For many people, that moment when the doctor says ‘you have cancer’ is forever etched in your memory in detail. However, what comes next, and in the weeks that follow, is often just a big blur. You are now starting down a new, life-changing path filled with emotional and physical ups and downs. Your daily life will...
You may have been working hard to protect your children by not talking about cancer. However, many parents soon discover that their children know something has changed. Children notice when family members are upset and sometimes, they may even see their parents crying. They see and feel their parent’s stress and choose not to say...
Sometimes it is a challenge to figure out just what we need from family and friends to help us navigate through the cancer experience. Our needs change over time and what we need may not be a fit with what someone can provide. Most importantly, we need to acknowledge the need for help and then...
While ‘getting back out there’ will continue to look very different than the way we lived our lives pre-COVID-19, restrictions are carefully being lifted. While we still need to mask up and maintain social distancing, we can begin doing many of the activities we put on hold for a year! Whoo-hoo! Yes!…So excited!!! Or, maybe...
In the words of some of the people who knew him, here is a portrait of our late friend Eric. “Eric Dell Schwortz was our younger son, husband to Allyson, brother to Steve, and friend to so many who continue to be supportive and exceptional human beings. He was a light and treasure to those...
We have all kinds of scars that serve as a reminder of the powerful interventions our bodies are subjected to during cancer treatment. These might be the obvious surgical scars that may fade and change over time but remain, for the rest of our lives. Other physical changes such as fatigue and hair loss, appliances...
“With the coming of Spring, I am calm again.” – Gustav Mahler Blue sky, sunshine, and 54 degrees…spring is definitely in the Seattle air! For many of us, the coming of spring signals new beginnings. That may mean cleaning out and decluttering your home, joyfully digging in the soil and nurturing your garden, or simply...
How did you first learn about Cancer Lifeline? From Advisory Board chair Lynn Behar. I was working then and told Lynn that I was not ready to volunteer yet but that I definitely would after I retired. Why did you decide to become a volunteer? I learned about Cancer Lifeline and all the wonderful programs...
Ryan Garcia joined Cancer Lifeline in January of this year as our Social Work intern. In this interview, Ryan reflects on his own experience with support groups and why our resources are especially important right now. What is your profession and when did you first learn about Cancer Lifeline? This is a bit of...
