https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-blogs/b/oooooh_a_shiny/atomTelligent Community (Build: 12.1.2.21912)2010-11-18T13:30:47Zhttps://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-blogs/b/oooooh_a_shiny/posts/i-m-new-here-and-i-like-shiny-things2010-11-18T12:30:47Z2010-11-18T12:30:47Z<p>Hi, I&#39;m Darren but you can call me Dern :-)</p> <p>My Dad has prostate and secondary kidney cancer. I&#39;m an only child and have a small family, single at the moment (not fun!) and very emotional. We found out a few years ago what was happening and my life fell apart completely.</p> <p>Some things are just not meant to happen are they? But they did. I used to think it wouldn&#39;t ever happen to my family, it only happens to others. I lost my best friend when we were 17 to a brain tumour, other friends of mine and their families have experience cancer but I never knew how painful it could be until my Dad was diagnosed.</p> <p>Now I say painful as an understatement but something so wonderful happened at the same time. My family got closer and stronger.</p> <p>Because of the care he&#39;s received from the NHS I decided to work for them. I&#39;ve been working as an IT techie, service delivery and e-Communications person and also in corporate comms teams and I&#39;m an ex hair stylist too! I work with the Dorset Cancer Network helping them produce things easier and help clinical teams do the same. Nurses look after my Dad, I look after them (in a way) and make their work lives easier.</p> <p>From working in the NHS I&#39;m being interviewed for a Macmillan funded role soon. Fingers crossed I get it! I already know there are so many things I can for the organisation and with the influence it brings I could bring in so many benefits. Even if I don&#39;t get the job though, I&#39;m still going to donate some of my time because I&#39;ve realised I need to support myself as much as I need to support my Dad through his treatment and Mum caring for him.</p> <p>In February 2010, while my life was slowly falling apart and I reached rock bottom, I discovered Ballroom and Latin dancing. Something inside me was awakened and I found new strength within. My life picked up and so did my Mum and Dad&#39;s as a result, probably as they weren&#39;t worrying about me as much! </p> <p>Say hi if you&#39;re passing, leave a message if you want to, chat if you&#39;d like to but most of all remember we&#39;re never alone. I forgot this last bit for a long time, try not to repeat my mistake and keep reaching out when you need to.</p> <p>Dern</p> <p>Lover of all things shiny and sparkly!</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://community.macmillan.org.uk/aggbug?PostID=384846&AppID=31296&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Former Memberhttps://community.macmillan.org.uk/members/formermember