Theresa R.
Theresa faced a cancer journey that tested every ounce of her strength and faith. Diagnosed with Stage III Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Right Breast with Lymph Node Involvement in July 2012, Theresa's world turned upside down when what should have been a routine mammogram became the beginning of a two-year battle for her life.
Her doctor had been persistently encouraging her to complete her annual mammogram since March 2012, finally insisting in July. Theresa went to the appointment expecting to return to work that same day, but suspicious findings warranted additional procedures and days of testing. Even before receiving official confirmation, Theresa knew she had cancer. The hardest moment came when she had to tell her children the truth: a conversation she describes as "the hardest thing I've ever had to do. We were all so scared."
Theresa's treatment journey was extensive and challenging. As a HER2 Positive patient, she completed six months of chemotherapy before having a bilateral mastectomy in January 2013. This was followed by seven weeks of radiation in May 2013 and her first reconstructive breast surgery in September 2013. After three additional reconstructive surgeries, she started 2015 as her "new cancer free self."
Throughout this intense treatment period, Theresa struggled most during the six months of chemotherapy. The physical and emotional toll was overwhelming, but she found strength in her faith, family, and her CanCare volunteer. "My God was walking beside me and holding me up," she says. "He and my family got me through every moment."
The CanCare volunteer who was matched with Theresa became a crucial source of hope during her darkest moments. Having gone through a similar journey, this volunteer helped Theresa believe she could make it too. "I had peace from God and hope from CanCare," Theresa reflects. This experience was so meaningful that she became a CanCare volunteer herself almost nine years ago.
One of Theresa's most memorable client relationships was with a young woman who discovered she had cancer while pregnant during the same summer. Theresa had the privilege of encouraging her through those incredibly challenging times, supporting someone who was both brave and scared. Years later, this client reached out to share photos of her daughter's second birthday—a joyful reminder of hope fulfilled.
When asked about how CanCare impacted her life... CanCare helped me through the very scary moments and celebrated with me through the victories. I've been a CanCare Volunteer for almost 9 years now. I'm so thankful that I can help others going through their cancer journey. This continues to give me hope for myself and others.
My words to pass along to anyone facing cancer... There is always hope! Reach out for help. CanCare works and helped me so much! We are stronger than we think. It is so worth the effort! Being a CanCare Volunteer and serving others has been so rewarding.