ASIM AMEER
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Asim Ameer has lived with his wife and two
children in the U.S. for 15 years. Asim was diagnosed with lung cancer
in early 2008 and was initially “very scared” by the diagnosis. Over
time, he decided to accept the hand he was dealt and set-out to make the
most of it. In May 2008, Asim picked up The Wellness Community calendar
at his radiation oncologist’s office. “I was interested in a support
group and I found the one on Monday afternoon was “the best thing since
sliced bread. You’re basically with a group of people that have become
members of a club nobody wants to be a part of,” says Asim, with a
smile. “But the longer you attend, the more the others become kindred
spirits. Sometimes you might walk into the group in dark despair and
walk out with a big smile, thinking about the “tumor humor” joke you
heard. On other days, someone will share a deeply personal story and
giving them a shoulder to lean on and showing empathy is your gift to
them,” adds Asim. “The people in your group know the ups and downs that
you have endured and will be there with a sympathetic ear. They will
share what has worked for them and what has not. So it is a meeting of
the minds.”
LINDA BENES
Although Linda Benes has dealt with COPD for years, her doctor found the
beginning stages of lung cancer during a routine X-Ray in late 2007,
which was followed up with Cyberknife radiation in early 2008. “Anyone
diagnosed with cancer knows the shock, fear, depression, and loneliness
that can set in,” says Linda. “Nothing—not even supportive family and
friends—could make me feel better.” After she got back on her feet from
the side effects of treatment, Linda joined a weekly support group at
The Wellness Community. “I needed help and the facilitator and other
participants were right there for me, giving
information, understanding, and encouragement,” says Linda. “Some
meetings are intense. Some are full of laughter and other times we cry,
but we are together. Currently, Linda requires no further treatment. Her
upcoming tests will determine what’s next. |