We want to take this opportunity to remember the beautiful life and spirit of a very special person that we were so fortunate to have gotten to know throughout this project. Her name is Bette Martin, and she passed away after her long battle with cancer.

You can read Bette’s obituary here.

Bette was enthusiastic about the mission of Facing Cancer Together from the beginning, and openly shared her story in the hopes that others would find some courage to face their own situation with hope.

Her humor, beauty, thoughtfulness, creativity and spirituality were inspiring to many of us who followed her story in the blogs that she wrote.

She helped to illustrate the fear that a person really faces when they hear the words: “You have cancer,” and the inner struggle that a person experiences when you're faced with a new perspective on how to live.

She wrote in her blog titled, "How now shall I live?":
"My relationship with God has been strengthened and continues to grow. I think that the timing of events since the diagnosis has confirmed God’s presence in my life. Evidence of divine intervention has been instrumental in clarifying my trust in God’s love and concern for me. There is much more growth needed in this area of my life. I thank the Creator every morning that I open my eyes and see the light of another day, allowing for the development of a deeper relationship with Him."

She helped others who were facing cancer know that they’re not alone in their fight and talked openly about wearing a wig, and how cancer affects body image.

She taught us to explore what’s out there, like alternative therapies for mind and body healing, and to tap into our spirituality for strength and guidance.

We thankBette for her honesty, courage, and partnership.

She will be deeply missed but her story will live on in the countless people that she touched throughout her life.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Bette's family and friends.

-The Facing Cancer Together team

Five years ago on October 21, Diana Denenberg Durand died after an incredible 18 year heroic battle against breast cancer. During that time she faced and DEFEATED the cancer as it re-occurred - at first in a breast, then six years later her other breast, then her bones, next to her liver, and finally in her brain.

(Lancaster) -- Two major midstate health care providers are joining together today to offer their services to more people. Hospice of Lancaster County and York County-based WellSpan Health are partnering to form "Hospice and Community Care."

Death is a topic we often don’t talk about.  It could be one of the reasons more of us aren’t prepared for our funerals or haven’t conveyed our wishes to family members.

(Harrisburg) -- Surviving cancer is often times the most daunting challenge a person faces in life. While many people feel grateful or proud to have survived cancer, others feel guilty.

"Though a life has ended, it won't really end depending how person is celebrated and remembered." Emilio Parga, MA, is the Founder & Executive Director of The Solace Tree in Reno, Nevada, a grief and loss center for children, teens and families.

“Grief is neither a problem to solve nor a difficulty to overcome.  It’s a sacred sorrow worthy of expression.”  These are the words of child grief expert Leslie Delp, who helped a group of parents, teachers, and caregivers understand grief through the eyes of a child at a community forum.

Camp Mend A Heart, a one-day camp designed to support grieving children who have experienced a death of a loved one, will be held Saturday, June 2, at Camp Cann-Edi-On near York Haven, Pa.

At this special community forum, child grief experts Leslie Delp, M.A. (founder and bereavement specialist at Olivia’s House in York, PA) along with Emilio Parga, M.A. (founder and director at The Solace Tree in Reno, Nevada), helped us sort through myths, fears, and questions related to children’s grief.

“I would never take my child to the funeral.  She doesn’t understand anyway.”
“I figure I'll just take the pictures down of Nana for a while.  Being reminded of her will only upset my son more.”
“My teenager doesn’t talk about his dad anymore.  I’m so glad he is over that.”
“I’m afraid I’m gonna say something wrong so I won’t say anything at all."

Can you relate to some of these comments about the way that children grieve?  You’re not alone.