HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

So it’s Mother’s Day again – a day to honour mothers everywhere and say thank you. As a mother-to-be, expecting my first baby in the summer, I am definitely developing empathy for all the mums out there. My pregnancy has not only brought a lot of excitement for me and my husband but also a lot of anxiety. I find that I now worry about everything – not only every twinge and ache but also money and our future – it’s tiring to say the least. After my 20 weeks scan, when we found out all was going well with the baby so far, I said to my husband “maybe we can stop worrying so much now” and he said to me “ this is only the start honey, the worrying never ends – not for at least the next 18 years if not more!” And he is right.

These pregnancy niggles are of course part the journey and hormones are normally to blame, but in my job I receive letters, grant applications and phone calls from mothers every week who are dealing with a whole lot more. I can’t even begin to imagine the stress and emotional strain which comes with caring for a child with cancer or trying to support your family when you are going through cancer treatment yourself; however there are mothers out there who are living this everyday and this really puts everything in perspective. I am so glad that organisations such as Cancer Recovery Foundation are there to help in at least a small way. We provide a much needed life line for families in need; whether helping with an outstanding debt, sending our survival packs or or advice to give families the strength to keep positive. As Programme Services Manager I am very proud of the Cancer Recovery support programmes and it is very rewarding to play my part in delivering them.

“My Son was diagnosed with a rare cancer. It was a huge shock to all our family; it’s the last thing you would expect to happen to your child. His illness has affected all our family in different ways. Cancer Recovery helped put off some of the strain. When we couldn’t pay our bills, they helped us out which we are truly grateful for” (Mrs Shaffina Hasssam, Family Emergency Fund recipient, Leicester)

“I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the 6th month of pregnancy with my first child. When my husband and I got the news we were shattered but the staff, doctors and charity organisations like Cancer Recovery Foundation made our tough journey easier. Credit goes to all the people mentioned and a special thank you to all from our healthy 11 month princess, Jumana” (Family Emergency Fund recipient, London)

“Thank you so much Cancer Recovery for helping with my outstanding electric bill. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year in June; I am a single mother with a 10 year old daughter. It was really upsetting for her, but she has coped really well considering. Support from people like Cancer Recovery has been amazing. I do have a positive view about life and a good sense of humour which helps. Thank you so much for your help, brilliant!!” (Family Emergency Fund recipient, Kent)

“Thank you so much for your help with my electric bill. My daughter Heavenly suffered a brain tumour and now after the tumour and radiotherapy we need to keep her warm. I had a huge bill of over £800.00 and I was terrified!! You (Cancer Recovery) helped me and my family such a lot. Thank you so much.” (Kelly Smith, Family Emergency Fund recipient, West Bromwich).

Our programmes rely on the generous support from donors, fundraisers and sponsors. You can help us help more families like Shaffina’s and Kelly’s by donating, fundraise or just telling more people about us.

I fully appreciate for some Mother’s Day will not be the rosy occasion that the card and gift companies present. Mother’s day this year for some will be tough. One of my best friends lost his mum this year to cancer and my thoughts will be with him and his family. I hope that they will find some comfort in happy memories and the support of family and friends. Mothers are special and remain in our hearts and minds always.

Thank you mums, we love you x

Previous Blogs:

New Years Resolutions – Living the dream or a waste of time?
Getting Ready For Christmas
Walking The Talk – Weeks 3 and 4
Walking The Talk – Week 2
Walking The Talk – Week 1

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