Elephants and Tea - One Herd - 28

Our Voices
Before this illness, I did not know what support groups were. Now,
I cannot overstate how extraordinarily helpful they have been
throughout these months.
I see the aplastic anemia support
group every week via Zoom. The
couple who run it are filled with
compassion, patience, and upbeat
optimism. Tessa wrote a book on
her experience dealing with her
husband's aplastic anemia that I
have purchased. I am inspired by this
example, and their deep faith to
write and share my own story.
Two members of this group and
I are in a group chat together. I
asked them so many questions about
cyclosporine side effects, fighting
insurance and hospital billing
departments, and the depression
that comes with the aftermath
of diagnosis and the start of
treatment.
In a message to them, I wrote
that due to my desperate situation
in May, " I was pleasantly surprised
to find that I was not at all
frightened of death. I was ready
for it. Strangely, I think the
disease made me afraid of life. "
The large granular lymphocyte (LGL)leukemia
support group allowed me to
meet Cody. I appreciate his knowledge,
encouragement, and his resources so much.
Then there is this group, Elephants and Tea and Cactus Cancer
Society YA Cancer Gabfest's poignant, emboldening, inspiring
open mic night.
28
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ONE HERD ISSUE 2025

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Elephants and Tea - One Herd

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