Last night in a brightly lit meeting room in the Hilton Hotel in Fort Collins, CO, I entered a new life. Women, thriving women, who faced or are facing breast cancer were called together to be “models” in the October 23rd event of “Hope Lives.” The mission of Hope Lives Breast Cancer Support Center, founded in 2001 by Lydia Dody, is to “Support and Strengthen those touched by Breast Cancer by providing Care, Guidance & Education” at no cost.
Sitting in the room surrounded by Women Who THRIVE I felt their compassion and authentic caring. Going through their experiences of multiple surgeries for many, chemotherapy and radiation had deepened their being. They reached out to me a newbie, telling me “Call me, anytime. I mean ANYTIME. If you need to cry or talk or ask if something is normal or not – truly ANYTIME.” Others shared, “You will feel a tiredness you have never felt before, you cannot describe. Do not fight it. Go with it.”
I have heard sports players like Michael Jordon comment that when they play with superior players, it raises the level of their own playing. Others talk of the impact of being with great people. I felt that each of us in that room was contributing to the vibrancy of the others. We raised each other up. It was a glorious experience of resonance – a field of heightened energy. I left with a strong feeling of loving connectedness.
Thank You ALL!
These were my thoughts as I walked the canyon this morning.
Thank you Joan. You are so right about the amazing women that are a part of the Hope Lives family. No one would ever want to join this “sisterhood” of breast cancer warriors, but every day I am humbled and inspired by their courage, compassion and commitment.
We are so blessed to have you serving as a model for our upcoming Survivor’s Fashion Show and PLEASE….if you know of any other woman diagnosed with breast cancer please send her our way so we can lend our support and encouragement!
Look forward to seeing you again soon-
Melissa Evans
Executive Director, Hope Lives!
moving and inspiring!!!!
Dear Joan,
What a beautiful testimony. I’ve never heard of this organization and I’m glad to know it exists. Thank you!
Love,
Toni
Joan, I am so glad you are a part of the Hope Lives! Sisterhood! Yes, it is very warm and secure to be a part of a group of women that share the same personal journey. Many stages of a womans life bring her into new circles – childbirth, raising teeenagers, marriage, divorce, death of a parent – and then breast cancer – or any cancer – it creates a spontaneous combustion of love and support – because life is in the balance…..and we want to see our sisters not only survive but THRIVE – with a zeal for life that wasn’t there before the cancer. And you are a part of this circle now – we welcome you and belive that strength of spirit will be with you on your journey – love to you Joan!
Hi Joan.
How wonderful that you have found a new community of fabulous and supportive women who really know what you are about to experience. You are truly blessed, and of course, the timing is perfect as your journey of mastery continues to unfold.
Much love, jkh