When we began My Cancer Family, I was a survivor. Sadly, cancer touched our family again and we have suffered a tremendous loss. While I am still a survivor, I am devastated to share to our My Cancer Family community that my boys lost their father to Cancer 5 and a half months ago.

 

My two boys, now 16 and 19 lost their dad and I lost my parenting partner and friend.  While I know we, at My Cancer Family, are on a path here that will ultimately help so many, I had to take a little time away.  As an entrepreneur and co-founder of this meaningful venture, it was too hard to be focused on cancer while I had to be present for my boys. My older son had to take a leave from freshman year of college to spend time with his dad for the last two months of his life. I chose to be with my boys and their dad daily at the hospital and in hospice for his last few weeks.    

 

We are still grieving. We are still sad and angry. We are still learning new things about our new lives every day.  No child should have to go through cancer journey’s with BOTH of their parents.  We learned a lot.  I’m not ready to share it all right now, but will when the time is right and when we understand more about how it will be helpful to you.  

 

We still have the passion and mission to help others. My boys especially, continue to say, “Mom, you have to get back to My Cancer Family”.  It’s so hard, but it is what we set out to do. To help others. So, please join us on this difficult, sad journey, one that we only knew previously as survivors, and sadly now, we know so much more.

 

We will be back to bi-monthly newsletters and hope you share with anyone who may need us. 

My Cancer Family in collaboration with  Cancer Support Community (Greater NY/CT at Gilda's Club) will be hosting a virtual group for teens who
are living with the loss of a loved one to cancer called 

 

“I only had my dad for 15 years. This past year in March I lost my dad, Jordan Fisch, and my best friend. There is not a thing in the world I wouldn’t do to have him back. Everyday since then has been rough, when I am supposed to be feeling great because I am with all of my friends I end up just getting reminded of moments with my dad. Watching football was a huge thing to my dad and I, now when I watch that’s all I can think about. Although I have had great people around me this entire time, they do not really understand because thankfully they have never gone through such a horrible and traumatic experience. 

 

My friends get to go to school every day and think about their school work, their sports games or hanging out and all I can think about every day is my dad.  Although I have the best friends, they really can’t understand what it’s like for me.  My dad passed away on March 30, 2024 after fighting cancer for two years. 

 

I had the idea to start a group for kids who had parents on a cancer journey over a year ago. I was in the car with both of my parents driving back from one of my basketball games.  It was one of my only games my dad could go to that year because he was too sick. 

 

At the time, I wanted to start a group because as a kid who’s had both parents have cancer – it is a lot and I don’t know anyone like me.  I wanted to meet other kids who understand what it’s like to have a parent with Cancer.  I was young when my mom went through cancer.  I remember being scared and didn’t want to talk about it.  She’s a survivor and I see how she connects with other people who also had cancer and how she helps them now! Now, I am starting this group so I can meet kids like me, who lost a parent to cancer.

 

This group is a way for kids like me to meet and connect. It doesn’t have to be related to talking about cancer but I think it’s important because a lot of kids may think they are alone but they aren’t. I promise there are other kids who have gone through similar things to you and hopefully we can help each other.

 

I have known Olivia for a few years.  She’s a family friend who lost both of her parents to Cancer.  She’s also a former teacher and a teen coach.  I wish she didn’t know this feeling either, but I am excited she is able to work with me to help others.  I know my dad loved my idea and am proud to launch Teens Joining Forces After Loss”

 

– Jaylan Fisch

 

 

In collaboration with My Cancer Family, CSCNYCT will be hosting a virtual group for teens who are living with the loss of a loved one to cancer.

 

This social group for teens, ages 14-18, will meet twice monthly on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, beginning on Oct. 1 and will be facilitated by Olivia Edelman, Teen Life Coach, who also lost her parents to Cancer.

 

"Hi, my name is Olivia Edelman. I am a former teacher, a Teen Life Coach, and Teen Guru, dedicated to mentoring/helping teens through all obstacles and challenges that life brings. I lost both my parents from cancer so I know firsthand how difficult it is. I only wish I had a community like this group to join for support, and guidance, and to be surrounded by other teens who went through similar situations and "understand how I am feeling." This group will be a safe space for teens to come together to feel like they are not alone, to have hope, and to see firsthand that they will be okay. I am looking forward to meeting all of you and building a community."