Elephants and Tea - March 2022 - 1

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Conversation
Faith & Spirituality
A
cancer diagnosis is forever life-changing. Whether it is the individual that receives the
diagnosis or a loved one that is sitting next to them, it changes everyone's outlook on
life. The direction of that outcome is different for everyone. Yes, there can be a physical
toll, but there is something deeper that is rocked to its core. Our beliefs, our faith, and
frankly our spirit comes to a screeching halt.
According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of the words " faith " and
" spirituality " are as follows:
Faith - complete trust or confidence in someone or something
Spirituality - the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed
to material or physical things
In this magazine issue, we asked our Herd to write about faith and spirituality and how
one (or both) may have changed when facing cancer. We did not ask if anyone was religious
or following any kind of organized religion, because these words can be restrictive within
certain contexts. We allowed these wonderful writers to speak their true feelings and not
hold back based on anyone else's beliefs or opinions.
The result, frankly, is beautiful and painful all at once. Beautiful in the sense that I've
never seen this community open up in a way that is so powerful spiritually. Painful in the
sense that so many people are hurting, not because of their cancer, but because of how other
people view them and look down at them at times for just being who they are.
For some, they tied faith and spirituality to a specific religion. Some writers go into their
internal and external struggles with the organized faith that they were raised in. Not only
has their cancer experience blasted a hole in their outlook of things but also their own
personal growth challenges the institutions they were raised in. Alternatively, others tie
their article to a religion and talk about the strength in such religions or God. The balance
is truly remarkable.
Not everyone talked about religion. Some writers go in-depth on finding themselves and
believing in themselves. That is their faith, truly knowing that they can trust themselves
and who they are. Other writers go into what some consider " non-traditional " practices
for spirituality, such as yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness practices.
Ultimately, everyone comes from different backgrounds and experiences that mold who
we are today. I hope that you can connect with your fellow peers in reading this issue and
know that if you are also dealing with any faith and spiritual dilemmas, you can relate to
one of the several stories in this issue.
- Nick
NICK GIALLOURAKIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STEVEN G. CANCER FOUNDATION
ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
MARCH 2022
1

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Elephants and Tea - March 2022

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