Two cancers. Nine years apart. Three different tumors. My first two cancers were ovarian and endometrial. I was very lucky because both were caught early. The day I learned I had cancer -- and would require chemotherapy — I was terrified. What greatly helped me was meeting a woman who previously had ovarian cancer. She spent several hours with me and walked me through the next six months of treatment. Subsequently, I felt such relief because I knew there was light at the end of the tunnel. This experience stayed with me and was one of the main reasons I wanted to be a CHN peer mentor.
My second cancer was much more difficult: The surgery was long and complicated. My treatment was very tough — weekly chemo followed by radiation. I went neutropenic, required blood transfusions, and by the end of the six months was very weak. My family and friends helped me get through this difficult period. Despite all of their support, I know I would have benefited from talking to a survivor because I did not want to burden my family.
That helpful first conversation with a survivor has always stayed with me, and I wanted to find an opportunity to support another person going through a similar diagnosis and treatment. I knew I could be supportive and hoped I could reduce the “fear factor.” Also, given my last cancer (a decade ago now) had a poor prognosis, I also believed the fact that I am still here could provide hope to someone who might not feel very optimistic.
I found out about CHN at Sibley Hospital, part of the Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHU) system. When I first approached Sibley-JHU, they did not have any type of peer-to-peer program, so I decided to volunteer on the oncology floor. I was thrilled when Sibley’s head of volunteer services – knowing my true desire – told me about the MAPS program and that CHN was going to begin partnering with Sibley-JHU in 2025.
My experience as a MAPS CHN peer mentor has been extremely rewarding. I have laughed and cried with my mentee and have seen her through several ups and downs. We talk and text regularly. Not only do we have a bond over our shared cancer experience, but we have a genuine friendship. My mentee has said finding me through CHN has been one of the best things to happen to her this year; I can definitely say the same about her.
