Cancer Affects Everyone

By Dr. Richard Vesper — Bailey’s Clubhouse Board Member

The initial diagnosis is devastating. The progressive nature of this disease affects the present and the future of both the patient, family, and friends. I will never forget the night my son Kyle said “Dad, I have a brain tumor”. Disbelief, denial, and overwhelming anger on a personal level as you immediately focus on the needs of your loved one.

The specific diagnosis and prognosis way heavily on everyone’s ability to negotiate the “new reality” throughout the process and especially in the loss of a loved one. Grief is overwhelming.

You never “move” on from grief. If you are fortunate, you learn to move forward, becoming more focused and appreciative of the present with family and friends. You move forward with your lost loved one, recognizing that much of who you have been affected by their life with you.

For over six years, I struggled to find purpose in the loss of my son. The grief and emptiness were at times overwhelming. I wanted and needed to somehow give purpose to the loss of my son in helping others. One day, Sandra Miller and Bailey’s Clubhouse found me. It has become a gift to join the Hosket Family and the entire board in sharing in the mission of Bailey’s Clubhouse and ensuring its success.

The vision of Bailey’s Clubhouse; to reduce the stress for parents undergoing cancer treatment by providing childcare during their medical appointments. Childcare access improves compliance and attendance for complex and lengthy oncology treatment plans. Ultimately the physical and mental health status of both the children and parents/guardians will be improved through the services at Bailey’s Clubhouse.