Army&You Spring 2015

Page 27

YOUR FAMILY

On song: Jacqueline Hastings received support from Cyprus and beyond when she was hit with a cancer diagnosis

Community’s caring chorus Being part of a Military Wives Choir (MWC) is about much more than just singing. The support and understanding between members has become part of the group’s success. Jacqueline Hastings (pictured) explains how the network helped her cope when life took an unexpected turn…

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T WAS early June last year when my world came crashing down around me when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My first thought was how am I going to tell my children, who are 13 and twins aged six? I decided to remain positive and strong and tell my family and friends with a smile on my face even though I felt very low. A BLANKET OF LOVE I currently live in Cyprus where I sing with the Akrotiri MWC. I knew that these special ladies and Gio, our wonderful choirmaster, were among the first people I had to tell. So with the support of my good friend Debbie I broke the news, trying hard not to cry. A picture paints a thousand words and the look on their faces was so overwhelming. I immediately knew I would be wrapped in a blanket of love and support. My treatment plan began in late July when my family and

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It’s a totally selfless, kind, compassionate and genuinely committed support to help me through my cancer journey JACQUELINE HASTINGS

I were sent to the UK. I was to have a mastectomy at the Salisbury Breast Care Unit. This was a distressing time for us as a family. We were in a welfare house on Salisbury Plain with only a few personal belongings and it was especially difficult for the children who were on their summer holidays helping to nurse their mum. During this time my choir in Akrotiri posted a message on the MWC Facebook page explaining my situation and wishing me well. I began to receive good wishes from many choirs throughout the UK and offers of help from local choirs. It was through this that I was contacted by Ami Hartfield, a member of the Salisbury Plain MWC. Ami is a busy wife and mum to young children and she knew exactly what I was facing as she too was on a similar journey. She visited me armed with toys for the children, the offer

of childcare, a delicious cake and so much help and advice. Her conversation was such a comfort to me, her endless energy, beautiful smile and her compassion gave me hope. We were complete strangers bonded by our situation. FRIENDSHIP In Ami and the Military Wives Choirs I have found a very different kind of friendship, something I have never experienced before. It’s a totally selfless, kind, compassionate and genuinely committed support to help me through my cancer journey. At that time Salisbury was a very frightening place for me; Ami understood and shared my fear. I truly believe in fate. Fate brought us together and I am so lucky to have Ami in my life and to be part of a Military Wives Choir. l If you would like to join a MWC, visit militarywiveschoirs.org n spring 2015 Army&You 27


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