# Joy Without Waiting for Recovery

> Cancer patients find joy through community, not waiting for health to return.
- Title: Joy Without Waiting for Recovery · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: Cancer patients find joy through community, not waiting for health to return. Cancer patients can find joy alongside fear without waiting for recovery.
- Keywords: cancer, community, support groups, mental health, stage four cancer, rise nonprofit, oncologist, therapy, Joy, Without, Waiting, Recovery
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/cancer-patients-need-community-alongside-clinical-care-12609884
- Published: 2026-10-23T14:04:33+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cancer, community, support groups, mental health, stage four cancer, rise nonprofit, oncologist, therapy
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Cancer patients can find joy alongside fear without waiting for recovery.