Skin Cancer Awareness, Pt. 4: Beacon of Light – Cancer Support and Sibling to a Melanoma Survivor

Kathleen St. Clair-

This is a special first ever episode like this on this show. It is a conversation between two sisters. One is a cancer survivor and the other dedicates her days making a difference to cancer patients. Through thick and thin they are there for each other.

My sister, Kathleen St Clair joins me in today’s episode. She works as a patient services coordinator at Cancer Services and has a very important role in assisting those who are now thrust into this new world. Her compassionate and caring nature is an asset to those who walk through her door looking for guidance.

How do you get through this terrible time and what support is available to someone who has just heard the words “you have cancer”? 

A cancer diagnosis affects not only the patient or survivor but Also those around them. 

As a sibling to a survivor, you’ll hear her explain what it was like to learn that cancer had invaded her family in 2017 and what it meant to watch from the outside as I went through my fight against stage 3 melanoma. 

Working in this field, Kathleen has experienced a fulfillment in helping those in need and a better understanding of what it means to go through a cancer diagnosis. The importance of providing support and resources, filling the gap after the medical side of a cancer diagnosis occurs, has now become more evident to her.

Listen as she shares how she has become that beacon of light for others in this devastating and crazy world of cancer. We both share our perspective on my cancer diagnosis and what blessings came from it.

“You don’t know what it’s like to have cancer unless you’ve truly gone through it. I just respect that they are going through a lot… I wish I had known more so I knew what you were facing when you got that news.”

It breaks my heart to hear the pain that cancer brings to a family, especially when it is your own. To hear Kathleen share her perspective on how her interactions with cancer patients and survivors exposes the challenges you go through and how that influences her daily is very touching.

Having someone to support you through cancer is an important part of your diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Her strength and desire to help and be that beacon of light not only as a patient services coordinator but as an amazing sister is unmatched. I couldn’t ask for a better person to be there for me. I might be a little biased, but I think she has an incredible gift and I wish there were more people in the world like her. We desperately need them.

You can learn more about Cancer Services at CancerResources.org Cancer Services strives to assist cancer patients and their families emotionally and financially, and to educate the community on prevention and awareness of cancer-related issues.

Facebook link to Cancer Services @cancerservices01

As referenced in the episode Imerman Angels Mentor Support

Imerman Angels’ mission is to provide comfort and understanding for all cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers through a personalized, one-on-one connection with someone who has been there.

Listen to this important episode to hear more.

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** Sailing Through Life Podcast is intended to educate, inspire and support you on your personal journey and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only. If you are suffering from any psychological or medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.