When you’re diagnosed with cancer, relaxation seems impossible. There are so many stressful things to deal with – fear, uncertainty, bills to pay, families to support, treatments to keep up with, kids to raise, relationships to maintain, and everything in between.
Cancer is a disease that knows no boundaries. It creeps into your life, affecting everyone around you. When my dad was diagnosed with Leukemia, everyone felt the stress of the situation. His family, friends, friends of friends, church members, coworkers, and everyone in between – all trying so hard to do anything we could to make my dad’s life better.
Beyond dealing with the physical and mental stress of treating cancer, patients (and sometimes even family members and friends) have to worry about developing post-traumatic stress disorder, cancer-related fatigue, and mental diseases like depression, anxiety and fear.
Fortunately, there’s hope! A River of Hope to be exact.
The River of Hope Foundation is doing amazing work to help cancer patients deal with the emotional and environmental stresses of cancer. They build these amazing water fixtures (think flowing waterfalls, gorgeous ponds, etc), and in return, nominated cancer patients get the chance to relax, and regain their sense of peace. The most unique aspect is the focus on the individual — each water fixture is custom built for the patient in their own backyards. Tranquility is within footsteps.
ROH Promo from River of Hope Foundation on Vimeo.
River of Hope Foundation’s Nathan Heinert says the hardest part about the entire process is picking from the applicants. He explains, “It’s the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my life. After reading each application I’m an emotional wreck, teary eyed after reading because I want to help everyone. It’s a roller coaster of emotions.”
Feeling like helping the cause or learning more about ways to get involved? There are several things you can do at this very moment.
- Follow River of Hope Foundation & spread the word. They are on Twitter, Facebook, and Vimeo – they even produce a TV show that tells the story of each individual they help, and how it’s positively impacted their lives.
- Vote for them in the 2010 Nau Grant Challenge. They’re 45 votes away from winning, and could use your vote to build more water treatments for well deserving cancer patients.
- Make a direct donation. As their website explains, “Your donations will go directly toward our healing projects, and will make a huge difference in the lives of our recipients.” Does it get any better than that? I don’t think so.
My Dad found his peace by bike riding – roaming the hills of Santa Barbara until the sun went down and it was time to head back to the hospital. It was his way of getting rid of stress, anxiety and all the other terrifying emotions you go through – and it definitely helped him stay strong throughout his treatment. River of Hope wants to help others find that source of calming strength during their struggle.
We’re all in this together, as cheesy as that may sound. We’ve all got a story, a friend, or someone we know who’s been affected by cancer – so why not help each other out? You can bring hope to someone today.
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Tags: cancer, Cancer Sucks, Nathan Heinert, River of Hope
