The holidays have come and gone.
I am happy to report this year, I was able to fully experience the lights, music, and time with my family. This is the first time in seven years that the holidays represent joy and hope rather than a reminder of how my life was changed by cancer. While I experienced healing during a season that often triggers my traumatic memories, I witnessed many families facing cancer for the first time. I worked with the team at Adventure Therapy to do all I could to be present for those experiencing disappointment and hurt in their lives.

This new year will require more from Adventure Therapy than ever before. COVID-19 shifted the rhythms in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer which has caused a surge in new diagnoses. Cancer screenings, treatments, doctor visits, and all of the routine preventative work before COVID-19 were put on hold for two years.

Oncologists worldwide witnessed a significant decrease in newly diagnosed patients during that season. This was not because of a change in the presence of cancer but a change in the screenings taking place. As a leader in the industry, I was warned that in the years following COVID-19, there would be a severe increase in new diagnoses. Furthermore, with the two-year delay in those diagnosed after COVID-19, cancer had longer to grow, causing higher stages of cancer at the time of diagnosis.

Intellectually, I understood. I thought I was prepared. However, nothing could fortify me for the emotional toll of seeing so many young families diagnosed with late-stage cancer. Nothing helped me prepare for the loss.

As you face the new year, I acknowledge you. Many of us are struggling with loss, disheartening news, or memories of loss and hopelessness from seasons gone by. New beginnings trigger our ideals from seasons past, and our identity is shaken when our circumstances do not align with our expectations.

Those of us at Adventure Therapy stand with you. You are not alone.

If you are in need, please feel free to contact us. We are here to minimize the isolation experienced in and through cancer.