Chemo Angels

**madhen** · 03-09-2006, 11:01 AM

I am *very* excited! I finally got my card angel assignment yesterday through Chemo Angels! I printed out my patient's information and got a card out in the mail to her right away.

I am on the Chemo Angels Yahoo Group, but I know that there are several of you here, as well, so I had just one question for the veterans among you.

Since the "conversation" is pretty much one-way, I am wondering what you use as topics? My first letter, which I am working on today, I am pretty much giving my patient my autobiography, but it feels kind of conceited to just keep sending letters and cards talking about myself!

I understand that sometimes it will just be a card that says "thinking of you" or some such sentiment, but what do you write about in your letters? Do you get feedback from admin that the patients LIKE to read about what is going on in your lives, or do they use such letters to help themselves fall asleep after chemo?

**AmyMCGS** · 03-10-2006, 09:50 AM

Welcome! I've been a ChemoAngel since 2002, and I love it!

My letters are pretty much like one-sided conversations. I talk about what I've done that day, where I went, what I saw on TV, what my DD is doing.... whatever I can think of. It's hard at first to not ask questions, but, you'll get used to it.

Sometimes my weekly gift ties in with my letter. For instance, I might go to a craft show and pick up a gift for my patient. Then, the letter would be all about the craft show.   (I realize you're a card angel and not required to send gifts, but, you might pick up a handmade card or postcard at places you visit.)

And yes, we've heard many times that this is what the patients want to hear-- they like to remember that other people have normal lives going on. They use our letters to step outside of their stressful ones for a few minutes.

Good luck!

**madhen** · 03-10-2006, 02:07 PM

Thank you! Even though I'm a card angel, I have already sent one present to my patient, and am in the process of knitting a chemo cap (she started in Feb) out of some of the most wonderfully soft chenille yarn I had on hand but wasn't sure what to do with!

I appreciate the feedback. I can't really put myself in the shoes of someone going through such a crisis in her life, so it hard for me to imagine that a rambling letter from me going on about myself could be uplifting. I like the way you phrase it, however, that they like to remember that there is a normal life out there. This is my first patient, and if I am her first card angel, I'd like her to get the most out of the program as possible and not have to suffer from my lack of experience!

**SewCrafty** · 03-10-2006, 04:26 PM

Mad Hen, I'm speaking from the other side of the coin. Though I didn't participate in Chemo Angels, I have gone through chemo. What Amy said is perfect, just a hi how are you is enough but if you would like to tell them about your life, I know I would have enjoyed that.

I am one that wouldn't have minded questions, but not every one is like that. But when going through treatments you get so bone tired you wouldn't believe it. So for you to write a letter about your walk in the park and what you saw and how the sun felt, would be like living it through you.

You ladies are special

yourselves for doing this.

**madhen** · 03-10-2006, 04:45 PM

Thank you, Dee!

I don't know about being "special" for doing this. I am so excited about finally getting an assignment, I feel more like it is a privilege to participate! Your response, Amy's, and the information I've been reading on the Chemo Angels Yahoo Group digests have given me a big boost of confidence and enthusiasm (if the latter can be boosted any more

) toward my ability to make someone's life just a little brighter during a very dark time.

I lost my father to cancer in 1987, then a good friend to breast cancer about eight years ago, after a two-year fight in which she was always sick and hurting, and my sister recently went through the whole chemo/lumpectomy/radiation program for the same thing in 2002, so I've seen firsthand how bleak things can seem (and be) sometimes. I saw the thread about Chemo Angels on this group, or I would have never known about it.

I'm not sure if I can word it properly, but after losing two very special people in my life to cancer, I've really wanted to do something to kind of even the score. To me, being a card angel is my way of giving cancer a swift kick in the butt and telling it that it isn't as powerful as it thinks it is. That it might ultimately take a person's life, but that it will never be strong enough to destroy that person's spirit. If my card or gift is enough to tip the balance in favour of someone feeling happy or hopeful instead of discouraged, then I've had my revenge.

Sounds weird, I know, but I also feel that being a card angel will ultimately help to at least partially fill an empty spot in my heart that the loss of my father and friend left behind.

**Michelle** · 06-20-2007, 01:16 PM

Who is participating in this wonderful charity? I just received my first assignment on Monday night, and I'm very excited to be helping brighten someone's day

**AmyMCGS** · 06-20-2007, 03:43 PM

I've been an angel on/off since 2002. Right now I had to take a leave of absence due to some thing happening at home, but I'm still on the Special Assignments list until I go back full-time.

**Tamerama** · 06-21-2007, 11:19 AM

Hi there,
I went and signed up for this yesterday after reading your posts. How long did it take to get your patient? I am really excited to start this! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!!
Tami