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Stories of Strength, Hope, & Service, by Summit Quest.
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1
Stories of Strength, Hope & ServiceISSUE 1
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
cancer support services
32
VOICESCANCER
OVER
stories of strength, hope and service
TABLE OF CONTENTSOur Beginning: The Story of Summit Quest 4
Who We Are: Board of Directors and Volunteers 6
Our Programs 8
Wendy Linatoc’s Story: Why Hope is Still Present 13
Ann Hook’s Story 15
Beverly Carter and Kris Jackson’s Stories 17
Victoria’s Story: Summit Quest Support Groups 18
Brack Hassell’s Story 20
Sarah and Brandy James’ Stories 26
Reaching Higher Ground: Rock Climbing with Summit Quest 29
Ethan’s Story 30
Monica and Noah Shelley’s Stories 32
Jeremy Wheeler: Team Tiger Flight 35
Judy Taylor’s Story 36
Anna Ward and Dnika Joseph’s Stories 38
Sandy’s Story: Mountain Biking with Summit Quest 41
Friends & Sponsors 42
- Camp Blue Bird 44
Our Mission and How You Can Help 46
WELCOME to our STORY
Welcome to Summit Quest’s very first
issue of “Voices over Cancer”. We are so
grateful to share our stories and the stories
of so many others who have faced cancer
and decided to allow their story to be a
voice louder than the disease itself. Each
story is meant to inspire strength and hope
to each reader and offer encouragement
to others in our community facing times of
treatment, survivorship, or loss. Our desire
is to publish a collection of stories each
year and we invite you to connect with our
organization if you wish to be a part of a
future issue. Our first edition is dedicated to
the many families that have come together
to make Summit Quest what it is today.
Thank you each for the encouragement and
inspiration you have given to us and to all
of those around you.
4
OUR BEGINNING The Story of Summit Quest
In 2005 I received news that would change my life forever. The man who had served as my best friend, mentor, personal super hero, and father, was diagnosed with squamous cell lung cancer. There were no surgery options and he was faced with a new life of long drives to Rome, hours of chemotherapy treatments and rounds of radiation. Only with the devoted persistence of my mom offering encouragement for him to keep going and the caring nature of various doctors and nurses allowed my dad the chance to have a little more time to share with us.
Although I was thankful every day to have the chance to visit or give him a call to talk about life, those two years offered an insight on how cancer not only affected those facing it directly but the whole family as a unit. Cancer destroyed the strongest man I have ever known and sent shockwaves throughout my family. My mother worked tirelessly to provide the top notch care only a wife with a background in nursing could provide. Terrified as I was, I accompanied my dad to various treatment sessions and sat by his side during the times where he had to be admitted to the hospital. During the times where he had the strength needed, we visited a motorcycle museum in Alabama and floated down a local fiver to cast a few lines and reflect on the life of a father and son. These days were a blessing for both of us, a time to escape the glare of hospital lights and thick file folders of test results and medication charts.
On August 22, 2007 my Dad came to the end of his journey here on Earth. He passed away in the early morning with his family gathered at the house and my mom faithfully by his side. This was the hardest day of my life. The man who had always had the answers to my questions and a steady hand to help me back up when life had knocked me down was gone. I was uncertain as to what to do.
Sometimes life gives us a gift that is much more important than we realize until it is time to apply it and put it to use. Allow me to elaborate. About a month before my Dad passed away he called me late one evening. He seemed to be in good spirits and said he needed a favor from me. My Dad never asked anyone for anything so I listened intently as he said he had given a lot thought as to what he wanted his last wish to be and had come to the decision that after he passed away he wanted to be cremated, for me take his ashes to a mountain top in Alaska. I had climbed in Alaska a few years before and he began to share that had always loved the pictures of the snowcapped summits and wide open spaces. He said he couldn’t think of a better place to serve as a final resting place. In my Dad’s true fashion he ended the conversation with a joke, “At least when I die you get another chance to go to Alaska”. I scolded his poor sense of humor but agreed to fulfill his last wish.
A few weeks later my wife Tara and I found ourselves on top of a beautiful mountain in the Chugach mountain range a little outside of Anchorage. As I climbed up to the highest point to release my Dad’s ashes I was filled with a sense of peace. Here on this mountain I was able to give my Dad the very strength he had been in need of along his journey against cancer. I had to smile a little as I began to realize that this trip was a final gift from my Dad and was meant to give me the strength I needed to continue along my journey without him.
As Tara and I boarded our long flight home, we began to speak about the calling we both felt to develop a program to help other families facing cancer. We talked about the great medical facilities in Rome and the many different support services that were already in place for the patient. What we felt was needed was an organization capable of providing support services, educational materials, and a positive outlet for the children of our community who had a parent or other loved one facing this terrible disease. Once home we both began to work to connect to others in our community who believed in our idea and got behind the mission: “To provide strength, hope, and service to children and families affected by cancer”. With our dedicated group working together we formed our board of directors, received our nonprofit status and began to form partnerships throughout the community that allowed us to share our mission with as many families who needed us as possible. We joined with national support programs to receive training and educational materials and began to form a structured organization that could provide a holistic approach to supporting the entire family dealing with a cancer diagnosis. As a reminder of the journey that first led us to our calling we named our organization Summit Quest.
Summit Quest now serves over 100 families each year and has become a lighthouse for the children in our community who need us most.
Our programs include: leading youth on various outdoor adventures like rock climbing and canoeing which increases positive communication skills and the discovery of an inner strength, youth support groups geared towards removing the fear that cancer brings into young lives and replacing that fear with a sense of hope, and various outreach initiatives that allow us to provide gift bags to patients during check in for treatment and allow us the opportunity to provide service to our community. All of our programs are provided at no cost to the families we serve and are made possible through the wonderful support of the community that has rallied together to make the mission of Summit Quest their own.
We are thankful for everyone who has chosen to help Summit Quest to become what it is today. With your help we will continue to grow and serve our community and be the hand that guides our participants along their personal journey to the summit of their lives when they need it the most.
Many blessings,William James
Founder, Executive Director
5
6
DIANE HARBIN CAROL WILLIS MAYOR EVIE MCNIECE
SANDY KUNNEMAN WILSON MEADS JULIE SMITH
DR. JOEL TODINO LYNN TODINO DR. JOHN BARNETT
Each of our leaders are dedicated to providing a safe space for young people to come together and
receive the support needed when experiencing a loved one face cancer. Summit Quest leaders are
made up of medical professionals, youth development professionals, college students, retired teachers,
and community leaders. Each Summit Quest leader has a personal connection to our mission and
undergoes a training workshop that better enables each of them to provide the knowledge and
encouragement to each of our program participants.
VOLUNTEERSThe board of directors is a vital portion of our organization. Charged with the task of maintaining integrity and a mission focused drive each one leads by example within their role on the board as will as within the community. The board of directors are a voice to spread the outreach of our programs and connect to the donors who make our services possible.
BOARD OF DIRECTORSWHO WE AREWHO WE ARE
Connor Walsh Brack Hassell
Ben Howell
Felippe SartoratoDavid Lillie
Sarah Thomas
7
William James Tara James Sandy Kunneman Victoria Sokolove Shannon Sanborn Kirk Patterson
Emily Hook Eric Burton Mandy Byers
9
OUR PROGRAMS
Youth Support GroupsCircle at the Summit youth support groups are designed for children ages 6-17 who have a parent or loved one
facing cancer. Groups use interactive programs and art projects designed to foster self-expression and emotional
support while promoting a safe space to ask questions and learn more about what cancer is and how it is treated.
Outdoor Adventure TripsLeading groups of young people and families on various outdoor adventures trips that are designed to allow
participants to work together and share an experience that highlights the strength held inside each of us. All trips
are led by a certified outdoor professional and take place in a positive and supportive environment. Adventures
include: Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Canoeing, White Water Rafting, Backpacking, and Camping.
Team Tiger FlightPartnering with our friends at the Tiger Flight Foundation, Summit Quest offers families facing cancer the
opportunity to spend a day leaving their worries behind. Families meet at local Richard B Russell airport where
they spend the day enjoying free flights around Rome. Each flight offers participants the feeling of freedom and a
chance to feel in control of their direction in life.
Youth Cycling ProgramPartnering with local bicycle shop Cycle Therapy to provide youth whose families are affected by cancer the
opportunity to develop positive coping skills through the joys of cycling. Summit Quest hosts cycling outings at
local trails throughout the area on an ongoing basis. The program provides all bicycles and safety gear as well as
an adult cycling buddy which leads small groups on rides while promoting the importance of leading a healthy
and active lifestyle.
Family SupportSummit Quest works with various partners in the community to offer families the chance to spend the day
together and enjoy time together. Summit Quest distributes free passes to sports events, movies, restaurant gift
cards, and various other outings for families to enjoy together.
Summit Quest BIG AdventureEach year Summit Quest connects with a group a young people throughout our community who have lost a loved
one to the effects of cancer. Summit Quest operates a special support group activity for these young people and
then leads the group on a three day adventure to the Great Smoky Mountains. Groups enjoy activities such as
hiking, go-karts, putt-putt and group sessions that promote positive discussion on how to cope with the loss of a
loved one.
Connect to our services706-857-8820
or visit MySummitQuest.org
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WENDY LINATOC’S STORY Why Hope is Still Present
October 2010 is a fall I will never forget. My life has changed so much since then but I still have a life and it is so full of amazing people. October 2010 justified to me that our lives are not as we plan them, we are not in control of our lives here on earth but need to be flexible to fit into our preordained life’s plan. As I am reminded daily, our life on earth is truly a miracle. Most of us have periods of our life when we take what we have for granted- our health, our family, our friends, food on the table, our belongings…We fall into a state of inertness, lacking passion, with our crazy schedules and no time to appreciate our incredible fortune.
I was a caregiver: wife, mother, daughter, sister, coach, physical therapist. I was very active and healthy. I worked a lot, slept not as much as I should have, so of course I was tired. I had run 5 miles and swum a mile so it made sense to be fatigued. The shortness of breath that I’d been experiencing along with abdominal pain/bloating had suddenly worsened but none of us would have every guessed why- my lung had collapsed due to metastatic ovarian cancer. Within a few hours in the hospital I had a diagnosis of Stage IV ovarian cancer with a poor prognosis. I had fluid drained off my lungs and felt much better so was able to go home in a few days. Cancer was soon to teach me a lot.
I am now 2 years out from diagnosis having had a major abdominal surgery to debulk the cancer, a year of the first type of chemotherapy, a year of the second type of drugs and now just finishing the third month of a third combination of drugs. As I joke with everyone- I am sick of being tired and tired of being sick! It has been a journey of happiness and sadness, losses (my career, fitness, vision, hair, hearing, my best friend from high school to inflammatory breast cancer, a friend from church/fellow mother to breast cancer, and old body☺) and gains (many new relationships&experiences, a wig, lots of hats/scarves and body weight!). It has been a journey of hope.
I have always been a hopeful person but there have been many times in my life when something happened that did not make sense but looking back there was a reason it was part of my life. So many times in our life our Faith is tested; just as many times as the Bible reminds us that it is through trial and tribulation that our faith strengthens. Suffering sears the human spirit; we tend to doubt God’s goodness when we experience difficult times whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual pain. But it seems like only in suffering does my thick- skull truly appreciate all that I have.
Though I am a native Michigander, I have always enjoyed living in Rome and raising a family here. But it was only through my cancer that I was able to sincerely understand what a blessing the Rome community is. I have been so glorified by all the people the Lord has put in my life. I realize now that being the caregiver, being the healthy one,
is actually easy. Having patience with yourself and being the patient is much more difficult. Being able to maintain hope for yourself and those around you throughout good times was a good warmup for me to prepare for cancer. It is through the incredible network of family, friends, and new acquaintances that my hope has been maintained the past 2 years. “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition; with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God and God’s peace will be yours.” Phillipians 4:6-7. I think I have more people praying for me around the world than anyone- I am so lucky! And I have the best collection of caps, hats and scarves of anyone in the world!
If I had not had cancer I would not have had a group of women (most who hadn’t dug in the dirt before) from various churches (of whom I only knew one) show up on a spring day to plant my garden because they knew it was important to me and I couldn’t do it. If it had not been for cancer I would not have had a surprise birthday party at my house with so many of my friends who had never all been together. If it had not been for cancer my boys may have not experienced rock climbing which is something I used to enjoy and had never had the chance to teach them. If it had not been for cancer I would have never met incredible doctors, nurses and staff who work selflessly with cancer patients and help them maintain hope. If it had not been for cancer I would have been working more and more hours and not spent the time with my family that I now have. If it had not been for cancer I wouldn’t have taken time to slow down and smell the roses (as my 11 y/o reminds me, it’s not like I can go fast anymore anyway!).
It is peace that each of us desire here in our time on earth and only in maintaining hope can we achieve inner peace. Though I see the glass ☺ full almost every day of my life- before and after my cancer journey started- it does not mean I don’t have days when I cry. I love having photos to remember people and activities from our life. When I look back through my photos before and after cancer changed my life, I see hope in my eyes. I have no idea what the next few weeks, months and hopefully years have in store for me- none of us do. I hope to see our oldest son graduate from high school in 2 years, I hope to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, I hope to see our youngest son become a teenager, I hope to celebrate with my Mom when she turns 80, I hope to meet many more incredible people through my cancer journey. I hope to say one day that I’m cancer free, but then I actually don’t think of that because I’ve had cancer so long now that it’s just part of my life! I take one day at a time and hope to wake up hopeful the next day.
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ANN HOOK’S STORY Voices Over CancerHonestly, I always hesitate a bit when asked to “share my story”. I’m not really sure why.
Possibly because I’ve lived my story for so long that it feels like it’s already been told? Or
maybe because it makes me uncomfortable to talk about a very vulnerable time in my life? But
there is someone in my story, and the story of so many cancer survivors, who needs a voice.
This may be the most defenseless voice in the cancer journey. If silenced, this voice may carry
cancer’s wake of destruction into future generations. The voice I speak of is the child of a
cancer patient.
I was not the only one who had breast cancer twice. My family had breast cancer. My husband,
Chris, lived those diagnoses, and my daughters, Jessica and Emily, lived those diagnoses. I am
using my voice to speak for all of the Jessica’s and Emily’s in our community.
I remember very clearly my second thought after hearing the “dreaded words”. Yes, I do
remember my first, “Wow, does this mean my life is cut short?” But the second thought was
my reason for fighting, “What about my kids?” As the wife of a husband who travelled a lot, I
felt tremendously indispensible as a mom. I discovered very quickly that my cancer was very
treatable. This knowledge helped alleviate the fear of actually leaving my children; yet, a new
fear began to emerge. How would this entire journey affect my girls? Who will take care of
them while I’m too sick or recovering from surgeries? What will the long-term effects be for
them?
I remember calling local resources and searching the web for any support available for my
girls, who were five and eight when I received the first diagnosis. The resources simply were
not available for my children. I began to see the impact of my illness on my girls (now ten and
thirteen years old) during extensive treatments for my second cancer diagnosis. An analogy
to describe my feelings as a mother would be: it is hard to save your children from drowning
when you feel like you are drowning yourself. Children rely on their parents to make them feel
safe. It is nearly impossible to give your children hope when you find yourself questioning the
very hope they need. The years following my treatment were in some ways more challenging
than the years during treatment. Healing the wounds from cancer seemed to test the very
foundation of our family. Time truly does heal but I strongly believe if supportive resources had
been available for my family, the journey would have been easier.
I was introduced to William James and Summit Quest Adventures years ago when the
organization he envisioned was just an idea. His story touched me and excited my girls. While
my children had found balance after our journey, they were excited about an organization
dedicated to caring for the family, especially the children, of those facing a cancer diagnosis.
Summit Quest Adventures was the help I was seeking so many years ago. I believe in this
organization’s unique mission and I can personally attest to the value of providing families
support during and after a cancer battle. I am using my voice to ask our community to please
support and sustain Summit Quest Adventures.
“I remember calling local resources and searching for any support available for my girls, who were five and eight when I received the first diagnosis. ”
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BEVERLY’S STORY Voices Over Cancer
KRIS’S STORY Voices Over Cancer
Let me start my story by sharing with you that our God is
an awesome God!
He is the great almighty, the provider, the great physician,
the healer.
My favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13. For truly without
Him I could not have survived the news I received in the
latter part of January 2004. The doctor’s office called my
test results were in. This old girl has breast cancer.
Funny how you sit around with friends and family talking
about all the horror stories of those who have dealt with
cancer. You boast about what you will and won’t do if you
were ever diagnosed with cancer. So when reality hits you
with a call from the doctor’s office, how do you react? Only
by the trust of God. (Psalm 91:2).
Unbelievably I wasn’t scared. It was a definite moment in my
life I could feel Gods love envelope me. He was in control. All
I needed to do was get comfortable, remain faithful and just
go along for the ride.
My biggest concern was the reaction of my family. We had
just gone through the past year of my favorite aunt surviving
breast cancer. Fourteen years earlier, my mother died from
complications of chemo treatment. The last thing I wanted
to do was upset them with this news. But it had to be done.
What a blessing God sent me in the form of support from
family, church and friends.
I wasn’t ready to die. But I wasn’t afraid either. Whatever
God had in store for me I wanted to remain faithful to Him.
I wanted to be strong for my family.
From beginning to end of my cancer journey, God had
it all planned out. Had I gone for my regular scheduled
mammogram, the cancer would not have been found. God
delayed my visit for two months. At that time the cancer
was found in the early stages. Through surgery, chemo and
recovery His hand was upon me.
March 2013 finds me celebrating my ninth year of being
cancer free. That’s my God!
Thank you for allowing me to share my story.
- Beverly B. Carter
Breast cancer has had a significant impact on my life and the
lives of my family members. My grandmother, Edna Love,
was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977. After having
surgery, the treatment options were few and most were
considered to be detrimental to the patient’s health. My
grandmother lived 14 years before she lost her battle due to
a reoccurrence of the cancer. My mom, Kay Love Jackson,
was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 at the age of 57.
She immediately had surgery and found that the cancer had
spread into nearly half of her lymph nodes. Over the course
of that year, my mom received 6 months of chemotherapy
and one year of Herceptin in an attempt to rid her body of
the cancer. Eight years later, she continues to take hormone
treatments to “keep the cancer at bay” as she likes to put it.
Despite the toll that breast cancer has taken on my family,
and especially my mother, I am grateful for what I have
gained from it. As a result of her chemo treatments, my
mother lost all of her hair. When in public, she always wore
a wig specifically made for her; at home, however, she
preferred to wear a bandana or a hat. During this time, my
mom and I took to making hats of soft, crazy yarn, which
we ultimately began making to donate to patients at a local
nursing home. Additionally, with my mother’s support, my
sister and I recently participated in the Susan G. Komen Walk
for the Cure. Our team raised over $17,000 to aid cancer
research trials in the hopes of improving prevention and
treatment options.
It often saddens me to think that my grandmother had such
few treatment options available to her. Today, however, I
am grateful for the new medicines that were available to my
mom following her diagnosis. And even though she shares
a fear with many other cancer survivors that the cancer will
return, she always reminds me that we learn something new
every day that will help improve the fight against cancer.
- Kris Jackson
1918
VICTORIA’S STORY Summit Quest Support Groups
As I sit down to write a story that captures the essence of Summit Quest’s support
groups I find it difficult to put into words the feeling you get when you hear children
begin to share how they have been impacted by cancer. One of the very first support
groups I attended, I kind of hovered in the back not sure what to expect and worried
that I wouldn’t have the right words to say to children that had endured far more than
I ever could have imagined at such a young age. What I wasn’t prepared for was to
leave feeling like I had been touched more by those precious lives than I could have
hoped to impact in return. Even as I returned back to my room at Berry College that
night, my mind kept returning to each of the precious faces of children that had more
strength and courage than most people twice their age.
Before long I found myself presented with the opportunity to lead the Circle at the
Summit programs—nervous didn’t even begin to describe how I felt, yet I was humbled
by the realization that I was blessed with the chance to share love, encouragement,
and hope with amazing children. After running around all day to make sure everything
was set for lessons plans and art projects for the first meeting, my primary goal was to
make sure things ran smoothly as I prayed that God would provide me with the right
words to connect with the children. As support group unfolded, each of the children
shared how they had been affected by cancer through stories and pictures that
captured the beautiful innocence of childhood in spite of the obstacles that they had
encountered. Listening to each story, I suddenly realized that my nerves had been in
vain—these children didn’t need me or art projects or award-winning curriculum, they
needed the chance to open up about the stories, an avenue to share their emotions,
and the opportunity to inspire hope in each other through their experiences.
Since that first group the children have continued to demonstrate their resilience
and courage after experiences with cancer that I cannot fathom having to face.
Relationships have extended to include the families of these children, and it never
ceases to remind me how blessed I truly am when I see families weather the trials of
cancer together with courage and strength that could move mountains. It takes about
two minutes of being in the presence of these individuals for me to forget about the
stresses of life in college, and remember that there is so much more to life—we need
to take the time to treasure the beautiful things in life with the beautiful people that
God has blessed us with. I will be forever grateful for the lives that have touched mine
through working with Summit Quest for the past year, and I can only hope to live with
some of the strength and courage that the children and families we serve exemplify
each and every day.
“What I wasn’t prepared for was to leave feeling like I had been touched more by those precious lives than I could have hoped to impact in return.”
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BRACK HASSELL’S STORY Voices Over Cancer
In May 2012 I entered the Keys 100 in honor of Summit Quest
and the families it works with. The Florida foot race covers
100 miles from Key Largo to Key West. I had been running
for about three and a half years and this was my first attempt
at the one hundred mile distance. I was inspired to take on
this challenge after seeing and hearing the stories of the
families that Summit Quest has worked with. The families
face the unknown and daunting challenge of fighting cancer
and I wanted a way to honor those families and their fight. I
also wanted to help raise awareness for the great work that
Summit Quest is doing daily in the community.
I altered my training specifically for this race and over the
course of five months I ran over 1,200 miles in preparation.
I ran at least five days a week. I ran all sorts of distances, at
odd hours and I ran at times when all I wanted to do was
lie on the couch and recover. I had a goal and a daily plan
on how to achieve it. There wasn’t a day during those five
months that I didn’t think about that race or the families that
I was running to honor.
Leading up to the race I began sharing my story with others
and was blown away by the support from the community.
Almost every person that I shared with also had a story to
tell of a loved one that had faced cancer. I was slowly
learning that the reach of cancer is far, but that the love
and support from people is far greater. The students and
staff from the school I work at even wrote me hundreds of
letters of encouragement. It was
inspirational to see others rally
around this cause. Going into the
race I felt prepared and my hopes
were high.
As I toed the start line for the race
I don’t think I have ever been so
nervous in all my life. I was literally
shaking while waiting for the gun to
go off. After a few miles the nerves
went away, the rain started pouring
and I got settled in. As the race wore
on and the miles passed I began to have stomach pain. My
body was consuming way more calories than I was taking in
and it started to take a toll on me. A small group of friends
that had come to the race began running sections with me
and continued to encourage
me. At mile 50 I was behind my goal pace and really starting
to struggle. I continued to slow down and at mile 76, twenty
hours into the race, I finally gave in. As I walked all alone
to meet my friends along a dark and deserted road I knew
that this wouldn’t be my day. I have never felt so defeated
physically and mentally. I slumped into the support
vehicle and cried.
As I sat there at one of my lowest moments, my crew (that
included William James) reminded me of how far I had come,
what I had accomplished, the people that I had inspired
and the families that were honored by my attempt. In that
moment I struggled to find the hope and comfort that came
from my support system.
As time passed I had several conversations with William
about my journey. I came to an understanding that things
don’t always work out the way we want them to. Sometimes
there are defeats and losses that are great in our life. Out
of that tough experience I began to see a glimpse of the
struggle that families affected by cancer face each day.
Running the Keys 100 and working with Summit Quest
have made me become a stronger runner. I am inspired to
keep fighting and to get better each day. I still carry the
experience with me and I will be attempting another 100
mile race in March. As I work toward new goals in my running
career, I understand that perseverance is the most important
goal on my journey.
- Brack Hassell
2322
SUMMIT QUEST KID
“Summit Quest provides a compassionate place for children of cancer patients to ease their
fears and feel the caring of others who are there to help
them. Through the programs, William James and his team give
the whole family assurance, strength and heartwarming smiles. Knowing firsthand the emotions
of living with loved ones with cancer, I truly support Summit
Quest’s much needed mission.”
Villa Sulzbacher HizerPatron sponsor
2524
“After seeing my Grandmother’s strength while
going through cancer, and seeing her overcome it, made me want become stronger so
I can do amazing things.” Nicholas, 11.
“Summit Quest has helped me because the teachers are so fun and easy to talk with.
I feel comfortable talking about my feelings.”
Jose, 12.
“Everybody loved my Uncle. He would take us camping
and pray with us. He inspired me so much.”
T.K., 10.
“While our cousin had cancer he was always eager to get up
and help around the house. We loved it when he was able to get up because he would
always come and hang out or help us clean.”
Tia, 11.
“Whenever I lost my Grandmother I felt nothing
but heart break. I remember her for the woman she was.”
Javaya, 12.
“Summit Quest helps me to understand what happened to my Great Aunt. I am able to be creative and express myself and my feelings.”
Jaylen, 11.
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SARAH’S STORY Voices Over CancerI can remember the day like it was yesterday. It was June
2008, and I had just graduated from high school. I was at
a weeklong church conference when I got the call. I knew
my mom had gone to see a doctor, but I didn’t know what
she was getting checked out. I called her to see how things
had gone, and I knew something was wrong from the
minute I heard my strong mother’s voice shake as she said,
“Hello.” She tried to tell me every thing was ok and that we
could talk when I got home. I wouldn’t let it go and kept
bugging her until she finally said it. “I have breast cancer.” I
couldn’t hear anything she said after that. I just wanted to
be home to give my mom a hug. We spent a great summer
together, but I knew it would come the summer would
come to an end and I would have to move to college.
The day after my mom moved me into college, she had a
double mastectomy with reconstruction. I missed part of
my orientation to be in the hospital with her. My mom had
always been a source of strength for me, and to see her
so weak in the hospital bed broke my heart. I knew that I
had to be her strength now. I had depended on her for so
much, and now she needed me to keep her going.
After her surgery my beautiful mom went through
chemotherapy. This treatment wore her out, but my mom
smiled through the pain and stayed so positive. Nurses and
other patients loved her because of her optimistic spirit.
She was always my inspiration before, but now I had a new
respect for her. It was so hard to be away from her during
chemo so I came home to sit with her through some of
her treatments. We would play card games, do crossword
puzzles and talk to pass the time until the drugs made her
too tired to do anything but sleep. After four months, her
treatments were finally over. This was the hardest time of
both of our lives, but we made it through together.
Four years after my mother’s cancer diagnosis, she
watched me walk across the stage to get my college
diploma. She has been cancer free for four years! My mom
is kind, generous, strong, and beautiful. She displayed all
of these qualities throughout her diagnosis. My mom is
an inspiration to me and everyone she meets. And she
displays the mission of Summit Quest… she shows me
strength, hope, and service.
“First Here / Then Not”
Caterpillar Mustache
Sweet Smelling Cologne
Weekend Smell of Sawdust
“Sissy”
LOVE
Empty Lunch Box
Divided Belongings
Dissolution of Home
Absent “Goggy”
BROKEN HEART
Brandy L. James
In Memory of
Lewis R. “Randy” James
BRANDY’S STORY Voices Over Cancer
2928
REACHING HIGHER GROUNDRock Climbing with Summit Quest
I have always been an adventurer- as a child exploring every
nook & cranny of our hundreds of acres growing up on a
farm in northern Michigan and on the ocean of southeastern
Alaska; traveling to 48 states/Canada/Mexico by the age
of 18; traveling to Europe at age 20; mountain climbing;
canoeing many rivers of the North American continent;
rappelling; sky diving; scuba diving; participating in several
sports, etc. Becoming the Mom of 2 boys only increased
the desire to experience a variety of adventures- and the
adventures for the boys started at a young age as they had
in my life. I was fortunate that both my boys and myself
were physically able to try almost anything- that was until my
cancer diagnosis.
Cancer has not only disabled me but affects the whole
family in many ways. Since I am no longer able to earn an
income my spouse has to work more. The rest of the family
has to help with other chores around the house that used
to be primarily my responsibility. Thus cancer takes away
much needed hours each week when the family could spend
quality time together having fun. The chronic pain of cancer
affects my patience and lack of sleep makes me not as much
fun to be around many times!
Though I stay busy enough to really not have time to worry
about my cancer, one of the things that has bothered me
the most is that physically I am not able to any longer do
so many things I used to enjoy doing. And I certainly can’t
keep up with my boys any longer. Many of the adventures
I dreamed of completing with my boys I know that I will
never be able to do again. The next best option is to have
the boys participate in activities with me either observing or
with other adults to supervise who are able to provide the
support & positive encouragement I desire. Thus, in steps
Summit Quest. Though I had worked in the medical field for
over 25 years and had suggested many support groups to
my cancer patients, I was not aware of a group that provided
opportunities for youth that were such great adventures. My
family not only enjoys physical activity but really enjoys the
outdoors. But I can no longer do many of these activities
to teach my boys- including something I loved to do- rock
climbing/rappelling.
My 11 year old, Anthony, never was as naturally a risk taker
as our older son Austin. Yet, when William James of Summit
Quest asked Anthony if he wanted to try rock climbing,
Anthony was very excited. The place- Little River Canyon
in Alabama- was a place our family had hiked extensively
prior to my illness. Anthony knew the natural beauty that
Little River has to offer but also the danger of the beautiful
rock formations there. William said we didn’t need to bring
anything except dress in comfortable clothes. Though I
could have stayed home to rest I was determined to at least
make it to the rock wall so I could sit and observe Anthony’s
first climb.
As the equipment was unpacked from William’s truck, I soon
realized not only how organized he was and knowledgeable
about the sport of rock climbing but what a wonderful
collection of equipment he’d amassed. I am a stickler about
safety equipment and was delighted to see helmets and
specialized footwear. All the special equipment is fun for the
kids to see and learn about. I was worried about the hike
to the climbing wall but William brought lots of other adult
assistants who doted on me and I’m sure would have carried
me back out of the woods if need be! It was a beautiful day
and we all made it down to the base of the rock wall without
incident.
Two of the adults climbed the height of the wall to
demonstrate to Anthony how it’s done and ideas for where
the best hand holds and foot placements were. He still didn’t
appear to be concerned but I know that inside he had to be
a little frightened. After all, he was the kid who would take
forever to climb up a small tree thinking carefully about each
branch and how he’d get down. His older brother would race
up the tree and not have any idea how he’d get back down!
It was time for Anthony’s inaugural climb and equipment
sizes were figured out for him and he was harnessed in. He
eagerly started to climb and made it maybe a 1/3 of the way
up the wall quickly but then the reaches got further apart
and he slowed down. He spent a lot of time on the next few
feet but decided he wasn’t going to make it to the top and
eventually asked to come back down. I believe he tried 2
more times and made it a little further each time but never
quite to the summit.
It was a wonderful day for all and we have enjoyed the great
photos that were taken from that day. The hope is to return
and for Anthony to reach that summit plus for his Dad and
brother to come along and get to experience rock climbing
along with him. Anthony is a little bit stronger and a little
taller so I think he will have no problem achieving his goal the
next time he rock climbs with Summit Quest!
3130
ETHAN’S STORY Voices Over Cancer
What is going on? Where is my Dad? I was so
young when it all happened. It sometimes feels like it never
happened at all—and I wish it had not. I try my best to push
it into the back of my mind and forget that it ever happened.
But, the truth is, it’s not something you can ever push aside
and forget about. My Mom was devastated, my oldest sister
was bereaved, but my twin sister and I just continued to
act like it never happened. We could not fathom what had
happened.
My Father was sick and in the Hospital all of the
time. I did not know why he was sick or why he was there.
I knew he would get better, my mom and sisters knew he
would get better. That is what everybody told us. Why would
they lie to me? Deep down, though, I felt that they were
uncertain and did not know what would happen. Neither did
I. Whenever I got to see my Dad he always seemed to happy
and healthy. He would laugh and play with me and my sisters.
Nothing could hurt him—not with the love that our family had
for him. But then it happened. On July 29th, 1999, one month
after my Mother’s birthday, my Father passed away from
Lymphoma. My twin sister and I were five years old and my
oldest sister was eleven.
My mom was the one most impacted by the loss of
my dad. She was alone and had to raise three children by
herself. She never gave up. She was determined to make sure
her children grew up to be successful. However, at times I felt
like giving up. I was wandering in a world that didn’t seem
to care about me. I felt like I didn’t have a shoulder to cry on.
But, whenever I feel down, I always think about what my dad
would want. He would never have wanted us to give up on
life once he was gone. I knew he would want us to work hard
and make him proud and, most importantly, make sure our
mom was taken care of. And we have.
Rest in Peace, dad, I love you.
-Ethan
3332
MONICA SHELLY’S STORY Voices Over Cancer
7.4.12
I found an odd spot in my R breast. I love the 4th of July
because it always involves food family and friends. Later
the next week after the Mamo, the biopsy, the mri, and the
ultrasound, Joy called my name I stood up and followed her.
All I remember is “ Yes, Ms. Shelly it’s Breast Cancer just like
you thought “
7.12.12, 1515
Weather condition was rainy gloomy. At this point I looked
up and said “well my Daddy fought hard and that’s just what
I’ll do, thank you “ I left the Cancer building not knowing if
I should cry, scream, yell, or try to forget. I was in a small
state of shock as anyone would be. As I sat there in the
parking lot in my car I had so much running through my
head. What’s going to happen next? What about Noah? (he’s
my wonderful son he was 11 at the time) I started to drive
home (well where we were living at the time because my son
and I had lost our home and everything in it to a house fire
New Year’s Eve) I stopped at the little store near the house
went in and bought Noah an IBC Cream soda, has favorite
drink. I walked in the door of the house and he looked at me
“ Momma you’ve been crying what’s going on? You know
you can talk to me” at this time he saw the books I had
been given and I tried to hide. He looked at me with those
beautiful eyes and said “ It’s ok we’ll get through this just
like we always do” So after surgery, numerous Dr appts, ER
visits, medication, and finding Cancer Navigators, came much
much thinking. It was a tough road I must say but I made it
with the help of my son whom I feel is a little warrior. Noah
had help from William and the rest of the incredible people
at Summit Quest. We were given the information at Cancer
Navigators about William and his work. I asked Noah if he
would like to go and he was hesitant, but decided to try and
see what it was like. Anxious as a little boy is about trying
new things, we arrived at Summit Quest. We were greeted
by William with a generous smile and a welcoming aura if
you will. We got upstairs and Noah was hesitant but looking
around he found pictures of adventures from past group
meetings and outings. Then he smelled the pizza and chicken
fingers, after this he felt better.
I think that William and Summit Quest came into our life
at a very critical time in Noah’s and my life. He was given a
small blue bracelet from SQ that he wears ALL the time. He’ll
look at his bracelet and squeeze my hand in reassurance
I think. Everyone at SQ is awesome. I take Noah and I am
always asked to stay. I always kindly accept. Noah has really
loved everything about Summit Quest. We’ve been bowling,
we’re going to see The Wizard of Oz and have an upcoming
water event all because of Summit Quest. A few weeks ago
William and Ben, another wonderful person at Summit Quest,
came over to our house to build a handrail. They brought
the materials and we used some that I had. Both of them
were just as kind and wonderful as when we are with the
group as a whole. William and Ben spent THEIR afternoon
teaching Noah many skills in building. Noah still talks about
this day and how he says he always feels like a better person
because of Summit Quest. I am thankful that Noah feels so
welcome and fits in so well. Summit Quest has offered Noah
so much and he is so excited about future activities events
and meetings with Summit Quest. Thank you William, Ben,
Tara, Victoria, thanks everyone for such a wonderful program.
It’s awesome that there is something like this for kids with a
parent facing a terrible disease like cancer. Thank you thank
you thank you.
Monica M Shelly
“I was in a small state of shock as anyone would be.”
“ ...I made it with the help of my son whom I feel is a little warrior.”
NOAH SHELLY’S STORY Voices Over Cancer
Summit Quest has made me so happy to do things with other kids that have a mom with cancer like mine. I love the pizza and
bowling. We’ve had art projects to which I enjoy because I enjoy making things for my Momma. Mr. William and all of the other
adults are very nice and kind to me and it doesn’t seem to matter to them that my momma is sick or doesn’t feel good they
take good care of us like calling and checking on momma and me. Mr. William and Mr. Ben even came out to our house and
built a handrail for my momma because she falls easy and needs something to hold onto. I had a lot of fun that day they let me
measure and cut and hammer a nail to. We laughed and had a great time and the sandwiches momma made filled our hungry
bellies. I thought that Friday was the best thing to do with my time. I did not want to meet Summit Quest at first but I am so
happy that I did. Everyone there is nice and we get along great. I am looking forward to going on a mountain bike ride and
using my kayak with everyone else. I’m not sure about this repelling thing but I might pull some brave out of my pocket and
try. I can’t wait to meet Mr. William and Mrs. Tara’s boys; they will love their mom and dad a lot because they are good people. I
can play with them and teach them things to.
Thank you so much, Noah Shelly
3534
JEREMY WHEELER Team Tiger FlightDear Mr. James and Summit Quest Adventures,
My name is Jeremy Wheeler and my family and I recently had the opportunity to
participate in one of your group outings. We were fortunate enough to have been
invited during your day at the Richard B. Russell Airport hosted by the Tiger Flight
Foundation, and what a trip it was! From watching the planes roll out of the hangar,
to hearing the engines roaring, to having to listen for instructions for the day, your
group, as well as the Tiger Flight Team, seemed very well prepared for the children
that were eager to take to the skies.
As a reminder of my family’s story, not too long ago my father was diagnosed
with prostate cancer. Although no one wants to hear at any point in time that they
have cancer, we were able to take some comfort in the fact that the cancer had not
spread and that it would be treatable in my father’s case. As adults we understood
these facts, but for my eight year old son, finding out that his “Little Pop” had
cancer created many more questions than he had answers to. As time went on he
would find comfort in realizing himself that his “Little Pop” would have surgery and
we are happy to say that a year after surgery he is still cancer free!
My experience at the Tiger Flight event reaches beyond my own family however.
I had a blast with both of my sons as well as my wonderful wife. But what I also
noticed were many other children running around the hangar, laughing and playing
the way children should. Many of these children have had to endure more sadness
before their teenage years than I have had to in all thirty-four of mine. But they
still smiled. Through this experience, no matter how brief or lasting it may have
been these children found happiness through the efforts of Summit Quest. I know
your motto involves hope and strength. It’s funny how that happiness can be the
hope, and the hope can be the strength that these children and their families need
to be able to realize that even when their world has been turned upside down by
the effects of cancer, they still have the ability to find success and happiness in the
midst of turmoil.
Thanks for everything you guys do. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I
sincerely hope that your organization is around for many years to provide the hope,
strength, and service to those who so desperately need it.
Yours truly,
Jeremy Wheeler
3736
JUDY TAYLOR’S STORY Voices Over Cancer
My name is Judy Taylor. In a couple of months I will be seventy years
old and I am ‘CANCER FREE’.
My experience with Breast Cancer began in 2002. I retired from
my job of thirty years with the board of education in June of that
year. I was looking forward to having a life that included traveling
with my husband and enjoying spending time with my children and
grandchildren. My three children and their families, including nine
grandchildren all live within a half mile from my home so I can see
them as often as I wish.
As an annual thing I had done since I turned forty I had my
mammogram in July. I received a letter from the hospital after several
days that everything was normal. I felt good and went about doing
whatever came along. Fortunately I had made a habit of doing my
self-exams of my breasts routinely. In September I thought I felt a
small lump in my right breast and after checking it for a couple of
days I visited my doctor. He examined me and agreed he could feel it
also. He ordered another mammogram and when it was done nothing
showed up. Then a sonogram was done and still it did not show up.
The next step was to visit a surgeon which I did several weeks later.
The surgeon also agreed that something was there and took a little
sample with a needle in his office that day. It was several weeks
before I got the results of that but when I did it didn’t show anything.
After consulting with my surgeon we decided that it had to come
out and see what it was. So then I was scheduled for the procedure
to have a lumpectomy as an outpatient at the hospital. By this time
it was close to Christmas and I got the results of the lumpectomy
the day after Christmas. It was cancer, a malignant tumor that had
already grown ‘feelers’. After another consultation with my surgeon
(he had presented my case to the cancer board at the hospital and
they recommended a complete mastectomy) we decided that I would
have the mastectomy and it was scheduled for January 9, 2003. The
surgery went well and I stayed only one night at the hospital. I was
thankful that this part was over but knew that much more was to
come. I had a visit to the oncology department at the hospital and
met with the oncologist. He explained about the chemotherapy that
I needed and the port that would need to be implanted in my chest
to administer the chemo through. This was quite a lot to digest but
I tried to take it all in with a good outlook. Three weeks after my
mastectomy the port was implanted in my chest and three weeks
after that my chemo began. The first dose of chemo was not so bad
but inserting the large needle into my chest and into the port was
no fun. I was still pretty sore at that spot. I was given medicine for
nausea but only had to take one. The only side effects I had from the
chemo were low energy and inability to eat much. All food tasted bad
and was hard to swallow. I had to force myself to eat at all. I also was
required to go to the hospital every morning, including weekends,
for an injection to keep my white blood cells from becoming too low.
That was hard to do because I didn’t think I had the energy to get
up and get dressed every morning but I made myself go. My chemo
was given every two weeks for the first 3 or 4 months until I was
changed to another mix of chemo drugs and then I received it every
three weeks until finishing in June of 2003. During the time I was
on chemo I lost 20 pounds and all the hair on my body. I bought a
very pretty wig, prettier than my own hair, and went wherever I felt
like going. There were also other injections during that time to keep
my immune system in good shape and I remember one that made
me feel like I had a bad case of the flu. Every bone in my body ached
worse than I ever remember experiencing before. After I finished
with the chemo my body slowly began feeling like normal again and
I was set up to have checkups for every three months, then every
six months and then annually. These checkups included blood tests
and other scans and showed that I was doing great. It took several
months for me to really feel like it was all behind me and I had made
it. I continued with my annual checkups and mammograms.
After my mammogram in July, 2010 I received a letter from the
hospital saying that they had seen a suspicious spot that required
more tests. A few days after receiving this letter I had my checkup
with the oncology department at the hospital. They received a copy
and sent me to have a ’compression’ mammogram to try to diagnose
what was there. It was so small that the ‘compression’ mammogram
did not show enough. I was recommended by my surgeon to have
a needle biopsy which I did. The results were inconclusive until they
sent the specimen to Shands Hospital to a breast cancer specialist.
He diagnosed me with DCIs, Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, which means
that the cancer was contained in a duct. My surgeon said that it
was in the earliest stages and was good that it was contained and
had not spread. He gave me two choices for treatment. I could have
more tissue removed and receive seven weeks of radiation treatment
or have a mastectomy and be finished with no further treatment.
I quickly opted for the mastectomy since I had experienced one
before and knew I could handle it just fine. I definitely did not want
to go through radiation. So in October, 2010 I underwent my second
mastectomy and after one night in the hospital I went home and have
resumed my life thankful that I was so fortunate. My surgeon assured
me that this cancer was definitely not going to appear somewhere
else in my body. This was solely breast cancer. To my knowledge
there was no one in my family who has had breast cancer. My father,
his mother and all his siblings have died with some kind of cancer but
no breast cancer. I am so very thankful that I had a cancer that we
were able to take care of for good. A week after my surgery I went to
the football game in which my granddaughter cheered and everyone
was dressed in ‘pink’ for “Breast Cancer Awareness Week”. We had
our picture made together at the game. I am still having annual
checkups with the oncologist and I am so proud and thankful that I
am ‘ CANCER FREE’.
3938
DNIKA JOSEPH’S STORY What I Miss the Most...
You never notice how much something means to you until
it’s gone. Have you ever heard that saying before? I have…
my entire life. However I never truly understood it until after
October 12, 2009. For on that rainy day, my mother went
home after a long 3 year battle with small cell nonsmoker
lung cancer. 3 years may not seem long, but it was. When
you have poison coursing through your veins killing both
good and bad cells, when you have tumors growing in your
lungs affecting the way you breathe…it’s long. But I digress…
What I miss most about my mother is not the fact that she
has been a constant support in my life. It is not that she
was my rock here on earth. It is not that she knew all of my
weaknesses and loved me anyway. And crazily enough, it is
not that she was the one person on earth who never tried
to change me, and simply accepted me as I am. What I miss
most about my mother was our conversations.
Anyone who knew my mom knew that I excessively called
her…sometimes 3 or 4 times a day. Looking back, most of
those times I called to talk about absolute nonsense…such as
what I ate today, or my homework, or even that funny thing I
saw as I walked to class. Sometimes, I even called just to say
hi.
My mother was my best -best friend, but our relationship
did not come easy. We had many fights, which usually led to
me stomping off to my room. When people witnessed our
disputes, they would always want to jump in, and she would
tell them to just hold on. See, she knew, (even if I did not see
it yet) that I hated not being able to talk to her, more than
winning the argument. So within no more than an hour, I
would always come slinking back to cry and apologize in her
arms.
I am pretty sure my mom is the sole reason I still have
best friends today. When I came to her to complain about
something that they did or didn’t do, she always asked me
“How important are they to you? Do you want them in your
life? Can you picture a future without them...? Then you
should fight for them, not with them.”
On October 12 2009 I had my last conversation with my
mom’s physical being. It was the hardest conversation of
my life, not because for the first time ever she was not
responding to me, but because for the first time ever, I
told her it was ok to leave. After spending hours in bed
with her sharing my final set of life fears, and promising
her everything will be ok, I got up and left her side. As the
nurse told the family that she had only a few hours left, I was
numb. I had spent the last few months being depressed and
reaching acceptance. Now, my best -best friend was leaving
me and I truly believed what I told her, that everything was
going to be ok. I left the house as soon as my family went
into her room, because I had to go be with my brother (the
greatest my mom ever gave me). On my drive to his school, I
received a response I did not know I was waiting for. A sense
of calm came over me; I felt her with me, and knew she was
ok. Shortly after that I received the phone call…
It has now been 3 years since my mom went home, and life
is different. I am raising my brother, and together we are
regaining our joy and balance in life.
However, with all the changes, one thing remains the same; I
still have conversations with my mother.
The first few months without those conversations were
tough. I leaned heavily on my best friends, trying to make up
for those lost moments…trying to fill the void. I am forever
grateful they never once told me my call was unimportant,
though I knew there were many moments where they were
probably thinking it. It took me some time to understand
that just because my mom was not physically here; it did not
mean our conversations had to end. So gradually, I started
back talking to her.
Sure, I no longer hear her…or see her response…but, I sure do
feel her, and I know that no matter what I have to say, she is
listening.
Today, I work to ensure that I am to my brother what our
mom was to me…the best best-best friend I could have ever
asked for.
ANNA WARD’S STORY Voices Over Cancer
Hi Friends. My name is Anna Ward, and I am a Certified Child Life Specialist. My job is to work with children and teenagers in a hospital during some of their toughest moments. My goal is to help reduce the anxiety of a patient by providing procedure preparation while also helping children find positive coping mechanisms. I love to incorporate play into anything I do because research has proven that children can express their feelings, questions, and concerns by doing so. I have recently worked at a children’s hospital and had one of my main rotations in pediatric hematology and oncology. There, I was able to meet so many fantastic children and teenagers and learn about the tough moments that they were having. Many instances ring clearly in my mind, and this is one of them.
About four weeks into my internship, I was introduced to a patient named Beth. Beth was an eight-year old girl who was recently diagnosed with liver cancer and was spending her first night in the hospital. Beth had never met a child life specialist before, and my role in her situation was to explain to her the type of cancer she had, talk about the different treatments she would have while she was hospitalized, and try to learn more about Beth so I could come up with some positive coping strategies to help her feel more relaxed when she would have to have treatments. I remember feeling so anxious and nervous before I walked into her room because I suddenly realized the gravity of the information I was about to tell Beth. I was literally going to tell a child that she had cancer and that she would have to have chemotherapy and radiation; her hair would fall out, she would endure a million needle pokes, lose her appetite, and life as she knew it would cease to exist. That is a lot of information to have to tell an eight-year old girl who knows she has a bump in her belly and it’s something called cancer.
I said a small prayer before I entered Beth’s room, and I felt a sense of overwhelming peace. Beth was one of the cutest girls I had ever seen with big blue eyes and radiant blonde hair. She was very shy and asked her mother to speak for her at first, but after she saw that I had brought some gifts with me (Beth’s father told me earlier that she loved crafts so I packed some paints and a ceiling tile), she instantly began to talk to me. Our conversation started off with getting to know each other and turned into a “Why am I at the hospital?” conversation within ten minutes. As I began to ask Beth what she understood about her hospitalization and treatment, I could see that she was an intelligent child and had been listening to her parent’s conversations with her doctor. She knew she had cancer and would have to have something called chemotherapy, which would make her lose her hair. I was very nervous telling Beth what cancer was, but I found myself repeating words one of my supervisors had encouraged me to use earlier. “Beth, the cancer you have is called liver cancer. There’s a funny thing called a tumor (or a bump) in your belly that is causing this cancer.” I pulled
out some teaching aides that I had packed (a picture of a cell) and showed Beth this photo. “You have tiny things in your body called cells. Some cells are healthy and make you strong. Other cells can be bad and can cause you to get sick. The tumor in your belly is a bunch of bad cells who have gotten together to have a party, and they formed a bump.” I instantly saw a sense of realization flood over Beth and her parent’s eyes and felt a sense accomplishment. Our talk slowly flowed from there as we talked about chemotherapy, radiation, and her needle pokes. I could tell that Beth understood what I was saying, and that she didn’t feel as scared as she had been when she heard the word cancer. I left Beth’s room with the promise of returning tomorrow bearing more gifts. I can’t describe how utterly nerve-wracking and happy that hour was for me, but I can tell you that I left knowing that I had done my job to the best of my ability, and Beth would rest easy that night. Over the next few weeks, I saw Beth transform from a scared girl to a happy person who felt comfortable in her situation. I know that our talk allowed her to have a sense of clarity and peace amidst the chaos that surrounded her.
I think that education is one of the most important things for a child and their parents even though learning about cancer may be very tough. I love my job because my primary goal is to help reduce anxiety in my patients and their parents, and I know that if I am intentional about my words and actions in every conversation, I can always accomplish that goal. I want to encourage everyone by telling them that cancer is tough and there are definitely some highs and lows. Being the young age of 23, I have already seen too many children and parents pass away from this horrible diagnosis, but if you stay positive and find joy in every moment life has given you (even the tough ones), I know that you can come out on the other side with a better outlook on life.
4140
SANDY’S STORYMountain Biking with Summit Quest
I have worked with Summit Quest for over three years now
and throughout this time I have had the opportunity to
make many good memories. I remember one warm summer
day when we were able to take three very excited kids on a
mountain bike trip to Berry College. Tavares and Garrison,
cousins who have attended many of Summit Quest’s
adventures due to Garrison’s father’s struggle with cancer,
were once again in attendance and Mya for the first time
after losing her grandfather to cancer.
When we arrived the kids leapt out of the van, with much
more energy than I could ever hope to have again, pulled on
their helmets and were ready for a fun and new adventure.
We led the bikes to the beginning of the trail and took
off pedaling with great excitement for the adventure that
lay ahead of them. They had always ridden around their
neighborhood, never in the woods with miles of trail ahead of
them. At first it took a little getting used to, riding on often
bumpy and unleveled terrain as opposed to flat asphalt, but
each child quickly got the hang of it and away we sped all
wearing smiles.
With the recent rain the kids quickly found that this ride
would be much more challenging with the slight hills and
muddy earth to add some resistance. Puddles of varying size
and shape lined the trail, which added another obstacle for
most of us to avoid but not Mya. Mya chose to ride straight
through them, and with a little encouragement from Mr.
James she made it her mission to ride through all of them
that we passed. She succeeded except for the large one at
the end which we all agreed would probably be a little too
big for her to ride through without getting stuck. She hit all
of the rest of them and had the mud coated legs to prove it!
When we came to a particularly large downhill section we
felt this would be a great time for a silly photo opportunity.
With another Summit Quest staff member, Tara, positioned
at the bottom of the hill with camera at the ready, each of us
rode down the hill with our silliest expression lining our face.
This turned out to be the highlight of the trip! The kids loved
coasting down the hill knowing that the camera would soon
capture their goofy face and we were all excited to see how
the pictures turned out.
When we reached the halfway point the kids begged us to
push on farther in the trip, but accepted turning around with
enthusiasm once they were reminded of the Steak N’ Shake
lunch that was waiting. However, that same hill that we had
just raced down with a silly face now left quite an incline that
we each had to overcome. One child was struggling to climb
it and at one point got off to walk the bike up the large hill,
earlier however they had expressed the desire to ride the
whole way and where as there is no shame in walking the
bike we wanted to make this wish happen. So he climbed
back on the bike and to the chants of “C’mon you can do it”
“Push, Push, Push” and William’s helping hand on his back
they rode up the monstrous hill together. The smile that was
fixed to the child’s face when he realized he was at the top
of the hill was incredible, as he was smiling from ear to ear
after just accomplishing the daunting task that had been
laid before him. On our way back the boys had a great time
racing side by side back to the vehicles that would soon
transport them to lunch and delicious milk shakes.
When we arrived at Steak & Shake our table was filled with
excited talk about the trip we had each just been a part of
and what food each was going to order. The waitress came
and took our very large food and milk shake order and
we were left discussing our favorite parts of the trip. The
mud puddles, the goofy face photo shoot and of course
the milk shakes that would soon be consumed were all big
contenders.
When the food arrived it was welcomed by the hungry
appetites that we had all worked up, and eventually talk
subsided and we ate while quietly reflecting on the events
of our already busy day. Once we finished our meal the trip
was concluded and each child expressed once again just how
much they had enjoyed Summit Quests first bike trip and
their immense desire to do it again soon. As I drove away
I thought about each one of those kids and the smiles and
excitement that lined their faces. I realized on my trip home
that I was saddened by the fact that each one of them had
a connection to cancer that initially put them in touch with
our organization. Despite the reason for our initial connection
I took comfort in knowing that we were doing exactly what
our organization set out to do, help children and families
cope with their loved ones struggle with cancer. Whether it
was by showing them that there were other children working
through the same feelings that they themselves were feeling,
or helping them over a tough obstacle, they were not in this
alone. Like with the hill, Summit Quest is here to help children
work through the challenges that they are facing. I know that
we helped each child along their journey because we are
continuing to serve each of these children, and that bike trip
is often a topic of discussion accompanied by the same smile
that was on their face that day.
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We Care Completely for . . .
CANCER CENTER706-528-9200harbinclinic.com/cancer
Marathons
TOMORROWSAnniversaries
Lazy Saturday afternoons
Piano recitalsGraduations
Family game nightsPicnicsRoad trips
Film festivals
Weddings
more Cruises
Concerts
OUR PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE SUPPORT OF OUR FRIENDS & SPONSORS
OUR FRIENDS & SPONSORS
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Such a wonderful place to be.
Where we meet new friends, greet the old,
And visit with others we’ll see.
It’s a place for sacred moments
Where we each get a chance to share.
How we fought this lonely battle
Through our sadness, sorrows and fears
Through our disbelief and loneliness.
That we alone had to bear.
But here at Camp Bluebird
We have three wonderful, glorious days
To forget our pains and sorrows.
And fill our thoughts and hearts with gratitude and
love
That we can show along the way.
Three days of activities and entertainment
To lift a weary heart.
To make us feel so special, that we really know we are.
There are games to play, puzzles to solve.
Mystery trips to take, places and things to explore
Food to enjoy, pictures to take
Songs to sing, prayers to pray.
Something for everyone, for a job well done.
Wholesome activities each day
Of things we can remember as we go our separate way.
I wish to thank the sponsors, coordinators, guides,
volunteers, helpers and everyone involved for giving
us three wonderful, lovely fun filled days for love, joy
and happiness to enjoy. Thank you for your love and
time. God has brought us through our struggles in
his own sacred ways. We must do our part, and
thank him and give him the praise. Praise God.
“Thank you – Camp Bluebird.”
Celestine N. Burrell
Camp Bluebird Camper
What is CAMP BLUE BIRD?Camp Bluebird is sponsored by Redmond Regional
Medical Center’s Oncology Department and has been
in existence since 1994. Camp offers recreation,
relaxation, crafts, and activities, and the opportunity
to openly discuss the experiences and emotions
associated with cancer with other survivors. Campers
gain a better understanding of their non-medical
needs and learn coping strategies from others that
have made life-style adjustments through living with
cancer. All snacks and meals are provided.
Camp Bluebird is a 3-day day-camp starting at
10:00 am – 4:00 pm filled with speakers, crafts,
day trips and lots of free time to talk with other
cancer survivors. As a sign of hope, each camper is
encouraged to build a birdhouse during camp. Family
members and close friends are invited to attend the
last day luncheon.
• A time for listening, learning, and sharing
• Family support: how to give it and take it
• Nutrition information
• Creative outlets through the use of exercise,
relaxation, arts and crafts
Camp Bluebird is open to adults, ages 18 or older, who
have been diagnosed or treated for cancer. It doesn’t
matter if the cancer is in remission or if you are newly
diagnosed. Camp Bluebird is planned and carried out
by a diverse team of volunteer nurses, social workers,
dieticians, pastoral care associates, and many other
professional associates. Most volunteer staff members
are employees of Redmond Regional Medical Center
who partner with other community volunteers.
Senior Citizen’s Center at 1325 Kingston Road,
Rome, Ga. 30161
The purpose of the camp is to provide:
Who can attend?
Where is it held?
For additional information call 706-802-3349
CAMP BLUE BIRDSisters at Camp Blue Bird
Camp Blue Bird is a one of a kind retreat designed exclusively for cancer survivors. I
began attending Camp Blue Bird several years ago after my second bout of cancer. I
experienced life changing events that build my confidence and deepened my faith.
My sister, Marilyn, is a cancer survivor, so of course I wanted her to enjoy these
valuable experiences with me. We enjoy top speakers and do creative activities.
Lifelong friendships begin and are rekindled at each and every camp. As a cancer
survivor, you know the value of this experience and how it influences your life. It is
also the perfect place to simply have fun. We get to do things we never get to do in
our normal lives. My sister, Marilyn, and me, Joy, were on a team that played a game
where we dressed a mummy in toilet paper. Marilyn was the mummy. Friendships
develop as we experience positive things together. It is that kind of excitement and
challenge that helps survivors form supportive bonds. Another benefit my sister and
I had is that it let us meet other survivors who we would never otherwise meet and
gave us a chance to get to know each other. Camp Blue Bird draws from all over the
area. Each camp we travel to a place of interest. We have been to zoos, exhibits,
gardens, television stations, river boat cruise, aquariums, and many more places that
we as individuals would not be able to see.
Camp Blue Bird is staffed by adults who are committed and skilled about cancer.
They know what we as cancer survivors have already experienced. They make us feel
special and are glad we fought and survived the battle of this disease. Thank you
ladies, from the sisters.
Not only do we as sisters enjoy each other, we enjoy Camp Blue Bird together.
Marilyn Allison and Joy Rickman
OUR FRIENDS & SPONSORS
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“We come to mountains to have our spirit renewed.
Uplifted by their heights and humbled by their depths.
We rise to the challenge and strive to the summit.
God blessed me with strength and a desire to climb higher. I praise Him
and thank Him for the blessing of this place.”
Larry LongshoreWyoming’s Climbers RanchGrand Teton National Park
OUR MISSION & HOW YOU CAN HELP
OUR MISSIONSummit Quest’s mission is to provide strength, hope, and service to
children and families affected by cancer. Founded in 2010 in Rome,
Georgia, Summit Quest continues to grow to serve more families each
year at absolutely no cost to our participants.
WE DEPEND ON YOUTo offer our programs and services at no cost we depend on
private donors, foundations, and sponsors to cover everything
from staff salaries to office rent and supplies. If you would like to
join Summit Quest in serving the families in our community facing
cancer please consider offering a tax deductible donation
in support of our mission.
WANT TO DONATE? Online: Visit www.MySummitQuest.org
or
Check:
Send checks payable to Summit Quest
PO Box 1135, Rome, GA 30162
48
Designed & Printed by:
MAGA Z I N E
P.O. Box 1135, Rome, GA 30162
www.MySummitQuest.org
cancer support services