I have cancer. I own it, so there. Now, bug off! See what just happened? For cancer survivors, like me, “cranky” might be a gross understatement. You, as a caregiver, may want to be part of my cancer journey, but don’t want to step on any landmines along the way. Who can blame you? But … Continue reading
I had just spent 24 minutes on the phone with my friend, a fellow baby boomer, when I saw the New York Times article on April 9. Americans are phoning in record numbers during this terrible pandemic. My friend had suffered numerous bouts with pneumonia and was cut off from her children and grandchildren to … Continue reading
My wife/caregiver and I (that’s me under the mask) were part of a caravan of survivors in Louisville, Ky., on National Cancer Survivors Day, June 7, 2020. The Lady Birds cheerleaders greeted us and the mood was festive and fun, with bags of swag and musical entertainment. Cars were festooned with balloons and streamers, and … Continue reading
(Dedicated to family caregivers everywhere!) You see me on my worst days when you sit silently, a gentle presence in a turbulent world. You reach out to me with no expectation for reply. You know that my curtain of silence is not drawn to exclude you, and that soon I will lift it to welcome … Continue reading
What do the nation’s airlines and Burger King have in common? They are among the selfless companies helping America in time of need – during the throes of the coronavirus. The airlines, including JetBlue, United and Delta, transported volunteer doctors and nurses free of charge to the worst COVID–19 hot spots in America – New … Continue reading
Every cancer survivor can recall turning points in their journey, times when others smoothed the way, ironed out the wrinkles and were extremely supportive during a stressful time. I fondly remember receiving a packet in the mail between my diagnosis and surgery in the fall of 2014. It was from Norton Cancer Institute, Louisville, Kentucky. … Continue reading
You know who you are and you need to do the right thing. Some parents reported shortages in baby formula on store shelves, and they got a little frantic. Manufacturers say there’s a plentiful supply now, but here’s the problem: You. Please, stop hoarding! In fact, you could step up to the plate and return … Continue reading
My wife and I decided to get a head start on Random Acts of Kindness Week in mid-February. It was fulfilling for us to step outside our immediate cares and concerns to extend a hand to others. Our Kindness Journal was a daily reminder to be considerate of neighbors, assist strangers in need and to … Continue reading
Your hand. Is it: Helping an elderly person take a step? Feeding a hungry child? Reassuring someone feeling down and out? Waving in friendship at a neighbor? Shaking the hand of a foe? Lifting a hammer to build a house for the homeless? Raising a glass of water for the thirsty? Your hand. Your connection … Continue reading
No one wants to hear the dreaded word cancer, yet everyone should want a group of supporters to help them go through the ordeal. Friends, if you know someone with cancer, please don’t let their principal caregiver carry the burden alone. Caregivers often feel alone, isolated, neglected. You may have the makings for a special … Continue reading
Ron Cooper 