02.28.17

Why I Give: A Donor’s Story

“Firefly provides emotional support, which is integral to healing,” says Patricia*, a massage therapist and friend of Firefly Sisterhood. When asked why she chooses to contribute financially, she states, “I know that going through treatment is exhausting, devastating, and lonely. To have a connection with someone who has gone through it already is amazing.”

Patricia is familiar with just how challenging a cancer diagnosis can be. A massage therapist for over two decades, she often works with the same clients for many years. She began her practice not intending to gravitate toward oncology massage; however, as some of her clients began aging, cancer diagnoses inevitably entered the picture. Patricia was able to provide a powerful avenue of healing beyond what a patient typically receives through the medical system. Living the experience alongside her clients, she returned to school to study oncology massage and, as the saying goes, she found her calling.

A few years ago, Patricia began treating a woman connected to Firefly Sisterhood. Through regular massages and conversations, the two formed a close bond. Patricia treated this woman throughout her healing journey, learning more about the intimate details of the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges a cancer diagnosis can bring. Patricia also learned about the mission of Firefly Sisterhood and just how poignant and vital it is to have a connection with someone who’s experienced breast cancer. “I saw and experienced alongside what (she) went through and felt like I just couldn’t do enough to help. To me, it felt imperative to support the process of connecting women. There’s no monetary amount that could ever be enough.”

Why Firefly Sisterhood? “Breast cancer touches so many people,” Patricia says. “I don’t think you can go a day without running into somebody who’s been affected by it. That’s why I decided to support such an amazing organization.”

Thank you, Patricia. We are grateful beyond measure for our supporters, all of whom help us work toward fulfilling our mission to ensure that no woman faces a breast cancer diagnosis alone.

* Name changed to protect privacy.

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