From Childhood Cancer Survivor to Lifeline for Families
By Normin Alaskerette
Childhood cancer is a harrowing journey for any family . The moment a child or young adult is diagnosed , their world is irrevocably changed . Navigating the bewildering maze of treatment options , grappling with unfamiliar terminology and making life-altering decisions become the new normal .
In West Virginia , amidst this turmoil , there ’ s a beacon of hope called the Walking Miracles Family Foundation .
Founded by Brett Wilson , a two-time childhood cancer survivor , Walking Miracles plays a pivotal role in the lives of young cancer patients and their families across West Virginia . The organization ’ s mission is clear : to improve the quality of life and cancer experience for patients throughout their journey . Walking Miracles offers invaluable services that provide guidance , support and relief , all free of charge .
Walking Miracles ensures that families have a support system from day one . Its services cover every aspect of the cancer journey , including travel assistance , tablet PCs , patient navigation services , counseling and survivorship plans . Families receive two $ 250 travel cards annually making the journey to and from treatment more financially manageable . Free tablets come preloaded with essential information to empower families to access a world of knowledge , with helpful apps and resource links at their fingertips . Patient navigation services connect families to resources that handle various aspects of the journey , such as travel arrangements , emotional support and financial advice . Walking Miracles collaborates with licensed counselors who offer emotional and spiritual care for both cancer patients and their caregivers . Walking Miracles also establishes survivorship plans that connect patients to survivorship clinics , helping them lead a better quality of life as they grow older .
Wilson ’ s story is one of courage and resilience . As a two-time childhood cancer survivor , she understands the struggles of young cancer patients and their families . Wilson founded Walking Miracles to provide the help , guidance and relief that families need as they adapt to life as cancer survivors .
Wilson is set to release a compelling memoir titled , “ I Am a Walking Miracle ,” sharing her extraordinary journey from conquering childhood leukemia and non-Hodgkin ’ s lymphoma to assisting young cancer patients and their families .
For more information on the Walking Miracles Family Foundation or to help support childhood cancer patients , visit walkingmiracles . org or call toll-free at 833-496-3398 .