I am an experienced pilgrim of illness. As a child, I endured the path of several surgeries on my left arm due to a bone infection, which resulted in limited use of my hand. As a young adult, I followed the path again when in my late twenties, I was treated twice for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. As an adult, I embarked on a dark, looming path when in 1998 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a couple, my husband Joe and I understand the shock of the diagnosis of cancer and the stress of living with chronic illness. We have both been pilgrims on a life-altering journey.
The diagnosis of a serious illness wreaks havoc with our spirits, emotions, and bodies. Day by day, step by step, we travel this new road trying to be brave and strong while searching for understanding, searching for hope, searching for comfort.
My cancer is in remission as I write this, but I continue on the path challenged by new ailments. Yet, the road doesn’t seem so dark and frightening now. We are learning each day to trust God who faithfully strengthens us and gives us hope and comfort on each step of the pilgrimage.
My husband and I started Reflecting Light Ministry to share the source of comfort and strength with others who are on their own pilgrimage with a serious illness. This source gave us light through the dark days of my cancer and gives the same light every day to all who seek it.
I hope you will be blessed.
– Excerpt from It’s Cancer: The Pilgrimage