Behind the Scenes of the Comfort Care & Compassion Program

After navigating a global pandemic in 2020, we knew support was needed now more than ever. The Comfort Care & Compassion Program was developed and implemented as the newest addition in Cervivor’s 2021 programming. The CCC Program provides those impacted by cervical cancer with a little extra something to help carry them through the day.

The program has three components:
1) A choice of cards with a handwritten message from survivors in our community to send a little extra support or to help celebrate exciting milestones.
2) A tote bag to support individuals facing a new or recurrent diagnosis and in active treatment for cervical cancer.
3) A custom Cervivor lapel pin to celebrate benchmark milestones.

The program was developed by a team of cervical cancer survivors who volunteered numerous hours. Get to know them in this behind-the-scenes look at The Comfort Care and Compassion Program.

Meet Emily

Emily Hoffman, a cervical cancer survivor, 2016 Cervivor School graduate, and Cervivor Ambassador located in Iowa is our Comfort Care & Compassion Card Chair. She says, “To me, the CCC Card Program means support so that no one in the Cervivor community feels alone. The greeting cards are a way for us to celebrate the milestones together and uplift each other in difficult times.” 

Emily leaves a personal touch by handwriting, stamping, and drawing on each card.

Emily adds, “I am proud of the success of the CCC Card Program so far. I am also thrilled to know that the cards mean as much to the recipients as they do to me when I write them. The program has already brought us closer as a community, as the cards remind us that we can lean on each other.”

Meet Caroline

Caroline Swenson, a cervical cancer survivor, 2019 Cervivor School graduate, and Cervivor Ambassador located in Wisconsin, serves as the Comfort Care & Compassion Tote Bag Chair. She expresses, “I remember very clearly when I received my cervical cancer diagnosis. I was stunned and though I was surrounded by family and friends, I still felt alone. This is why I love the Comfort, Care, and Compassion Program powered by Cervivor! Being able to reach out on behalf of our community in a way that offers those on their journey a special little nudge, a nurturing gift, that says, “Hey, we are sorry you are going through this. You’ve got this and we are here to support you.” fills my cup.”

Meet Karen

Karen North, a cervical cancer survivor, 2019 Cervivor School graduate, and Cervivor Ambassador located in Missouri, serves as a community admin. She spends a lot of time getting to know each and every one of our community members and Karen helps with referring members to receive something special from the CCC Program. Karen says, “Being an RN, I am passionate about knowing you are cared for. The Comfort Care & Compassion Program gives me the opportunity to give all 3 aspects of comfort, care, and compassion to those that might be feeling lost, alone, stressed, you name it. I enjoy seeing how our CCC program personally impacts our community.”

Get Involved

We have some truly incredible community partners that have volunteered to write and decorate cards for our community. Emily talks about what it felt like opening the box of cards, “When I first saw the greeting cards, I was blown away by the thoughtfulness put into them. The cards were beautiful. Each one contained an encouraging message that was handwritten in bright colors. I unexpectedly started to tear up as I read through them! I was so moved by the support of complete strangers for our community. Even though they weren’t addressed to me, I felt like their encouraging words were meant for me. I felt loved and uplifted. So I’m excited to send these cards to our community over the coming months so that we all can feel the love and support they bring.” 

Everybody has their own story and own diagnosis but there is a community of cervical cancer patients, survivors, and thrivers who are here to support you in any way they can because they “get it.”

If you are interested in supporting this program please consider donating to Cervivor today. Volunteers may contact us for card or bag donations at [email protected]. And if you wish to give or receive a gift of comfort, click on the link here.

Caregivers Are Priceless

Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month, is an opportunity to honor the caregivers in our lives whether they are family or chosen family.

Hear from the Cervivor community as they share beautiful messages of love and appreciation for the people and other resources that have given them strength, support, and kindness.

Kyana

My caregiver/fiancé. He has been there for me through so many different situations. We’ve had bumps in the road but love prevails. He fed me, bathed me, clothed me when I was too weak and gives hugs all the time. Most of all, he spoke life into me by encouraging and motivating me every single day.

Tammy

My husband has been amazing through this whole thing. Spoils me rotten with anything I need, comes with me to all of my appointments, asks questions I wouldn’t even think to ask, has voluntarily taken over taxi duty for our two teenagers, and he bought me a fancy bidet toilet seat as a “Let’s kick cancer’s ass” gift. What more can I ask for??? So incredibly grateful for him.

Selena

“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” ~ Tia Walker

Having been on both sides – patient vs caregiver, I’ve found I prefer to give as receiving can be difficult at times. Being overwhelmed with generosity can feel difficult to live up to.

Victoria

My hubby has been by my side every minute of every appointment, side effect, bad day, etc. This was him holding my hand while waiting for a brachy appointment. He’s my rock. My comforter. My best friend. And, my caregiver. I know it’s not easy for him (I myself have been a caregiver to my dad and my mom), and it’s definitely not easy for him to watch the person he vowed to love forever to be in pain. To suffer. To possibly face a future without them.

Karen

This is my baby girl. When I got diagnosed with stage 3B cervical cancer four years ago, she sold her home, packed her five children up and moved in with me. I’ve also had to have a surgery due to cancer in my lung and because the radiation had deteriorated my bones from my belly button down, I had a total hip and knee replacement.

Multiple strokes kept me in the hospital but she’s been by my side from the day that I heard, ‘you have cancer’. We get on each other’s nerves once in awhile but that’s what mothers and daughters do and at the end of the day I know she’s got my back.

She is also an amazing caregiver to her five children; a set of six year old twin girls, her seven year old boy, an 11 year old son with Asperger’s and ADHD, who was born with no rectum and had a colostomy bag for quite a few years, and a soon-to-be 13 year old daughter. I always say I’m very blessed and our house is always filled with love.

Patti

My caregiver. My support. My love.

He held my hand throughout the journey and he hasn’t let go.

Lisa

My hubby was always a bit of a grumpy guy but this last year he has turned into a big old softy. The day after my radical hysterectomy he, without being asked, brushed my hair for the first time ever. He works 12 hours from our home and took off a month after surgery to look after me.

This November, Cervivor has partnered with Caregiver Action Network for their national campaign #CaregiverAnd. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the identities and passions that enrich your life. Check out Caregiver Action Network’s Family Caregiver Toolbox. It’s full of great resources for every topic!