Marcia was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2021 and found her way to Cancer Lifeline 6 months later as her social workers from Virginia Mason referred her to us. She was amazed at the volume of programs for those living with cancer and their loved ones and that the programs were all free! When she was going through chemotherapy and was feeling awful, she would look at all the services that Cancer Lifeline provided, which gave her hope and something to look forward to participating in as soon as she was feeling up to it. She felt drawn to the support groups at first, then branched out and started attending creative expression classes and presentations.

“It was a very safe space to speak honestly and be listened to without judgement and supported by people who really get what I’m going through, because they have traveled that road ahead of me”.

Marcia loves going to support groups and meeting everyone, some who are several years out from diagnosis. She has made connections with people that she would never have met otherwise. The fact that people listen to her story feels like such a gift. Even if they are not feeling well themselves and don’t share during group, the fact that they are there listening feels affirming to Marcia.

Cancer Lifeline is for everyone no matter where they are on their journey. Had Marcia known about Cancer Lifeline sooner, she could have joined a support group within weeks of her diagnosis and she believes her journey would have been easier. However, through participating in support groups she’s learned that Cancer is a marathon and not a sprint- it is like a roller coaster (some days you are just struggling to get up the hill and other days you are cruising down the hill). There IS life after cancer.

Pro tip: It’s ok to come to zoom class in PJ’s and bathrobes. Your pet is welcome too!

Fun Fact about Marcia: She has lead 594 groups through the Pike Place Market Food and Culture Tours and in 2019 had the highest number of 5 star online reviews.

Interested in sharing your client story with others? Learn more here