What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
– Hellen Keller
In reality, we are only granted this moment. And now this one and then another arrives and on and on through the hour, the day, the year. When we are diagnosed with an illness, in need of ongoing medical treatment or transitioning into end-of-life care, the moments of our lives feel unreal, unnatural and often unbearable. The same can be true when that diagnosis, that treatment and that transition is happening to someone we love. These moments are extremely difficult and we need to be very kind to ourselves and very gentle with each other.
I have spent more than 15 years working with pediatric cancer patients and their families and I have first-hand, real-time experience helping people cope with the rigors of illness and recovery and sometimes, death. More importantly, I think, is that I know how to help them continue living in the midst of what initially appears to be overwhelming fear and frustration and anxiety. The moments of our lives are too precious to squander and that is never more apparent than when those moments are made vulnerable by illness. It would be my pleasure to collaborate with you if you find yourself having to navigate this daunting terrain for yourself or for someone you love.