We can’t thank our Red Door Community members enough for being on stage and sharing some of their most vulnerable feelings so others can see that at Red Door Community, they are not alone. That is the core of our mission, and we hope some of these highlights from the event hit home and inspire. We are so proud of the work we do to support people through the emotional and social challenges that a cancer diagnosis barges into their life.
Mary Elizabeth Williams shared her appreciation for how our program made an impact on her family. When people express their gratitude for Red Door Community, and to those who helped them find answers, strength, and a sense of connection, it brings to life the true meaning of the word “community”.
It is central to our name and our program, and our Lifting Spirits event was designed to bring people together and illustrate the importance of community. Hearing honest and open insights from the people who are directly affected is an important part of delivering effective support.
Dr. Sharon Mates, a former RDC board member and someone who has lived the research and development side of medicine, noted her personal connection to cancer and made a point to acknowledge the value of the patients’ perspective in healing.
Shared experience and outreach are imperative to making connections with others. Migdalia Torres, Executive Director of Program at Red Door Community introduced our panel of members, and how they represent a variety of perspectives.
The Panelists went on to have a discussion about their own experiences, and how Red Door Community helped them and their families. Each person opened up about their fears, their questions and their gratitude. People facing cancer have so many challenges to navigate: fear, loneliness, fatigue, depression, financial pressures, stress, and more. As a caregiver, Sheila expressed the value of being with people who understood her situation.
Bob felt “invisible” in the world after losing his wife to cancer, but after meeting people that understood that feeling, he felt more connected.
Valentina, having endured childhood cancer, felt the weight of her latest cancer diagnosis, and its effect on her parents, as they had to relive their fears for their daughter.
Many people are affected by cancer, and not everyone is aware of the support that is available to them, particularly children who lose a parent to cancer. The impact of that experience can last a lifetime, and Tim Pernetti reflected on his relationship with his father, who he lost to cancer 40 years ago.
Red Door Community CEO Dan Latore summed it up, and expressed why he is committed to this organization.
If you have been affected by cancer, or know someone who is, please connect them with Red Door Community, where we bring our best.
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We’d love for you to be a part of this. Send us your questions, your stories, and your ideas. Help us shape the conversations that matter most to you. Let’s stay connected. Let’s grow this community—together.
