08/01/2023
Meet Dawn Duffy, one of our remarkable providers who embodies courage and resilience. Despite facing the challenging battle of cancer, Dawn has displayed unwavering bravery in her fight against the disease. Her journey has been a testament to her strength, determination, and positive spirit. Dawn's incredible journey of overcoming cancer is a source of inspiration for all of us, reminding us to cherish each day and face adversities with unwavering bravery. We stand in awe of her tenacity and are honored to have such a courageous individual as part of our team.
https://lnkd.in/gdhCeVjZ
Hi.
I have kept this journey private from social media,but today I have decided to share with honesty and vulnerability.
I have cancer. This is my fourth journey with the beast. It began 20 years ago, then again 2 years later. Cancer brought a paradigm shift in how I cared for myself holistically. Cleaner diet, removal of as many toxic chemicals as possible, essential oils, spiritual growth and more peace and balance.
Life has been so good and I have lived in gratitude.
Last year the beast came back. Long arduous story short.. huge surgery followed by 30 rounds of radiation. This was a very tough pill to swallow given the healthy lifestyle I had adopted. But I charged forward with hope and trepidation.
I got 9 clean months but the beast came back with a vengeance in May. Another major surgery to remove 4 tumors, a colon resection and a few other “digestive system” repairs. Now, 3 months of intense chemo.
So…… how am I?
Strong and Weak
Hopeful and Scared
Surrounded by love and Lonely
Grateful and Angry
Cancer is the most “alone” thing I’ve ever done. No one can truly join you in all the things that are happening in your body and mind. However, the presence of loved ones is so very comforting
I guess I am writing this to say, if you are on this journey too, give yourself permission to feel ALL of it. We have this remarkable capacity as humans to feel both extremes of any emotion. Be real, be honest, be vulnerable. BE YOU!
Dig deep and know your needs. Who are the people who feed your soul? Surround yourself with them and put up gentle barriers to the rest. Understand that there are people in your life who won’t be able to be there for you. I don’t know why this happens, but it does. Embrace and enjoy the ones who step up… there will be some very pleasant surprises!!!
If you are a support person, good luck. I am very aware that it is a hard job. You don’t know what to say or what to do. All I can say is just show up. Be present and know that your loved one is scared and alone. YOU make a difference by simply showing up.
I am a fighter and I have MUCH to LIVE for.
If you have questions please reach out… don’t be alone.