Martha’s Cancer Story
It’s hard for us to hear that in 2023 about 43,700 women will die from breast cancer. (1) It’s immensely more difficult for a woman to hear the doctor say “You have cancer.” Martha, a professional woman and mother from Minneapolis, says the time after her diagnosis was “one of the lowest points in my life. I was floundering. I was struggling to understand what was happening and I was fearful for my life.” Before she knew her treatment path or prognosis, Martha found the Cancer Companions Bible study group at her church.
Cancer Stories: Sue Harmen Breast and Stomach Cancer Survivor, Don Burner Prostate Cancer Survivor and his wife/caregiver Sharon
Hear Sharon’s strength in the face of both her breast and stomach cancer, and soak up Don and Sharon’s faith as they cope with Don’s prostate cancer diagnosis and recurrence.
Cancer Story: Elvin McLin Cancer Kidney Survivor
Thank you Elvin for openly sharing your past cancer struggles: a Stage 4 diagnosis, difficult surgery, mysterious heart battles, lifesaving blood transfusions, and even the challenges of your faith at these frightening times.
Cancer Story: Dwayne Little Colon Cancer Survivor
Dwayne Little, husband and father was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer which they discovered had spread to his liver, bladder and appendix. After surgery, Dwayne and his family found a new church with a Cancer Companions group. It became home.
Cancer Story: James Funderberg Tonsil Cancer Survivor and his caregiver wife Brenda Funderberg
James and Brenda share his tonsil cancer story through the surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. God showed James the way through his cancer journey.
Cancer Story: Lisa Clayton Hodgkin Lymphoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Breast Cancer Survivor
I’m a 3 time cancer survivor. The big C word is scary,life changing, and emotional. Not only for you but also for your family and friends. They love you so it’s hard for them to see you going through trials physically and emotionally.
Cancer Story: Leah Schwarz Tonsil and Throat Cancer Survivor
When I showed her the lump on my neck, I could tell by the look on her face that something was seriously wrong. The next week brought a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, ultrasounds, CT scans and even a PET scan. Then on July 7th, a doctor said those three horrible words that you think you will never hear. “You have cancer.”
Cancer Story: Dennis Rohlfing Metastatic Prostate Cancer Survivor and his wife and Caregiver Roxanne Rohlfing
When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, there is a whirlwind of emotions leaving caregivers physically exhausted and emotionally drained. Roxanne Rohlfing shares the powerful impact of her feelings and how she took them to the Lord. An amazing woman of faith.
Cancer Stories: Rachel Zink Kidney Cancer Survivor and Jenny Ritzert Pancreatic Cancer Caregiver
Join Rachel Zink and Jenny Ritzert as they discuss Jenny’s unique journey with Cancer Companions and how her Cancer Companions support group helped keep her calm through her husband’s cancer journey.
Cancer Stories: Lou Ann Barczykowski and Ken Weber Lung Cancer Survivors
Lou Ann newly diagnosed with lung cancer saw a sign for a Cancer Companions Group. There she met Ken 5 year lung cancer survivor the Cancer Companion Facilitator.
Cancer Story: Sisters Susan Schindler 3-time cancer survivor and Shelia Miller Breast Cancer Survivor
Coming from a family history filled with cancer, both women bravely faced their cancer battles armed with their faith and their family.
Cancer Story: Susan Naucke Schindler 3 time Cancer Survivor
Yes- Three times she was told she had cancer. But not due to recurrences but three DIFFERENT types of cancer. Her faith is incredibly inspiring.
Cancer Story: Carol Harshaw Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor and her husband Bill Harshaw Lung Cancer Survivor
Carol Harshaw Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor and her husband Bill Harshaw Lung Cancer Survivor’s share their story of how the roles of cancer patient and caregiver became a blur.
Cancer Story: Lung and Endometrial Cancer Survivor Nancy Cook
“You find joy. Who doesn’t want to feel joyful? Who doesn’t want to feel hope? Who doesn’t want to feel connected? Cancer Companions gives you that.”