Last month, Rachel - Macmillan shared a wonderful Community News blog highlighting the kindness shown across the Community.
“No matter what has brought you to the site, no matter how cancer has affected your life, our members will support you through. The kindness of strangers soon becomes the kindness of friends.” – Rachel - Macmillan, Community News Blog, June 2021
It was lovely to hear from Community members in response to Rachel’s blog. We heard that you really enjoyed the chance to read some of the kind and supportive messages from across the whole site. If you haven’t yet read Rachel’s blog ‘Our members are here for you’, you can catch up by clicking here.
Although we’re sorry that circumstances have brought each of you to the Community, we’re so proud that the site provides so much support. We’d love to share some more amazing words from members about what the Community means to you.
"This forum is indeed fabulous! I have moments of optimism, shortly followed by moments of despair. A really scary rollercoaster... But I then read all your messages again and that gives me the next moment of optimism .. so thanks! You are invaluable!" - Bladder Cancer forum
"It's good to know there is someone out there to talk to other than family and friends (who have been great) but it helps to hear from people who have been in similar circumstances." Bowel cancer forum
"Just wanted to say a big thanks to you guys for your lovely responses: they have really lifted me. It’s so generous of you, and has helped me through a trickier few days. Onwards and upwards!" Womb cancer forum
You are really not alone
In the last month, we’ve counted 5,804 posts and replies on the Community. That’s an amazing amount of support you've been offering each other.
In the words of a member of the head & neck cancer group;
"You are really not alone. It’s natural to be scared of the unknown. Please dont worry yourself into a "TIZZY" like I did. Help is available, talk to the experts, people who have gone through it. This Online Community can be of great benefit, just like it was for me. Once again thank you all. Take care and look after yourselves"- head and neck cancer forum
It’s also good to hear from members who’ve felt really supported in the Community and feel they would like to keep using the site to support others.
“Just want to say a how much this Community has helped me with information and support to get through this. A big thank you to everyone. Hopefully by hanging around on the forum I can help repay some of the debt.” – Bowel cancer forum
I had the courage to know there was an end to the despair
I also wanted to share some words from our Community Champion Beesuit about what the Community means to her:
"The doctors do stuff to you to fix you. Your nurses ease the passage. But those who have already trodden where you are about to are the ones that listen to your fears, calm your irrational thoughts, support you in the dark and pull you through the same fire they themselves had been almost consumed by. I would have survived without the forum members but because of them I had the courage to know there was an end to the despair and it WAS worth it."
Thank you for those inspiring words, Beesuit. It means a lot to know how well you felt supported. A big thank you to you and every member of the Community for the support you offer each other.
We'd love to hear more about what that support means to you, or any feedback about the Community you feel you'd like to share. You can comment below or contact the Community team by email at community@macmillan.org.uk
