Three of the most frightening words we hope you never hear are:

You. Have. Cancer.

Even the most skilled doctors and nurses, the most sympathetic family members, the most caring friends, cannot relate to the fear that races through your mind about the long road ahead of you.

That is, of course, unless they’ve walked in your shoes.

Enter the Cancer Fighters.

This compassion-filled group of cancer survivors is a huge part of Cancer Treatment Centers of America. They are an all-volunteer group of men and women who offer hope to those who have just heard those three life-altering words.

They go to the hospital with them. They tell them what to expect prior, during and after their series of treatments. We call this “proactive anticipation”, and it sounds like this:

“If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking right now….”

and

“After this treatment, you’re going to want to ….”

They also offer a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and a hand to hold. They bring with them no real medical skills, only a sincere human heart that says “I know what it feels like…you’re going to be OK…I’m here for you.”

There’s no doubt that the medical expertise of the entire hospital care team will treat and perhaps cure many patients. But when clinical excellence is united with human kindness and human connection, something miraculous happens. That is when the real healing begins.

God bless these angels of caring for giving back their own personal time in hopes of easing others anxiety and building peace of mind in what might be someone else’s darkest hour.