Voices of Cancer

Debbie with her father at a family event.
Read September 14, 2023

Depression, Suicide Risk, and Cancer: Studies Suggest We Have to Talk About It

Former CSC CEO Debbie Weir remembers her dad, who died by suicide after 3 years of cancer treatments, and reflects on the importance of highlighting National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Debbie also shares information about our free support resources for people impacted by cancer, as well as national mental health resources to help those in crisis or emotional distress.
Colorful umbrellas strung up in the sky
Read September 7, 2023

Erma’s Caregiver Story: The Extent of a Support System

Erma shares what she learned about caregiving through personal experience, including the importance of having a support network. “You start out in the beginning like, ‘Why me?" Erma reflected. "It’s not like life picked on you. Life just happened.” Keep reading to learn more about Erma's story.
man's hands typing on keyboard
Read August 18, 2023

Dan's Lymphoma Story: Humor With Tumor

Dan was an Olympic-level athlete and active in triathlons, road races, and half marathons. His doctor once said to him, “You’re the healthiest guy I know.” Here's what helped Dan cope after a lymphoma diagnosis.
Justin and Kelly laugh together during an evening out with friends in 2008
Read November 8, 2022

Lessons Learned: The Importance of Self-care When Caregiving

In 2007, Kelly unexpectedly became a caregiver when her husband, Justin, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. "At 27 years old and having been married for only 3 months, I felt completely unequipped to take on the title of caregiver," she writes. "I was just getting used to being a 'Mrs.' and signing a new last name. Life was supposed to just be beginning for Justin and me." Keep reading to learn more about Kelly's story and some vital lessons she learned that are important for every caregiver to know.
Amber smiles while standing on a sidewalk in front of a leafy green tree in the summer sunshine
Read August 30, 2022

A Brave August

“August, you get me every time. It’s that time of year…when my trauma triggers fire nonstop.” In the final installment of her blog series, Amber Havekost reflects on the difficult August, 5 years ago, when an advanced-stage cancer diagnosis changed her life. “Anniversary dates are complex,” she writes. “Some are amazing but now also tainted by pain. Some we wish to forget but then, if we do, what else would have to be forgotten?”
Amber and her husband enjoy the autumn colors on a mountain hike with their dog.
Read August 18, 2022

Grief & Loss. Gratitude & Gain.

“Grief isn’t shameful and it isn’t cause for panic. It isn’t taboo, it isn’t unnecessary, it isn’t weak, and it isn’t wrong or dangerous. Rather, to grieve is to be authentic. To grieve is to be honest. To grieve is to be grateful. And to grieve is to be human.” In the latest installment of her 5-part blog series, Amber Havekost continues to trace her cancer journey, honoring both her losses and her gains along the way.