Cancer, the one word you hope you never have to hear. Sadly, that is not the case for so many people. I have experienced the grief that comes with losing a loved one as a result of this devastating disease. The loss of a mother, grandmother and aunt is a reminder to me of just how important the fundraising efforts are in this fight to end cancer. I can speak first hand on the benefits of utilizing the services and programs available through the American Cancer Society when you are in need of support.
When my Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, there was a great online resource guide that was available through the American Cancer Society that spoke to the resources for a variety of support. This provides helpful information about cancer, suggestions on what steps to take when you are diagnosed, treatment information, oncologists and nutrition. It was a one spot resource that was very useful, to all of our family members.
Many people do not know where to turn when diagnosed. I felt that the American Cancer Society offered important and reliable information and think many can benefit from their resources. We also had an option for my mother to be considered to participate in a clinical trial, however, given her status it did not work out.
Families need hope, we all need hope. It’s a long road, but with the ongoing research efforts by the American Cancer Society, we all have a fighting chance.
Merrimack County Savings Bank’s participation in the Making Strides annual walk will honor our employees who are breast cancer survivors while remembering those we have lost. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, I am proud of The Merrimack’s long standing support of the American Cancer Society and its focus on helping communities get stronger together.
Linda Lorden is President of Merrimack County Savings Bank.