3 minute read
Group Offers One-on-One Spiritual Support and Fellowship on the Cancer Journey
Many of us can say that we have been impacted by cancer in some way — whether it’s a diagnosis for a parent, neighbor, or friend, or if we have faced the disease ourselves. A cancer diagnosis is scary and, sadly, can be isolating for the person who must fight against the disease.
In 2019, Deacon Harry Cramer was regularly meeting with Janice McCleary, who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.
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“Deacon Harry was so good about talking to me, asking me questions, and praying with me through my journey,” Janice says. “Some days were rougher than others, mentally, and he was able to let me breathe and put things in perspective.”
Janice and Deacon Harry both decided that others in the parish could benefit from spiritual support, both throughout their cancer journey and after. They, along with Kim Peters, who is a nurse, decided to start a cancer support group that was based on a successful, peer-led model. Kim is also a breast cancer survivor. However, after coordinating and advertising the meetings, the interest in a group gathering wasn’t there. What Janice, Deacon Harry, and Kim soon found out is that, often, those being treated for cancer simply don’t have the energy to attend meetings, and must also take into consideration any potential risks to their immune system. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this concern even more apparent. So, the facilitators have now continued with a one-on-one model.
“Spiritual support can be a big part of cancer treatment,” Deacon Harry says. “There is so much fear with a cancer diagnosis.”
“I think that talking to other cancer survivors also shows us hope and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Janice says. “Every journey is so different and all we can do is just be there for each other.”
“Cancer survivors have been there,” Kim says. “We know what it is like to hear the words ‘you have cancer.’ We know the thoughts, emotions, questions, and fears that come with those words. It is so important to stay positive and focused on the goal of being cancer-free.”
Both Janice and Kim are in remission. They are happy to serve as a resource and listening ear for anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
“These two are incredible women who are a great support for anyone who has cancer,” Deacon Harry says.
Deacon Harry believes this ministry is so important to the life of our parish. He lost his father to cancer, and many friends and family members have been impacted by cancer.
“This group helps to remind people there is someone there to support them,” Deacon Harry says. “This can be an outlet to be angry, sad, and scared and a way to feel safe and supported.”
“My faith was how I made it through this journey,” Janice says. “If someone wanted to reach out to Kim or me, we would be happy to help them. We are really good listeners and really good about trying to find the positives in all situations.”
As Kim says, she would have been “lost” without her faith during her cancer journey.
“I always felt God was with me and had a peace that no matter what I had to go through, I would be all right,” she says. “I knew people were praying for me. I had my prayer shawl across my chest during the entire process, which comforted me.”
Janice McCleary with husband, Dave, and their daughters, Madison and Emma
