Maya A.

Maya served as primary caregiver for her mother, Corazon, during her battle with advanced-stage ovarian cancer. When her mother was diagnosed, the odds were stacked against them. The case worker at the hospital was adamant that Maya understood how sick her mother was, suggesting they consider hospice versus conventional care. Another nurse pulled Maya aside into a medical supply room to tell her to "prepare for the worst." Later, they discovered that her mother's own oncologist was scrutinized by his peers for treating what seemed like a hopeless stage-four patient.

Throughout her mother's treatment from diagnosis to remission, Maya and her family practiced what she calls "defiant hope, vigilant faith, endless support, and relentless sacrifice." While Maya suggested CanCare to her parents, they initially preferred not to seek a volunteer. However, Maya knew she needed to reach out to someone who would understand her raw and vulnerable moments.

CanCare matched Maya, a caregiver, with Victoria, an ovarian cancer survivor—demonstrating CanCare's creativity in pairing volunteers with clients. Victoria became more than just a mentor; she sent handwritten cards with gorgeous calligraphy, met Maya for coffee, and provided validation during the most challenging times. Even when Maya was operating on very limited capacity, Victoria reminded her that she was doing a good jobas a caregiver and that she "was enough."

When asked about how CanCare impacted her life... As a client of CanCare and as a caregiver, I felt witnessed and heard. What I received from Victoria was something very special. It was as if I were blanketed with an energy that was objective, yet compassionate; strong yet gentle. The unique beauty of CanCare is their ability to see you and meet you exactly where you are. You don't have to be the best caregiver or survivor. You don'thave to have all the answers or know endless medical jargon.

My words to pass along to anyone facing cancer... If you're a caregiver reading this, please know that from the bottom of my heart I bow with deep respect to your process. Know that you are not alone in your respective paths. To embrace what CanCare has to offer, I suggest having a willingness to ask for help, a willingness to look for answers, a willingness to receive or give care, a willingness to be seen, heard and witnessed.

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