From a young age, I was taught the importance of social justice. The social work profession advocates for what is right and fair to all, and this core tenet is what ultimately led me to become a social worker. Working in oncology can be challenging because you work closely with clients and their families who are going through a very difficult time in their lives. However, it is so fulfilling to be able to offer information and support when they need it most.
Having a counselor listen to your feelings and validate them is curative in and of itself. CancerCare’s free services are important because our clients may not have another person in their lives who can offer emotional support. We are unique because of our free, comprehensive resources for anyone affected by any type of cancer. Because we provide a multitude of services tailor to the unique needs of the individual, CancerCare truly has something to offer everyone.
For me, individual counseling is the most rewarding type of work I do, especially when working with caregivers. I have been able to meet amazing individuals who have overcome tremendous challenges. It’s a privilege to be able to support others emotionally and alleviate their burdens through such a vulnerable and challenging period.