Sharing Stories
I had a hard time deciding whether I should promote this book on my business media platforms. I was worried it would be viewed as depressing, or it would be considered inappropriate for my professional image. Which is interesting, when you realize this book is about giving people who are impacted by cancer a voice; a safe place to share their stories.
Cancer is a part of life. I was only weeks away from turning 28 when I was diagnosed.
Everyone is impacted by cancer, and yet it still feels like an isolating disease, because we do not allow space for cancer to be a normal conversation. It is viewed as a “downer.” It makes people feel uncomfortable, and sometimes it is not seen as socially suitable. But for most people, who have had cancer, the disease is not depressing or uncomfortable. Cancer is a part of life; a part of our lives that does not go away. And when you feel you cannot share a big part of your life with the people around you, it is an awful lonesome state to find yourself in.
About three years ago I volunteered for the Guide Posts of Strength on a project to provide cancer survivors a platform for their stories to be told. People were interviewed about their experiences, and I was one of many volunteers transcribing those interviews for what we all hoped would be a book. Not only did I help transcribe, I even have a small piece of my story in the collection.
At the time I was volunteering, I felt I needed this organization more than they needed me. I was five years in remission, and I was the sole survivor of my support group. Not to say it was a large group by any means. I was not comfortable at real support groups, nor did I ever meet or know anyone who was going through my type of cancer at my age.
I had three types of chemo. I had a double mastectomy. I had my ovaries removed. All of this at an age when my friends were focused on getting married, having children, and partying. I did not know anyone who could relate to my life until I met three other women my age online.
The four of us became our own support group. We never met face to face. We never talked on the phone. But we spent hours online sharing our stories. And sure, some of our experiences were sad, or scary, but a lot of them were hilarious, and hopeful, and full of life.
Together we all got better. Together we all got stronger. Together we all had a voice. But slowly, they individually fell sick again. Each time bringing not only sorrow for our friend, but the guilt-ridden worry for ourselves as well. Until eventually I was the only one still alive, and my voice fell mostly silent with theirs.
When I heard about the Guide Posts of Strength “My Story” project, I was eager help. I do not think I realized how much I missed my group, but I knew I wanted to be a part of giving life to these stories. What I did not expect was my need for their stories. Transcribing the interviews felt like finding my own voice again. It felt like sharing in something that I understood. It felt like allowing myself to be present in a moment I typically kept hidden away. And on those tapes, when someone cried for the sole reason of being able to air out their story, I cried with them. These are all people who do not know me, but I was with them, and they were my support group when I needed one most.
For this reason, and for the many other things this group does to help support people within the cancer community, I decided I needed to share this on every platform I have, including my business site. I would not be where I am today, as Pepper Pod Art, without my experiences. My paintings come from my heart and from my mind, both of which were on that cancer journey with me. So, it only seems fitting this story should have a home among my work.
I encourage you to get this book, to help support this amazing group, and to give these stories wings.