My Experience with Hope Abounds

 “Hi, my name is Gwen Kielman, and I want to share with you my experience with Hope Abounds. I never planned on hearing the words, you have cancer. It came as a complete shock and surprise, and I felt like my world had been flipped upside down. I was faced with life changing decisions, people to inform, and countless doctor's visits.

When the dust settled and the course of treatment had been decided upon, I focused on the finish line - the completion of treatment. From losing my hair while receiving 14 chemo treatments, the finish line was the dangling carrot that pulled me forward, with hopes that my life would once again continue with some normalcy. 

Hope Abounds calmed my soul.

I was blessed during this journey with a wonderful support system. Luckily, a friend of mine put me in contact with Hope Abounds. Hope Abounds calmed my soul. They talked me through what my journey would entail, gave me suggestions for questions to ask, and assured me I was in wonderful hands with my care team, as they'd worked closely with many of my doctors. They prayed with me and for me. As scary as my diagnosis was, I knew I was going to be okay. I had to be. I needed to stay positive. 

My first four chemotherapy treatments were every other week while I received the AC drugs. The effects of each treatment got worse as I'd been warned would be the case. My hair started coming out right after treatment too, and my husband shaved my head as I sat in our bathtub and cried. He kept assuring me we were in this together, and bald or not, he found me attractive and he loved me. I don't consider myself a vain person, but losing my hair was the worst. I didn't feel pretty, and I didn't recognize myself in the mirror. 

Thankfully Hope Abounds had prepared me for this too. They recommended I visit Kendall Fuqua, owner of Salon Beyond Basics, who could help me find a wig. Not only did he make the experience as painless as possible for me, he was also such a support for my daughter, who had joined me to pick out my wig. Patty Drain also offered such insight on type and care involved. 

Friday, May 6th, was surgery day. I crossed the finish line. Thanks so much to everyone that has been a support to me and my family. Thank you for being a warrior with me. 

Since surgery, I've clawed my way back to my normal life. I've also learned through this whole experience that life is short. Love those that love you. Love hard. Forgiveness is necessary and needed. Kindness is always appreciated. I'm grateful for Hope Abounds. This organization is one I will forever support as they offered support to me when I needed it most.

This organization is one I will forever support as they offered support to me when I needed it most.

Thank you.”