Circle of Support
As we trek above the tree-line, our team spreads out, like a slow drip from a rusty old faucet. The wind cools the heat trapped under my breaker, but still a force so strong I walk sideways and sometimes backwards to shield my face. I fuss at my red buff so just the slit of my eyes peer over. I could rob a bank looking like this, I think.
I gather stones that sprinkle the barren dirt path to the summit of Flat Top Mountain in Colorado. These obtuse rocks nestle into the palm of my hand momentarily before I pass them to Louise, who was open to any inspiration to take another step along the trail. Moments before she was frozen and collapsed forward, hands on her knees, in a panic to catch her breath.
Louise, who is new to this sensation, learns to inhale slower as one teammate rubs her mid back and another removes her backpack. She was in a circle of support, when tears came to her eyes. The memory of watching someone she loves dearly experience episodes of panic attacks triggers a flood of compassion. Louise swallows a deeper breath and thinks, “we won’t turn back and will do this together one step at a time.”
She cusps each small stone given to her and gingerly places them on a series of rock cairns that guide us to the peak. This moment affirms the power of a team, and what it can accomplish when we share a bond like cancer.
Louise is no stranger to adventure, growing up the baby of the family with two brothers, one of which for her High School graduation present took her on a one month camping trip around the country traversing across multiple states.
Louise tributes her parents the values of resiliency and resourcefulness, the very traits she wishes to pass along to her two daughters. She says, “I think I can make things look easy, when they aren’t that easy.”
Louise, an extrovert, shines with a glass half full attitude, kindness, and admittedly a bit of stubbornness which she thinks may come from being 100% German. As a Human Resource Director she likes to provide value to help others succeed, combining practical knowledge and expertise.
Balancing work with family, friends, and exercise is a deliberate intention as she builds her day to day schedule, including time to cook, play scrabble, or bike. “I like being with people who are doers, not just talkers.”
Louise is now five years out from her breast cancer diagnosis. She admits she is torn about the adjective survivor. “I’m on edge about it; I want a lifestyle that allows me to be around, but it’s not always that simple. It’s a raw and guilty feeling with friends around me having a diagnosis or recurrence.”
It was Louise’s oncology staff at John Stoddard Cancer Center in Des Moines that referred her to Above + Beyond Cancer programs.
“I just finished chemo and desperately wanted to get back to exercising. I was bald, and had a wig, and had to overcome this emotional barrier. Dr. Deming’s cycling class was the first thing I tried outside of walking. This community gave me a perspective that things would be ok. It didn’t feel weird or awkward and I just wanted to keep going.”
Not long after cycle class Louise joined the Total Training Class for survivors that includes cardio, stretching, relaxation techniques, and weights.
“I never really did strength training with weights before. I would attribute the sticktoitiveness to Above + Beyond Cancer, “ says Louise, “It’s built my confidence and knowledge.”
“My goals are to try new things, and A + BC shares that philosophy. I do things now I really didn’t do before like snowshoeing and hiking.”
Louise’s magnetic and grateful energy makes her a natural connector, and serves as volunteer leader for Above and Beyond Cancer’s Cycle Club. She also mentors newly diagnosed Breast Cancer Survivors and continues to make an impact on all those she meets.
“There aren’t many groups like Above + Beyond Cancer,” says Louise. Her advice to others, “Find a group of people to support you, be a joiner, you may blossom and succeed in ways not imaginable.”
The day we circled around Louise on Flat Top Mountain symbolizes the circle of support she helps us provide. I am grateful to call Louise a friend.
“Above and Beyond Cancer has become a big part of my life and I always say to myself, I am lucky to do this,” Louise proclaims with a smile.
Mary Van Heukelom is the Program Director for Above + Beyond Cancer. If you are inspired by Louise like we are; then take the next step to get involved and contact mary@aboveandbeyondcancer.org, visit our website www.aboveandbeyondcancer.org or follow us on facebook to learn more.
