The world's biggest coffee morning -- how wonderful is that? Who doesn't like a cup of coffee and some schmoozing?
I know that health care in the UK is very different from in the US. There are charitable trusts to financially support cancer programs. What I love about UK cancer groups is that they make a huge push to bring it home to the people. Not only do they make the public more aware of their programs, they offer great connectivity between cancer patients and the rest of the world, the so-called "normal" population:
http://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx
Here's a little secret about events like this. They feel good. They feel human. They serve a real purpose, because they involve something we all enjoy doing -- socializing over coffee. It's part public awareness campaign, part fundraiser, and lots of fun. Not everyone can run a 5K or walk for a cause. But who can't sit down with friends and neighbors for a cup of coffee? It's so people-friendly.
The truth is there is nothing fun about cancer. It stinks. It changes families. It changes lives. It changes the people who have the disease. But when we connect on a human level and we reach out to share, that's when communities form. That's when support becomes real. "I've been there. Let me share with you the tricks I used to get through it."
A lot of people shy away from support groups. Sometimes emotions are just too raw, too close to the surface. People don't want to think about their feelings, let alone talk about them. That's why events like the World's Biggest Coffee Morning make sense. It's about coming together in a fun way to deal with a nasty disease. Hats off to the Macmillan Cancer Support people. This is a brilliant idea.
If you're a cancer caregiver, and you need tips and advice on helping your loved one, visit:
The Practical Caregiver Guides
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