Best of Cancerwise 2016: Caregiver stories
December 29, 2016
Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by an MD Anderson Cancer Center medical professional on December 29, 2016
Caregivers play a crucial role in our cancer patients’ lives. Often, their love and kindness make the cancer journey more bearable.
This past year, many MD Anderson caregivers shared their stories with us. Here are some of the caregiver stories that inspired us in 2016.
Renal medullary carcinoma caregiver: Be your own cancer advocate
After her brother’s renal medullary carcinoma diagnosis, Cora Conner began searching for others with his disease. But months of searching online and making phone calls led to nothing. That’s when she decided to become her family’s own cancer advocate. Learn what she did.
“We want to live life fully. Cancer can’t have every day, and that’s our choice,” says caregiver Scott Ferguson, whose wife and two daughters have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare genetic condition that makes them more likely to develop multiple cancers throughout their lives. “Today, we can choose joy.” Read the Fergusons’ story.
We faced glioblastoma with humor
When Carrie Anderson was caring for her father during his glioblastoma treatment, she learned the importance of taking care of herself. “When friends or family members wanted to help, I let them come visit my dad so my mom and I could take a break from the hospital. When this happened, my dad got to visit with a loved one, and we got to run errands or take time for ourselves,” she says. Find out how this helped her.
Facing DIPG as a nurse and a parent
Even though his daughter died of cancer here, Rodney Quidnoy considers himself one of MD Anderson’s biggest cheerleaders. “You’ve got to live your brand. And I am proud to be a part of this organization,” Quidnoy says. “This is the first place I have felt an emotional bond. I am MD Anderson.” Read Rodney’s story.
From caregiver to MD Anderson volunteer
Even when she was undergoing chemotherapy, Pat McWaters wanted to help other patients. So, in 2005, she and her husband, Roger, signed up to volunteer with MD Anderson’s one-on-one support program and in MD Anderson’s Hospitality Centers. Though Roger briefly stopped volunteering after his wife’s death, he decided to return to the Hospitality Center. “I feel like I can be supportive, and people appreciate it. It helps me, too,” he says. Learn about his journey.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.