Guest blog post by Daryl Wood. In honor of her late husband Doug.
When my beloved Doug died in November 2023, the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance stepped in with supportive emails and a mentor, Alliance Ambassador Sue Lim, who guided me through the difficult days and weeks. We had a shared experience, and she understood the years of caregiving for someone with head and neck cancer.
We joined forces and participated in the annual Alliance Move-A-Thon (held every April). We raised money and awareness, and I felt so good knowing I was helping an organization that had helped Doug for many years during his illness. This year, I hesitated. Sue wasn’t at her best in physical health after surgery, and I didn’t want to talk about or think about what I’d been through for six years. I was letting myself shift focus and find things that brought me joy. I didn’t want to ask people for money. I wanted to be free of the memories. And then something happened, as it always does.
On the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance website, I read an article I had read a few times before. It was written by the wife of a head and neck cancer patient, and it was so accurate about a lot of what I’d experienced. It got me thinking about the people in the middle of treatment and those caring for them. I realized that while my biggest challenges were over, others were starting the journey, in the middle of it, or standing in the remnants of an unimaginable life. I felt compelled to do something.
So … I signed up the team, Sue, and I created two years ago, and made a decision that it would be about awareness and not money. I am not in a position to raise funds, and this is NOT a request for donations.
This is my message – get checked. Ask your dentist for a thorough oral examination. Ask your family doctor, read about symptoms, see an ENT or whatever it takes to catch any signs early. The sooner you address minor issues the better you will be able to recover with less limitations. Doug had trouble swallowing and extra phlegm in his throat. He dismissed it until I found a large lump on the side of his neck.
If you read the article above you will have a glimpse into the hardships that head and neck cancer patients endure. Please take care of your oral health. This is the how I do what I can in memory of Doug and in honouring of the people who continue to work so hard to improve the wellness of head and neck cancer patients. From the outstanding head and neck oncologist at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto who sits on their board, this organization goes above and beyond.
Here is my link only for the purposes of giving more context. Again, I am not looking for donations. This is an awareness campaign and if it saves one person from debilitating treatment and loss, I’m glad I took a chance and share the message. Namaste my friends.
A note from us: Explore more of Daryl’s story on her blog.
