Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I've been cultivating my experiences of marketing and exposing "Caring For Cynthia" over the past months. Through my travels to book events and my discussions with other caregivers, I know "Caring For Cynthia" is an expression of a conversation about cancer that is either never or rarely considered - the expression of the caregiver's helplessness, uncertainty, guilt, shame, concern, frustration or fears (to mention a few) that surface when a loved one is diagnosed.
My intention, through this blog, is to give caregivers the space in which to share their feelings all the while honoring their loved one and finding empowerment through shared stories - underscoring the we are all affected when a diagnosis is confirmed.
In the upcoming weeks, I'll be connecting with oncology centers across the nation to create the possibility that Caring For Cynthia has a presence inside each center. I'll be reaching out to nurses, oncology nurse educators and other oncology staff that will, in turn, introduce "Caring For Cynthia" to their patients - as this is an educational tool that serves as a platform for dialogue among patients and their loved ones/friends/family and their practitioners.
"Caring For Cynthia" supports the existence of the complex emotional components inside a journey with cancer that can lead the reader to a thoroughly enriching experience despite the darkness of cancer that otherwise initially obstructs the beauty in vulnerability from our view. Develop a new courage to "be" with breast cancer. Be a part of a community that honors the vulnerability of those diagnosed with breast cancer and step forward to support the well being of those diagnosed.
Please email a link to this blog to others of whom you know have been touched by breast cancer.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Welcome to the Caring For Cynthia Blog. Caring For Cynthia was published in late July of 2008. The publication of the book was an amazing process for a first time author and now, those collaborating with Caring For Cynthia are working even harder in the next phase of publishing - marketing and creating exposure of the book.
We are amazed at the response to the book, especially the heartfelt connections made by those who read the book or review the images. More and more, people are relating their own stories of caring for friends or loved ones diagnosed with cancer or a debilitating disease. The biggest surprise has been the out pour of emotions by breast cancer survivors and their verbalizing how the images resonate with them and how Cynthia's story very closely resembles their story of breast cancer. The images are proving to be cathartic and are providing even deeper healing from the raw emotions felt during a journey with cancer. One survivor related being embarrassed of her mastectomy scars until she saw the front cover of Caring For Cynthia and now feels free from the embarrassment with the front cover so beautifully depicting Cynthia with the scars.
We would love to hear from any and all of you that have connected with the book. Our intent is to create a worldwide community of caregiver support - yet we are open to all the ways Caring For Cynthia brings healing and love to the world. Please feel free to add your blogs and connect with others going through the experience of breast cancer.
Many of you want to know if Cynthia is o.k. She is- she's cancer free and living a full life. Her commitment is that others learn through the images captured of her and those that cared for her during the journey with breast cancer. There is no perfect way to be with cancer. Cynthia invites those with cancer to be themselves. Be vulnerable and open oneself to being cared for during this time in their life.
I invite those to use Caring For Cynthia as a starting point from which to begin an experience with cancer. The book encourages conversation about breast cancer among those diagnosed, their family, their loved ones and those in the community who will be providing portions of care during the journey. The more we share ourselves, the more we learn from each other and, ultimately, the more we learn about ourselves in the process. Our vulnerability in sharing this courageous story about breast cancer and care giving is a commitment to all of us.
We are amazed at the response to the book, especially the heartfelt connections made by those who read the book or review the images. More and more, people are relating their own stories of caring for friends or loved ones diagnosed with cancer or a debilitating disease. The biggest surprise has been the out pour of emotions by breast cancer survivors and their verbalizing how the images resonate with them and how Cynthia's story very closely resembles their story of breast cancer. The images are proving to be cathartic and are providing even deeper healing from the raw emotions felt during a journey with cancer. One survivor related being embarrassed of her mastectomy scars until she saw the front cover of Caring For Cynthia and now feels free from the embarrassment with the front cover so beautifully depicting Cynthia with the scars.
We would love to hear from any and all of you that have connected with the book. Our intent is to create a worldwide community of caregiver support - yet we are open to all the ways Caring For Cynthia brings healing and love to the world. Please feel free to add your blogs and connect with others going through the experience of breast cancer.
Many of you want to know if Cynthia is o.k. She is- she's cancer free and living a full life. Her commitment is that others learn through the images captured of her and those that cared for her during the journey with breast cancer. There is no perfect way to be with cancer. Cynthia invites those with cancer to be themselves. Be vulnerable and open oneself to being cared for during this time in their life.
I invite those to use Caring For Cynthia as a starting point from which to begin an experience with cancer. The book encourages conversation about breast cancer among those diagnosed, their family, their loved ones and those in the community who will be providing portions of care during the journey. The more we share ourselves, the more we learn from each other and, ultimately, the more we learn about ourselves in the process. Our vulnerability in sharing this courageous story about breast cancer and care giving is a commitment to all of us.
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