From Newsweek · · 1m 20s
Joy Without Waiting for Recovery
Cancer patients find joy through community, not waiting for health to return.
In brief
Cancer patients find joy through community, not waiting for health to return. Cancer patients can find joy alongside fear without waiting for recovery. Originally reported by Newsweek.
My Cancer Diagnosis
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I thought the hardest part would be the treatment, not the isolation of feeling misunderstood.
Growing Cancer Numbers
National Cancer Institute projects 2,114,850 new U.S. cancer cases in 2026, with 18.6 million survivors in 2025.
Emotional Impact of Cancer
Cancer affects your sense of self, relationships, parenting, work, and future planning, producing fear, anger, grief, and exhaustion.
Family Struggles to Understand
People closest to me wanted to understand but had not woken up with cancer, so I held my emotions in.
Failed Support Systems
Therapy, mindfulness classes, and oncologists promised help but no one called when depression became too much.
Zoom Support Group
I started a Zoom group with no budget, infrastructure, or plan, and Dolores joined me, becoming my close friend.
Rise Support Network
The group grew into RISE, a nonprofit providing support groups and retreats for cancer patients.
Joy Without Recovery
Joy can exist alongside fear in shared meals, phone calls, and laughter with people who understand cancer.
The takeaway
Cancer patients can find joy alongside fear without waiting for recovery.
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