"Every Family Deserves a Legacy"®
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19 days ago
We often think of grief as a response to death, but grief comes from other losses too. Families facing a young parent’s illness grieve the loss of health, loss of finances, loss of productivity, loss of relationships, loss of opportunities, loss of future plans, even the loss of hope. Their grief and their illness make them feel isolated. Renowned preacher Thomas Long describes such grief as “living in a land where nobody speaks your language.” Continue reading
“I can’t believe this is coming out of my mouth,” Kristen Ricciardelli said, “but I actually think it’s easier to be an active cancer patient than a post-cancer patient.”
She spoke from experience.
The mother of four from Milwaukee was still breast feeding her 8-month-old daughter when Continue reading
Have you ever had told your kids you are going to be doing something really fun a few weeks or maybe months too soon?
If so you have been plagued with the constant questions:
“Is it time yet?”
“How many more days?”
“Are we there yet?” Continue reading
One day someone asked me if I was interested in sponsoring a candle for the upcoming Relay for Life event in honor or memory of someone with cancer. Afraid to answer, I simply agreed and took the paperwork home. I asked myself, “Do I know anyone with cancer?” Nobody in my family had cancer, none of my friends had cancer, none of my friends’ family members had cancer. I didn’t know anyone with cancer. But they made it seem like I should? Continue reading
- Blog Post written by Bobby Conti, Legacy Retreat attendee and now volunteer.
Far-off, unknowable, unrelatable. Are these words you use to describe God?
It is not uncommon for people to feel that God doesn’t know what they are going through, especially in times of suffering, or when an illness strikes. The most common questions in such a case are “Why did this Happen?” “What am I going to do?” and “Does God even know how hard this is?”
I have been volunteering for Inheritance of Hope for almost four years. In those years of witnessing amazing moments, my eyes have been opened to the significance of support and encouragement. I want to focus on the loving assistance that we volunteers strive to accomplish for these families living with a parent who has a life-threatening illness.
I do not take lightly Continue reading
Kim Bunner said living with cancer for more than a decade has given her perspective.
The illness brought her closer to her husband, Matt, and showed her children, 15-year-old Haylee and 12-year-old Cameron, how to be considerate, Kim said.
“You hate to say that something that is so hard on a family is a blessing,” she said.
“We see what stress really is and what stress really isn’t.”
Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, when Cameron was six months old. Continue reading
375 participants, over 100 volunteers, HUGE community support and God’s smile … the Inheritance of Hope 2013 Legacy Run 15K, 5K and Kids’ 1/2 Mile Fun Run took place on April 27, 2013. Gathering at Brevard College, Brevard, NC, for festivities and the start and finish – it was a great time for all!
- Blog post written by Daniel Carillo
In the first chapter of his Gospel, John gives an account of how Jesus selects the apostles. Interesting approach – John doesn’t give an account of each apostle’s first encounter with Jesus. Instead, he focuses on four – Andrew (Peter), Simon, Philip, and Nathanael.
Ah, Nathanael.
Nathanael first hears about Jesus from Philip, who tells him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael’s response is shocking – “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Doubt. Nathanael was saying, “I doubt it!” He was questioning. He could not believe. This was impossible.
Doubt. What is it, and how is it able to, so easily, grab hold of us? Twist our thoughts? Fill us with dread and anxiety?
Written by Andrean Maier (She is attending the May 2013 Legacy Retreat with her family.)
I am the middlest child. I am 10. And I have another perspective. You know that over the last few months my mom has been struggling with stage 4 ovarian cancer. It was strange because I would have never thought anyone in my family could have cancer.
I remember the day when my dad told us. It was the worst day of my life. I thought he was kidding. When he told us he was serious, then I thought she was going to die and I was scared. I am still worried, but I know that God has a plan for her and for me.
Everyone has been helping us so much and we are thankful. My friends write nice notes that encourage me. My teachers at school tell me they are praying for me. My brother and sisters are getting closer because we are all helping mom and dad together. It is also helping us to not fight (at least not as much). My faith has grown in this. I believe God will protect our family. I take church more seriously now. I always listened to the sermons, but now I understand them more.
I wish my mom could come out and jump on the trampoline with us. But dad says she has her own ups and downs even without the trampoline.
On her Legacy Retreat, Andrean is going to meet many other kids who know how she feels and what she is going through. She is going to make life long friendships and grow even closer to her own siblings and parents. She is also going to have a blast riding rides, seeing characters, playing games, swimming, and making memories!
