Spreading Joy Through Acts of Kindness

Cervical cancer, a disease that affects women globally, is not just a diagnosis; it’s a life-altering experience that can test the limits of resilience and strength. The journey through cervical cancer is one that often involves not only physical and emotional challenges but also the search for a supportive community that understands and uplifts. In the face of this challenge, cervical cancer survivors and patients often emerge with a newfound determination to make a positive impact on the world. Many of these remarkable individuals transform their resilience into advocacy, becoming beacons of hope for others. Their stories and experiences not only inspire but also demonstrate the profound ripple effect of compassion and support within the Cervivor community. Read the inspiring experiences of these community members, whose acts of kindness and advocacy are creating a powerful impact, fostering hope, and building a network of support for people within their reach.

Arelene Simpson is a stage IB3 cervical cancer survivor residing in Washington State. She shares an experience that made an impact on her, “A few months ago, I met “Miss S” on the Next-Door app. She was going through some hard times and moved to Washington with just the clothes on her back and a new hope to find peace in her life. She needed new clothes, household items, and someone she could trust to help her get back on her feet again. She ran away from an abusive relationship, so trust was a big issue for her. It took several tries before she finally responded, and we arranged a meet-up where I gave her two boxes of clothes, shoes, and household items. She also asked if we knew anyone who had an affordable car for sale.

At the time, we had just sold our home in California and we had so much stuff transported to Washington. We also had an old car that we have been wanting to sell. We could have easily sold it to our neighbor who was offering double what we sold it to Miss S but, because of her situation, we decided to sell it to her. Miss S continually sends messages and every time she lets us know how our act of kindness hugely changed her life. I believe that God works in truly wonderful ways and brings the most unexpected blessings. I like to live by having an “Attitude of Gratitude” and live with purpose daily. To give more and to help people positively. When I think my days are hard, I think of Miss S and others who are going through even harder challenges, and it makes me want to give back even more. Paying it forward and giving back with acts of kindness makes me an even more grateful being. Gratitude is my attitude!”

Cervical cancer treatment is physically and emotionally taxing, often requiring a support system to navigate the journey. Survivors are finding creative ways to offer encouragement to those currently undergoing treatment, one of which is through inspirational bracelets. Christy, a North Carolina cervical cancer survivor with a heart full of compassion, started a project where she purchases and distributes inspirational bracelets to individuals going through treatment. Each bracelet is carefully selected with words of encouragement, strength, and hope. The simple act of wearing these bracelets becomes a tangible reminder that they are not alone in their journey.

Christy adds, “I have been a collector of ZOX bracelets for a few years. I love the designs, but more importantly, the goal of the company resonates with me: ‘to build a community that would welcome others with kind words and a gentle heart’. When I was diagnosed I could not find a cervical cancer support group in my area. I was in desperate need of a community; persons who understood what I was experiencing and who could offer a camaraderie that my friends and family could not. I realized I would simply have to build my own.

So I attached cards to 30 ZOX bracelets with a link to a Facebook page I started to chronicle my journey. The cards read: Hi, I’m Christy! I’m a cancer warrior currently battling Stage 4b Cervical Cancer. Please accept this little reminder that NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE!”. I left them at my local infusion and radiation departments with instructions that they be given to both patients and staff. A few months later I left 20 more, then 20 more. To date, I have leftover 100, but I also keep some in my purse and hand them out as I am out living life. Little by little my online community has grown; and that group of people, some of whom I have never met, have been instrumental in my journey! I saw a quote that read: “Kindness is giving hope to those who think they are all alone in this world.” 

I would like to think my simple act of sharing has given hope to many; I know it has fostered hope and joy in me! I’m choosing hope daily.”

The significance of acts of kindness cannot be overstated. They possess the remarkable ability to profoundly impact lives, instilling both the giver and the recipient with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Research consistently demonstrates that kind acts are associated with increased life satisfaction. Kindness is not merely a fleeting gesture; its enduring impact resonates through communities, inspiring others to perpetuate this cycle of compassion. Each act of kindness, regardless of its scale, contributes to a collective reservoir of empathy and support, nurturing a network of strength and resilience. In the face of adversity, the profound effects of kindness serve as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the boundless capacity for empathy and generosity.

Have you carried out acts of kindness and would like to share your experience with us? Email us at [email protected]!

The Elephant in the Room

It’s probably time to address the elephant in the room – Stage IV cancer. Words that typically come along with this stage diagnosis are incurable, terminal, and life-threatening. In my case, my cervical cancer has metastasized and spread to my collarbone and armpit area. Compared with many, my Stage IV is ‘minor’ because it is not present in my blood, bones, or brain. BUT it is incurable. The goal is to treat until we reach a point of NED (No Evidence of Disease), a pseudo remission. And for the remainder of my time, I will need to regularly test for recurrence. 

So, I’m not going to live forever; who is? And maybe I won’t live as long as I hoped, but there are new advances in treatment daily! I don’t discuss this part of my cancer journey very often because I refuse to give it any credence.

What I find curious is that I didn’t invite that particular elephant into my room. It was placed there by others. I know cancer is an uncomfortable subject for many, but to quote Monty Python, “I’m not dead yet”, so please don’t treat me like I am! 

The elephant in my room is a very different beast. Meet Ganesha! Ganesha is a Hindu deity that is known as the remover of obstacles. He is a symbol of prosperity and wealth, and he is believed to bring good luck. This is definitely the elephant I need in my corner; a hopeful, powerful and positive force! 

I believe that “the diversity of faith should be appreciated and celebrated.” (Stephen Mattson quote) That’s why I’m so appreciative of any prayers, positive vibes, or good juju sent my way. I’ll take it all and return it tenfold, should you need it! My ultimate goal is an honest relationship with my creator and maybe in my world, gods and elephants occupy the same space!

There are a few more elephants that I choose to have in my space and one of them is my support group. “In the wild, female elephants are known as fierce protectors. And when one of their sisters is suffering, they circle up around her. They close in tight, watch guard, and even kick dust around her to mask her vulnerable scent from predators. And yet, we are the same. This is who we are, and who we are meant to be for each other. Sometimes we’re the ones in the middle. Sometimes we’re the ones kicking up dust with fierce, fierce love. But the circle remains.” – From the Festive Farm Co.

The last elephant in my room is my mom. She was the first lover of elephants I knew (a byproduct of living in Thailand). I fondly remember her collection of elephant figurines, turned towards the window to keep the bad luck at bay. Sadly, she passed from liver cancer ten years ago, but she would have been the first to lead the charge to circle up in support. And her wisdom and strength are ever present in my room (and life), because like elephants, love remembers.

And so, my journey continues. With a lot of faith, hope, love, support, and my elephants, I plan on living every day to the fullest!

Christy K. Chambers is a world-traveling, military brat who moved to the east coast for college and never left. She currently resides in Monroe, North Carolina with her husband, son, and doggo, Ethel Mertz. A Jill-of-all-trades, she has had multiple careers in theatre, stage lighting, commercial printing, retail and paper arts. Christy was diagnosed with Stage IVb cervical cancer in May 2022 after she went for a routine Pap test. She completed round one of treatment in August 2022 and is currently being treated with immunotherapy.