Testimonials

“One of our clients referred to The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA as her oasis. She said it was what she looked forward to between her doctor visits and chemotherapy treatments. Doctors concentrate on a person’s illness, but at Candy’s Place, we focus on wellness. In 2004, I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. I had a tumor in my colon and liver. Because of this, I feel that I have a unique connection that all of the practitioners make with our clients. We see the person, not the illness, and it’s that connection and communication that facilitates the healing process.”

– Dave, Cancer survivor & The Cancer Wellness Center Practitioner

It has been over ten years since I underwent a complicated surgery to remove my esophagus. For reasons that no one could explain, a cancerous tumor had been growing in the upper region of my digestive tract. Swallowing was difficult, with food involuntarily regurgitating on the occasions when the cancer caused it to stick in the quickly narrowing passageway.

The surgery radically reconfigured my anatomy. My stomach would no longer be a reservoir for holding food as it digested, slowly releasing the contents to the small intestine where precious nutrients could be absorbed. Something needed to replace the diseased esophagus, so the stomach was stretched up to act as a tube, hand stitched to the bit of esophagus that remained. The small intestine was pressed into new service, now acting like a stomach for me.

It is a scary thing when disease strikes, but our bodies, wonderfully designed, are capable of adapting as treatments pave the way for healing. After the doctors had given me hope for survival and I was beginning to improve physically, I realized that my mind and emotions needed to follow suit. Because I wasn’t sure how to do that, I reached out to The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA, hoping someone there might understand and offer wisdom. I was immediately wrapped in a warm embrace, and in that safe place, began to process through the trauma, and adjust to limitations imposed by the cancer.

With the help of the staff, volunteers and others touched by cancer, I learned to do more than just survive. At The Cancer Wellness Center I began to thrive. I am painfully aware that everyone’s journey through cancer is difficult, and for most of us the bad days far outweigh the good. There is no reason to journey alone. The counselors and programs at Candy’s Place are designed to meet needs along the way, for patients, friends and family members, and caregivers.

No matter how cancer has found it’s way into your life, or where you are in the journey, you will find resources to answer questions, offer support and meet your need at The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA. Take courage and call or stop by, the sooner the better. I am sure that like me, you will be so glad you did.

With prayers and hope for many blessings in your life,

Dawn Brady

“The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA means the world to me. I was absolutely lost when I got my cancer diagnosis. I cried a river. There’s no other way to explain it. My friend suggested coming down to Candy’s Place. I had never heard of it, but came here and I found warm and caring hugs, therapies, and classes. I couldn’t believe that this was available for me and it was free!”

– Denise, Breast Cancer Survivor and The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA Volunteer & Practitioner

“I was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and I was told about The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA. The Cancer Wellness Center is a godsend to Northeastern Pennsylvania. There is no other resource center like this in the area where people can get answers, gain access to support services, and have the ability to participate in special events. I loved attending the holiday party and utilizing the library. The massage, reflexology, sound vibrational therapy, and facial and Reiki programs have really helped me a lot. I am thrilled that The Cancer Wellness Center is going to be bigger and better than ever. I kindly encourage people and organizations to support The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA with their time, talent, and monetary donations.”

– Justin, Cancer Client

My name is Kathy Hughes and I am a breast cancer survivor of three and a half years now. I look forward to and gratefully support the Rainbow Walk for The Center for Cancer Wellness: Candy’s Place, because it is one way that I can extend my sincere appreciation for all it has offered me over the past two and a half years.

I unfortunately did not know about The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA when I was going through chemotherapy and radiation and always thought there should be something more out there for cancer patients and their families. And sure enough, I guess when I needed it most, I foundThe Cancer Wellness Center and it’s been a lifesaver to me.

The Cancer Wellness Center is there for any patient and their family member from the moment you find out about your cancer and right through to the end of treatment and beyond. The beyond is when treatment is done and everyone is thrilled that you are all better and they want everything to go back to normal. Well, that doesn’t always happen, mostly because of the side effects of the chemo and the medicine you have to take for the next five years.

So for me, I needed to get my mind and my body back in shape and keep it going for the rest of my life. The exercise and lifting weights will keep my bones strong, and the yoga and meditation will keep my mind clear and healthy.

I did get the biggest bonus of all from The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA, all my new friends, and I cherish their friendship. And believe it or not, they’re not all cancer patients, just friends or family of cancer patients or acquaintances, and we equally enjoy all the programs and special events that the Center offers. It has been the best medicine for me so far!

Thanks, The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA!!

Kathy Hughes

“Even when I come for the massage, or I come for a facial, it’s that relaxation and letting your mind just be without worrying about doctors, and test results, and treatment, and medication. This is my getaway.”

– Sheila Brandon, Breast Cancer Survivor