Cindy M.
Cindy became part of the CanCare family when her 21-year-old daughter Hannah was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in August 2019. After nine months of being misdiagnosed, Hannah was finally referred to an ENT who immediately performed a biopsy. While Cindy suspected it might be cancer, receiving the confirmation was devastating.
The misdiagnosis period was particularly frustrating and painful. For nine months, they knew something was wrong but couldn't get answers. When Hannah was finally properly diagnosed, it felt like both a relief to have answers and a crushing blow to have their fears confirmed.
Living 1,200 miles away from their home church during Hannah's treatment meant Cindy was in need of support that understood their specific situation. Right after Hannah's diagnosis, a lady from their church told Cindy about CanCare. She immediately filled out the online form and was matched with Judy, who had faced the same diagnosis as Hannah but many years earlier.
Within just a few days, Cindy was able to talk with Judy, who was kind, helpful, and refreshingly honest, exactly what Cindy wanted and needed. Judy told her that the surgery and treatments were going to be really hard, but she gave Cindy tremendous hope that it was beatable and that although Hannah would face limitations, she could still have a full life.
Hannah's journey was particularly challenging because she required a complete glossectomy, which was not only physically painful after surgery but has been an ongoing emotional challenge since eating is such a significant part of society. The impact on daily life and social interactions has been profound. She struggled with the emotional weight of watching her daughter go through such an ordeal while trying to maintain hope and strength for both of them.
As both a CanCare client and now volunteer, Cindy has found deep meaning in turning something difficult into an opportunity to help others. One of her most memorable client relationships was with a mother whose daughter faced a similar head and neck diagnosis to Hannah's. The daughter was much younger, and they had to move to Houston for treatment. Years later, Cindy received a beautiful picture of the daughter doing so well, a powerful reminder of hope fulfilled.
When asked about how CanCare impacted her life... CanCare has given me an opportunity to take something bad that happened in my life and use it for good to help others. I was matched with Judy, who answered so many questions and was honest about what we would face. She gave me so much hope that Hannah's cancer was beatable and that although she would face limitations, she could have a full life.
My words to pass along to anyone facing cancer... Take it one day at a time and reach out to others. Don't try to do it by yourself; the more support the better. Thankfully, cancer is no longer a death sentence like it was 20 years ago. Though treatments aren't easy, they are lifesaving. If you're looking for someone to walk this journey with you, then you'll find that person at CanCare. We have such an amazing group of caring individuals who have walked through this journey and know what you're facing.