Improving Life After Cancer
February 22, 2019
Receiving a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma at age 32 was hard for Alice Park Stamm. Six months of treatment was even harder. But the most challenging part was yet to come.
"It may seem hard to believe, but the worst part was after treatment," she says. "I didn't know who I was or what to do next. That's when I reached out to Turning Point."
Finding a new Alice
At Turning Point, Alice found solace in a 6-week program called "Surviving and Thriving." She was surrounded by participants who were at one stage or another of a life-changing illness. Their stories resonated with her as the instructor led the class on a journey, one step at a time, toward peace and understanding.
"The program gave me such clarity," she says. "I was not the same person I had been before cancer. A new Alice began to emerge. And I liked her."
Turning Point's staff seeks to empower and transform the mind, body and spirit of individuals, families and friends living with any serious or chronic physical illness – not just cancer. Alice waited until she was cancer-free to sign up for a class, but many physicians recommend Turning Point as soon as a diagnosis is made.
From recipient to benefactor
Alice stayed connected by volunteering at Turning Point and making annual contributions. In 2016, she and her husband, Mark, decided to step up their donation and sponsor a comprehensive educational program called "Life After Cancer." The 6 classes are designed to help participants manage the physical and emotional issues that may arise during and after treatment. Topics include:
- Moving for life
- Living with peripheral neuropathy
- Cancer-related fatigue
- Couples and cancer
- Living with lymphedema
- Resources for the cancer patient caregiver
Because Turning Point programs are supported entirely by philanthropy, grants from generous donors are vital.
Turning Point was there for me when I was at my worst. Now it's my turn to help someone else. – Alice Park Stamm
With a post-cancer perspective, the Stamms are proof that life after cancer can be wonderful. "If you're a patient or a caregiver, I encourage you to sign up for a class," says Alice. "And if you have the means to help support this incredible resource, we hope you'll join us."
Support Turning Point
Turning Point has helped tens of thousand of people move toward a greater sense of fulfillment and well-being. We ask you to consider joining our family of dedicated donors.