I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful young woman who has made quite an impact on me. Her name is Laura.
Laura has lived with hydrocephalus since birth, a lifelong struggle most of us can’t begin to imagine. Then, this past April, more came. Laura was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive form that doesn’t respond to hormone therapy.
“I believe coping with hydrocephalus has helped to prepare me for cancer,” Laura told me. “I’ll be honest. I was very mad at God when I was diagnosed with cancer, but I knew He and Jesus could help me if I trusted them.”
Laura joined her Cancer Companions group right at the time of her diagnosis. There she found wisdom from people who have “been there,” along with bucket loads of genuine connection, prayer, and Bible study.
“I really like the readings,” Laura says. “Those have been really helpful because I can go back and read them again.”
Treatment has not been easy. Laura has faced many side effects and the debilitating fatigue that comes with cancer.
“I think, my gosh, I can’t work another day. I’m so tired. Then you somehow get the strength inside you to do just one more day.”
On October 28, Laura rang the bell to mark the end of her chemotherapy. Her journey isn’t over yet. But no matter what the future holds, Laura knows her faith in Christ will carry her through, and her Cancer Companions group will always be there for her.
“I believe the group has helped me to not be angry at God anymore,” she says. Even on days when the side effects and treatments are bearing down on her, Laura brings her shining smile to group. She is a gift to all of us.
That is what Cancer Companions is for: making sure no one faces cancer alone, and no one faces it without the hope of Christ.
As this year comes to a close, will you help us reach more people like Laura? In 2027, we plan to grow the number of people we serve, and your gift makes that possible. It keeps the prayers going, puts devotionals and Bible studies in people’s hands, and keeps a seat open for the next person who hears the word “cancer” and doesn’t know where to turn.
GIANT blessings to you and yours,
Karen Tripp
Founder, Cancer Companions