BY BRIAN J. LOWNEY, Assistant Editor
CUMBERLAND — Louise is a friendly 50 year-old woman of Cape Verdean descent who has never blamed God for any of her problems — even when she recently was challenged by breast cancer.
"My doctor told me ‘You have to have a lot of faith,’” she said, admitting that she was initially distraught.
Louise, a member of the St. Aidan Cancer Support Group, added that the people who attend the monthly meetings are “like a family. The faith here is very powerful,” Louise emphasized. “The Holy Spirit is here with us.”
She added that her recent struggle brought her closer to God. “Material things don’t matter once you get sick,” she continued, adding that for those struggling with an affliction such as cancer, just being able to get out of bed in the morning is a gift. “I thank God for that.”
Since 1990, a volunteer-facilitated nonsectarian support group has met at St. Aidan Church to help cancer survivors, current patients, and their families and friends cope with the disease by offering prayer, mutual support and encouragement in a confidential, prayerful, friendly and relaxing setting. There are no dues or membership fees, and the meetings are open to people of all ages. Members come from all parts of the diocese and as far as Norwood, MA.
The group was started by the late Father Joseph Hughes, then pastor of St. Aidan, who lost his own struggle with cancer in 1991, and Mary Lynn Flynn, who later also died from the disease.
Currently, about 40 people attend the gatherings, which are held on the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m in the parish hall. Some participants attend regularly, while others come when their health and strength permit.
“We’ve found that the best information came from our cancer survivors and supporters, “ said Yvette, who facilitates the group with her husband Ernie, who survived colon cancer many years ago. (Members of the group asked that their last names not be used to ensure privacy.)
The couple also send greeting cards to those unable to attend the meetings and Yvette produces a monthly newsletter that contains inspirational prayers, poems and humor. The facilitators occasionally visit homebound members, and sometimes bring a much-appreciated and nourishing gift of fresh fruit.
Yvette noted that every meeting begins with prayer and ends with members holding hands and praying for those not present and others struggling with cancer.
“After those prayers, we feel strong,” remarked Ernie.
The sessions are relaxed and informal, and participants are encouraged to discuss their experiences and challenges related to the disease.
“We’re able to share ideas and talk about treatments,” said Joan, an energetic woman who offered her personal medical journey which has included numerous major operations and rounds of chemotherapy. She noted that participants often discuss drug side effects, answer questions about particular treatments, and offer advice about how to cope with cancer in its varying forms.
The group members also know the important role that humor plays in recovery. They laugh, share funny stories and jokes, and always try to remain upbeat and smiling.
“We come in feeling like victims, and we go out feeling like victors,” said Gerry, whose doctors removed a malignant tumor the size of a baseball from his body in 2006. “I can vent a lot here and not worry about it. I feel secure. I know God is behind us.”
Marge, who shared her story of several operations over nine years, recently told her friends she was informed that her cancer had spread to a second lung.
“You have to put your fighting pants on,” she said enthusiastically. “You have to be positive. God is watching over us. Our journey is not done. You can’t feel sorry for yourself and bring yourself down.”
Alice, who accompanied her nephew to the meetings before he died in 1995, still attends to offer encouragement and a few laughs.
“I just think I have to go,” she said, adding that she never misses a meeting. Supporting her friends and making them smile and laugh is a ministry to which she believes she has been called by God.
For more information about the St. Aidan Cancer Support Group, call Ernie or Yvette at 333-3389.
