Testimonials

Testimonials.

My thoughts of thanks, (beyond those of being blessed with my family) drift toward the Brighter Tomorrows group. The longer and more intertwined we become in this cancer world, the more important these people, along with the network of their experiences, become to us. It is our good fortune to be a part of this group.  Janet Johnson (Mother of Axel, Rhabdomyosarcoma)

Brighter Tomorrows has been an essential part of our support team as we continue our son’s cancer journey. Knowing that there is a caring group of folks you can see each month who have walked in your shoes and who feel your pain helps as you try to come to grips with this terrible illness. Brighter Tomorrows has offered an outlet for the kids and their siblings to have some happy moments with others who have shared their experiences. Brighter Tomorrows is a lifeline no family fighting a child’s cancer should be without. Tom Canan (Father of Will, Medulloblastoma)

I attended our first Brighter Tomorrows get-together after searching for some answers. I needed someone to talk to so I called the number on the brochure. What I heard on the other end of the line was just what I needed: “I’m here for you”. There was an immediate connection. We’re very excited to be a part of Brighter Tomorrows. We’ve made amazing friends. When we go home to Michigan, we miss everyone terribly – there’s not a lot of understanding out there about pediatric cancer.  Kim Kelly (Mother of Hannah, Fibrosarcoma)

Brighter Tomorrows has given care and support to many families facing a new diagnosis of childhood cancer. I have been impressed by the awesome job the founding families have done in taking a vision and making it a reality in such a short time. I hear first hand from the families who have been helped and supported by Brighter Tomorrows. What a privilege to know these wonderful families. Keep up the good work and thanks so much.  Donna Betcher, RN, MS, PNP, Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic

“Its fun”, smiles Hannah, recalling the Brighter Tomorrows’ meetings. “We do crafts, play games, make hospital visits, and just visit with each other. One night, five of my friends (all cancer survivors) sat around in a circle on my bed in the Ronald McDonald House and talked. We had so much fun, that now we do it after most of our Brighter Tomorrows’ meetings.”  Hannah Kelly (Cancer Survivor, age 12)

The mission of Brighter Tomorrows goes hand-in-hand with the mission of the Ronald McDonald House. Together we share a commitment to the care and support of families with ill children. Nearly 30 years ago, the Ronald McDonald House was founded by parents of children facing cancer. Now, through the outreach of Brighter Tomorrows, the impact has come full circle. It is our privilege to host Brighter Tomorrows meetings and to partner with such a fine group.  Linda Bonow, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House

As a cancer survivor, amputee, college graduate, and lover of life, there is no place that I would rather spend my time than with a Brighter Tomorrows group. More than the fun that is had, is the beauty that is shared in the deep compassion of any look between survivors, siblings, or parents, simply saying: “I understand.” As we make hospital visits, dream, laugh, and live together, we learn love. A deep, true, lasting, life changing, love. That fact has made cancer everything for me. It’s changed sorrow into passion, and has, without a doubt, made cancer the biggest blessing in all of my life.  Shanna Decker (Cancer Survivor, age 21)

Brighter Tomorrows hosted a family retreat at Faith’s Lodge in Danbury, WI allowing many of the cancer families to spend the weekend together. It was exactly what our family needed. We shared many tears and much laughter. It was such an honor and privilege to share this time with these amazing families and children. I so wish I could better articulate the power of these relationships but until you walk in our shoes, I do not think it possible. Brighter Tomorrows brings families together to provide ongoing love, support, and guidance through one of the most difficult journeys we will ever face in life. Liz Canan (Mother of Will, Medulloblastoma)

I continue to be amazed by the turnouts for the Brighter Tomorrows meetings; 61 in attendance last Tuesday. We share a meal together and then have time for sharing. We applaud those who receive good news and cry with those who receive difficult news. It is truly a gift for the families to be together to encourage one another and walk with each other on this difficult journey. Brighter Tomorrows motto is: “Because no one should ever have to face a childhood cancer diagnosis alone”.  Teresa Carlson (Mother of Luke, Osteogenic Sarcoma)

We took our girls to a cancer support group called Brighter Tomorrows. They had a blast! We enjoyed a meal supplied by McDonalds, the kids played with a bunch of other kids, while we got to have adult conversations. Then the children decorated cookies and wrapped presents to give to children staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Everyone at the meeting was so welcoming and our girls loved their time there. It was also nice for us to share our story while gaining the support we needed from others.   Heather vanKoeverden (Mother of Ana, Pilocytic astrocytoma)