Brooke was able to
Clear her thoughts.

“This Respite was a chance to
reset my brain and think more
positively.”

Brooke was able to clear her thoughts.

“This Respite was a chance to
reset my brain and think more
positively.”

Our Cancer Journey

Brooke is a young mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 29 weeks pregnant with twins. The diagnosis was traumatic for Brooke, her husband and their family. They were already busy raising their 2 year old, excited to expand their family, and were shocked by the news of cancer.

Brooke was nominated to take a break from cancer by her oncology team at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. Brooke, herself, is an RN and her good friend and coworker, Miranda, had the honor of nominating Brooke’s family for a respite experience.

img_4616

Miranda shared an emotional letter with us as she nominated Brooke for her respite. You can read it below.

“Brooke is an ideal candidate for the FPS mission. She’s not just a breast cancer patient, she is my friend and coworker. She’s dedicated her career to oncology patients and is an exceptional nurse. She makes it a point to get to know our patients on a personal level, and it’s reassuring for them to know they are not just another person in a treatment chair.

Brooke and her husband, Nate, have 3 adorable children. They struggled for years with infertility and were blessed with their daughter in 2019 after a successful IVF treatment. Wanting to expand their family, they decided to go another round of IVF even though the first time was not easy. One embryo was implanted and it happened to split into two – identical twin boys were on the way! It was a terrifying and exciting time as they planned to go from 1 to 3 kids. In April, while very pregnant, Brooke felt a lump in her breast and learned that it was breast cancer.

A lot of times, I help patients who are overwhelmed and terrified. I’ve helped patients before who are diagnosed while pregnant. But this time, it was my friend. I hear in much more detail her fears and worries. Brooke has been consumed by her diagnosis, sitting around, watching her family and imagining not being there and not seeing her kids grow up. Brooke’s diagnosis is favorable, and we are grateful, but it doesn’t take away the fear. When you work in oncology, you know patients with a great prognosis can relapse and the fear is real.

I know a respite experience will be a nice change of pace for their family. Thank you for your consideration!”

Our Break From Cancer

Brooke and her family were gifted a Travel Respite to Woodloch Resort and they loved every minute of their time together!

“This respite allowed me to get away from my experience with cancer. I was able to clear my thoughts and stop constantly worrying. My husband relaxed and was able to finally see me ‘let loose!’.  It allowed us all to see how crazy the past 8 months have really been, and I feel even more fortunate that my cancer was caught early and that the diagnosis is favorable.

I think FPS is just a wonderful organization and I feel so blessed to have this respite gifted to me and my family.”

View More of
Our Stories

Our Travelers take a break from what life with cancer has become with doctor visits, surgery, tests and treatment. Through a unique gift of time together, they create priceless magical, memorable moments, experience immeasurable joy amidst devastating crisis, confront cancer hardships together and find emotional healing, hope and happiness during an uncertain and tumultuous time.

airplane

Give A Break From Cancer

Every donation helps. Give the gift of a a break from cancer by making a monthly or single donation to our program. Learn more about our donation options and other ways you can help.