Nancy’s List is my love letter to the universe, an expression of my profound gratitude for my miraculous recovery from stage 4 ovarian cancer … and my amazing life.
My guiding force, my profound wish, my passion … all the time … is
No one will ever go through cancer alone.
When I was diagnosed in 2004, I was living in Mill Valley in Marin County, right across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. There was an especially high incidence of breast and prostate cancer in the area. Despite the major efforts to determine the cause and laughing over some very strange speculations (The women drink too much white wine), no one knew why. As an obvious consequence of this conundrum, families and friends were deeply affected … and in fear. I did my research and had many meetings with the care organizations in the County to see what was happening and what was needed to support those who were living with cancer.
Quite serendipitously, 5 or 6 women independently came to visit with me. Many of their friends had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. These were strong, healthy women in their early 30s. They were yogis, vegans, and soccer moms. Many were quite angry and depressed … they had surmised that they were not vulnerable to cancer since they ate kale every day.
I collected the group of very concerned women, cooked them very healthy meals (few with kale), and we brainstormed about what we could do for their friends and for themselves. They called themselves Nancy’s Angels.
I envisioned a Call-to-Action to develop a community partnership to meet the epidemic of cancer that we, as a community, were facing. We knew that we could not rely on the healthcare system to focus on the many emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. But we also knew that we could rely on our humanity. We could reach out and support the courage, bravery, and resilience of our neighbors.
We planned a big party. We were going to tell the San Francisco Bay Area what we were up to. We invited them to join our Call-to-Action.
At our first Love Fest, I said to the large number of guests,
It takes a village to deal with the enormity of the cancer crisis in our community.
I want to build one to do that.
I placed clipboards around the party room in Sausalito asking for sign-ups — to drive their neighbors to treatments, to babysit their children, to walk the family dog, to prune the roses, to prepare and deliver healthy meals, and more.
Everyone got it!
Families adopted families in their neighborhoods.
Teens gave rock concerts and tennis tournaments to raise money for families living with cancer. Students at one high school created a program to prepare wonderful meals for cancer patients and their families using my dear friend Rebecca Katz’ amazing cookbook The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen. They delivered the home-cooked meals on Friday evenings and spent a few hours with the families, creating long-standing friendships as well as support. The teens stayed with the same families for a year.
We started community forums on nutrition.
We set up exercise programs for cancer patients in many of the health clubs and spas.
We offered free massages, Pilates, yoga and energy classes.
Rock musicians gave awesome concerts to support the community of families living with cancer.
Local markets feasted the families.
The children were engaged. Young school children joined men and women living in the senior centers in Marin to make get well cards for the children hospitalized during the holiday season. I was always amazed how many peace signs were on these wonderful cards … drawn by the kids? or, more likely, the grown-ups?
Every Valentine’s Day, the Montessori School in Sausalito gifted the children who were hospitalized at the University of California San Francisco Children’s Hospital with beautiful hand-made valentines, stuffed animals, garlands for their rooms, and much more.
It was amazing.
Through our programs, cancer patients and their loved ones found community, strength, courage, pleasure, and healing relationships. There is healing power when one is connected to the larger community, especially when you are experiencing fear, loneliness, isolation, and uncertainty. It means everything to know your neighbors are looking out for you and to meet kindred souls along the path.
We realized together that we could not depend on the overworked medical professionals to deal with the emotional crises that come with a cancer diagnosis. But we can rely on our humanity … to come together, share the passion and the mission to care for our neighbors … holding their hands and their hearts as they move through the cancer journey.
I wanted to create a community who shared those values … and we did … and it is magnificent.
To you, the healing practitioners who are part of our community … your generosity brings me joy. I muse about the ‘angels in our midst’ and I thank you for your dedication to the healing process.
We want every man, woman, teenager, and child who has to ‘walk the walk’ to hold the hand of someone who has been there, someone who understands the cancer mystery, and who will hang in there when times are tough.
Nancy’s List can be replicated in every community. I can help you do that.
Anita says
Thank you for your website. God bless you.
Anita
Alexander says
Very nice post. I certainly love this website. Keep on it.
Alexander
Cheryl says
You are an inspiration! 💕
Cheryl
Annie Gist says
You should be a part of a contest for one of the highest quality websites online.
I’m going to recommend this site!
Annie Gist
Blair says
Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Great blog and great design and style.
Brandy Lee Slagowski Hawkins says
Dearest Nancy,
Thank you for sending me a message about your website! You. Are. Awesome !!!
What a Fantastic resource for our cancer community! You are fulfilling such a dynamic need.
So Thank You !
Brandy Lee Slagowski Hawkins