Around this time last year, I called The Wellness Community the day of my diagnosis. Luckily I had been receiving the newsletter at my office; it arrived that day like an invitation to call. Many times it had arrived; I always thought, if I ever got cancer, I’d investigate. Nevertheless, I had to muster courage to call. When Diane Malpass, PsyD., LMFT called back, welcoming me to a meeting, her warmth melted reluctance.

“I called the Wellness Community  the day of my diagnosis.  Luckily I had been receiving  the newsletter at my office...nevertheless, I had to muster courage to call.

When Diane Malpass, PsyD., LMFT called back, welcoming me to a meeting,  her warmth melted reluctance...”

- Kathy Franch Mckenna

At that first meeting, hearing a woman my age, now my friend, recount her
management of her illness, I settled down. I was not alone. Treatment looked doable. I felt relief at telling my story and at having it listened to carefully.

The momentum continued from there as I sampled a panoply of tools to manage my illness. From a well referenced library to “Joke Fest”, between yoga and guided imagery, from lectures to support groups and nutrition classes, the Wellness Community met
my needs.

Now, a year later, I write for the newsletter a little story of the outpouring of kindness, compassion and cancer knowledge I encounter here. In the camaraderie of many others facing cancer with courage, grace, tears and well chosen temper tantrums, I’m so glad to tell you about people unafraid to admit fear, unwilling to accept despair, and
looking to love life to the fullest. Here we have the tools ready honed for stress
management and for rebuilding after the fallout of the illness. I celebrate my friends.

This year, my cancer is in remission. As if that were not enough, I have a renewed zest for life. I feel deep gratitude to the Wellness Community for helping me, along with my doctors, and nurses, friends, neighbors, church and family. A significant key to healing is giving back to others. Another key is an army of support. I endorse
the Wellness Community, as it offers both and more. As a member, I invite you, especially newcomers to read this newsletter, to keep it handy and to call and participate freely. I look forward to meeting you.  - Kathy

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