Aredia Denise Taylor describes fellow participants in CSCNT’s Living with Advanced Cancer support group as “close-knit brothers and sisters” both in and outside the clubhouse.
“I don’t care what you have going on – you don’t want to miss group,” Aredia says. “We know each one of us is looking out for the other.”
Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2014, Aredia has been coming to Cancer Support Community North Texas ever since. She sees the clubhouse as a second home where she can come for peace, to read and have fellowship with other cancer survivors and their families. Aredia has benefited from what she calls the “phenomenal” speakers providing cancer education, nutrition and other useful information. She also enjoys CSCNT’s movie nights, potlucks, gardening, playing games, walks in the park and more.
Taking her involvement a step further, Aredia joined the CSCNT Member Advisory Council. “I have that longevity at CSCNT and know what cancer survivors are looking for and what we need,” Aredia shares. “There’s some things the staff may not realize, so that’s why it’s always good to sit down and talk and bring awareness of what the need is for the betterment of the people who need support.”
Along with advising staff, Aredia says, “I’m like a salesperson for CSCNT, and I don’t sell false hope. I’ve encouraged a lot of people to come.”
When she was first diagnosed in 2015, Aredia read that the life expectancy for multiple myeloma was three to five years. “It took my breath away,” she says. “I felt like an elephant was standing on my chest. CSCNT resuscitated me. It has allowed me to breathe. I want to keep on breathing.”
Aredia adds that CSCNT has been with her during dark hours when she felt she couldn’t do this anymore. She credits CSCNT for being an “avenue that has allowed me to make it as long as I have with my diagnosis. I don’t want to imagine walking this journey without CSCNT.”