A few months back I got a message from Imerman Angels, an organization I had registered with when I had completed my cancer treatments. Imerman works to “connect cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers to Mentor Angels, cancer confidantes with similar stories and experiences”

Turns out they had found me a potential match and so I started working with someone who is acting as a caregiver to a patient who is diagnosed with the same cancer I had. As her mentor, we meet and chat about the challenges she faces and I share my experience as a patient. It’s been a really rewarding experience and I am glad to be able to help her. We had just a wonderful chat yesterday with her and her father that I think we all benefitted from. Today her dad wanted to chat with me again so we met and shared stories about our challenges with treatments, side effects and just how one makes it through a cancer journey like ours.

There is obviously nothing joyful about having cancer, but by putting myself out there as a helper I couldn’t help but feel joy at the end of our conversation today when they thanked me and told me that our talks have made them feel better.

It’s exactly why I registered with Imerman, because one thing I have learned over the years is that just being able to talk to someone who really knows what you are going through and who understands the specific challenges you face, can do wonders to keep you going when things get difficult, and especially when you can see them continuing to move themselves forward and live the new reality that is life after cancer.

I believe that I try pretty regularly to be a helpful person. It’s not always easy to do but it sure does feel good when you see someone “looking for the helpers” and you can be that person.

PS – I was going to make a Jerry and Millie Helper joke but just the thought of it made me feel really old and I didn’t think anyone (other than Gina) would get it anyway..)