Submitted by John Blue
From PHN Issue 55, Winter 2024
“Remember What We Are Fighting For”
We, the brothers, cancer survivors at Huntingdon in Pennsylvania, along with some of the medical staff, have started a cancer support group. We meet a couple times each month to help each other fight this monster that has come into our lives.
As our support group is in its infancy, we’ve been approved to have our first fundraiser in the form of a walk-a-thon to support the surrounding communities. I write this with the hope that you will publish this letter of notice so others in our position can realize that they too can lean on one another and fight this horrible disease that affects us all in one way or another. Our founder and group facilitator, Darryl Butler, CN6175, with staff supervisor Ms. Melanie Wagman, L.P.N., starts every group off by saying: “Remember What We Are Fighting For!” And that’s a cancer-free life to share with our family and friends. Thank you for your time and ears.
—the men fighting back at Huntingdon
Cancer Support Group
“Remember What You Are Fighting For”
- This cancer support group was developed for those who are battling this deadly disease to have a designated time and space to come together, be themselves, and relate to one another.
- This group is dedicated toward helping its members “Remember What You Are Fighting For” and acquiring the tools and knowledge necessary to be successful.
- Our aim is to provide a peaceful and non-judgemental environment; one of inclusion, inspiration, encouragement, empathy, and direction.
- Our short-term aim is for group members to be supportive of one another while learning from each other’s individual experiences what could be expected in the course of this battle. The long-term aim is to raise cancer awareness and generate support from within our population, as well as from outside groups.
Prison Health News 