In addition, caregivers and those close to someone who is dealing with cancer are welcome. In September of 2007, the Open Arms Cancer Support Group began as the chemo brainchild (you won’t find that one in Webster’s so just roll with it), of three cancer survivors, (Ella Bunting, Michele Thorp, & Leslie Milller). The three survivors knew that there were many other like themselves who wanted/needed
to get together to talk through the many side issues of living and dealing with cancers that the doctors simply had no time to address. As the women had been through a number of different forms of cancer: breast, uterine, colon, liver, bone, & lung – they decided it was important to welcome anyone with ANY type of cancer into the group. No one, they realized, should ever have to go through this alone. At this same time, it was decided to include anyone who may not have cancer themselves but who might be dealing with cancer as a family member, friend, or caregivers. At the very first meeting, one of the founders wound up in the hospital so the other two led the group. There were about six people at that very first meeting. It was agreed at that time that the group would meet the first Monday of every month, (except during those months when the first Monday is a holiday, in which case they would meet the second Monday), @ 10:00 a.m. @ Grace Lutheran Church, 115 Unity Street, Thomasville, North Carolina. In 2011, the name of the group was officially changed to "The Ella Bunting Open Arms Cancer Support Group" in honor of one of the founding members (Ella Bunting). Calling Ella an inspiration is putting it mildly -- for the last 18 (yes, eighteen!) years, she fought back with her pink gloves against "The Big C". On December 30, 2011, our sweet Ella gained her heavenly wings. Her zest for life, her faith in the Lord, and her love for others shall guide us as we reach out to others facing the same battles she fought. We shall surely miss her kind soul, her quick wit, and her inspiration but we know she is at home and "saving us a seat." Once a month, the group gets together to share coffee, snacks, and free flowing discussions about getting through the cancer experience and anything else that comes to mind. We laugh and cry, we learn from each other, and we discover very quickly that we are not alone. No matter what experience someone brings to the group, they will see other heads nodding in agreement. There is such great comfort in knowing that others have walked the same path and that you have "back-up." Today the group has over a hundred members on their mailing list for the group’s monthly newsletter. Membership is free as is the monthly newsletter. To be added to the mailing list, please let us know.
***As a side note from the one setting up the page, Leslie, Michele, and Ella are the true heroes -- same goes for anyone facing a diagnosis involving cancer, whether it's your own or someone close to you. Some days/posts, you'll have to just overlook us. We can get downright goofy sometimes but rest assured, it'll probably get worse. Seriously though, we welcome all to join us as we provide support, friendship, love, and entertainment. -- Leah P.
