move forward. Acknowledge Your EmotionsThe first step toward healing...
A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that affects not only the individual but also their relationships with partners, family, and friends. The emotional and physical toll of cancer can bring challenges, but it can also deepen connections and foster greater understanding. Navigating these changes with open communication, patience, and mutual support can help maintain...
The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a season filled with joy, traditions, and the warmth of family and friends. But for many, the holidays can also bring challenges—a sense of loneliness, reminders of loss, or the stress of navigating health issues and financial difficulties. During these...
