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In Sadness, there is Joy too
By Kacy Dressler on Jul 20, 2011
For many of us at CCA, whenever we tell someone what we do, they comment on how hard it must be to work with sick kids. Yes, it is hard at times, but it is such a privilege to walk alongside families during this unimaginable journey and bring little bits of joy to their hospital experience.
Unfortunately, the last few weeks have been filled with sad news for a lot of the families in the Chemo Pal Program. When a child dies in our program, we ask the Chemo Pal to reflect and write a few words about their experience with the child that they were matched with. Reading those testimonies always brings tears to my eyes, but also reinforces how much I love my job and how lucky I am to be a small part of these kid’s lives. Hearing about the impact that the kids have made on the Chemo Pal, and knowing that the impact is mutual, makes me smile through the tears. I thought it might be nice to share some of these inspiring comments:
Chemo Pal Ashley shared that “Bella has truly changed my life and she will always have a special place in my heart. I love you Bella. I know you are having crazy Sponge Bob and Toy Story parties in heaven with your best friend Lilli.”
Chemo Pal Sarah commented that “Life may hand you the most difficult of challenges, but in the end, it is the strength of spirit that remains. Thank you Brodee for teaching me courage in the face of a storm.”
Chemo Pal Denelle shared “Lilli is not just the pebble to start a ripple, but a boulder to make great waves. Her life has monumental meaning, and it will continue to be that way for all of us that have been blessed enough to know her.”
Chemo Pal Ken said “After I shed my fair share of tears this morning, a smile came to me slowly. I thought to myself how lucky I am to have known you. While many of us strive to add years to our lives, you reminded us that the real secret is to add life to our years.”
Chemo Pal Suzie wrote “I’m going to miss him….miss his quick wit and his way of putting me in my place. I’m going to miss that killer smile and I’m going to miss holding his hand. As painful as this is…I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity to know and spend time with this kid. He definitely gave me (and my family) way more than I ever gave him.”
I am humbled to be a part of this matchmaking process and grateful to work with such amazing volunteers that graciously give their time, and their heart, to these kids going through so much. I have an anonymous quote on my desktop that resonates with me:
“Children with cancer are like candles in the wind who accept that they are in danger of being extinguished by a gust of wind from nowhere, and yet they flicker and dance to remain alive; their brilliance challenges the darkness and dazzles those of us who watch their light.”
I am honored to work with amazing Chemo Pals and inspiring kids on a daily basis. Thank you for supporting CCA and helping to make that happen!
