Tip the balance toward joy and well-being in the midst of cancer
“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
We are passionate about encouraging people facing cancer to find balance, peace and joy in their daily lives. Our goal is to provide helpful tools, hints and strategies so the path of cancer is eased and the joy of life is rediscovered. Our hope is that anyone living with cancer recognizes that cancer does not have to define one’s experience. Rather, well-being – regardless of what cancer is doing – is always possible. We offer practical resources for cancer survivors, caregivers, and health care professionals to maintain joy after cancer.
What Is ‘Don’t Let Cancer Steal Your Joy’ All About?
Living with the uncertainty of cancer can cause stress and worry that persist long after the initial diagnosis and treatment is over. These thoughts and feelings are normal. However, in some situations, the distress caused by worrying about cancer may do more harm physically, emotionally and spiritually than the cancer itself could ever do. Many cancer survivors have found ways to maintain, and even increase joy in the midst of cancer. Their stories provided the inspiration for the ‘Don’t Let Cancer Steal Your Joy’ campaign.
This website will explore how people facing cancer have found, maintained, and enhanced their joy. We define this 'joy' as a sense of contentment, fulfillment and well-being. It is independent of circumstances or external factors. It can enhance one’s quality of life, overcome fear, and allow people to face the most challenging of situations with a sense of peace. We review relevant resources and techniques learned from behavioral theory, positive psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and religion in order to provide tools that can be used to optimize well-being in the setting of cancer. Key strategies include mindfulness, gratitude, generosity, self-care, and finding one’s greater purpose.
Ultimately we aim to serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration for cancer survivors who are seeking a life of resilience and joy. Our hope is that you discover that cancer doesn’t have to deprive you of your joy. Don’t let cancer steal your joy!
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Who We Are:
Ted James, MD, MS, FACS
Surgical Oncologist / Founder, Don't Let Cancer Steal Your Joy
The inspiration for 'Don't Let Cancer Steal Your Joy' comes from the many lessons I have learned over the years caring for patients adjusting to life with cancer. My goal is to share the philosophies and strategies of those who have been able to successfully enhance their quality of life in the setting of cancer. Well-being is vitally important in all phases of cancer survivorship. It should focus on the entire person including physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Encouragement and empowerment can significantly enrich the lives of others in any circumstance.
Bio: Dr. Ted James serves as Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology and Co-Director of the BreastCare Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School. He works with professional organizations on issues related to patient advocacy, cancer survivorship, and quality improvement in cancer care delivery. The goal of these efforts is to provide support for patients with cancer and improve the level of care that patients experience when receiving treatment.