@CANCER

This overview is an introduction by the NATIONAL BARISTA to help you get to know more about this community. 

Hello parent members.

My journey to joining all of you and the My Parent Cafe world is one that I hope none of you experience but one that I'm willing to share, so that those of you dealing with cancer currently, or its aftermath, or helping someone else through their cancer experience, might find some benefit in my sharing my experiences and learning.  

When I was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer five-years-ago, it seemed unreal for a number of reasons; but, mostly, because 15-years-ago, my son had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and it just seemed like a lot to be experienced by one person in their lifetime.

The first lesson of dealing with cancer is that it doesn't calculate such things.  

It's a beast without a head or a heart.

The other lessons that I learned from my son's cancer and passing, and from my experience with cancer, have reshaped how I see and process the world.  

But one of the most impactful lessons was how much help and support I received from the people around me.  Some were family, some were friends, but many were people who learned of my son's story and my own and just wanted to help in any way.

I'm here to give back for the help I received.  

I can only speak from my experiences.  But I'm willing to share them and to use them to start dialogue with or for others who are now in need of a stranger willing to extend a helping hand.

@CancerDad

Hello parent members.

I’m @CancerRN, and I didn’t choose pediatric oncology, life led me here. 

The day I moved into my freshman dorm, I was unsure of what I wanted to be or where life would take me.  That same day, my nephew was born, setting in motion a journey I never expected but was meant to take.  At just three months old, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and by eight months, he underwent a surgery that changed our lives forever.  I spent the following summer by his side, witnessing the fight, the resilience, and the impact of compassionate care.  That was the moment I knew I was meant to be a pediatric nurse.  My path led me to pediatric oncology, where I found my passion: walking alongside patients and their families through one of the hardest journeys of their lives. Years later, my role has evolved, but my mission remains the same. Now, as the practice administrator for three community oncology clinics, I continue to educate, support, and advocate for those navigating cancer.

Cancer is tough and no one should face it alone. It takes a village to provide the strength, support, and light needed to get through. Together, we lift each other up, offering hope in the hardest moments and comfort in the darkest days.

This space is for all of us navigating the cancer journey—patients, families, caregivers, and professionals. Whether you need advice, encouragement, or just a reminder that you’re not alone, you are welcome here. Let’s build this village together.  

 If you know a parent who is going through or has been through the journey of fighting cancer, please send them the link to this page so that they can join. MyParent Cafe - Cancer - doesn't replace any of the existing social media communities. We see this as a complimentary but ultimately safer and more helpful platform.

We're also looking for a few more Baristas for this cancer community. Baristas are the moderators and community stewards. I do hope to invite a mix of parents, medical providers, solution providers and non-profit representatives to help ensure the community needs are met.

Finally. We are looking for Cancer PERK providers. Any product, service or non-profit dedicated to helping to meet the needs of the Cancer parent community are invited to submit an interest form on our PERK page. We'll be sure to get back to you right away.