A cancer diagnosis impacts far more than the body. It can affect every part of a person’s emotional and mental well-being. From the moment of “what if” to diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, caregiving, grief…and everything in between. 

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Cancer Care Services wants to acknowledge something we see every day: cancer is not just a medical journey. It is an emotional one, too.  

Fear. Anxiety. Anger. Isolation. Exhaustion. Uncertainty. These are all common experiences for people affected by cancer. Yet many individuals feel pressure to “stay positive” or keep moving forward without fully processing what they are carrying emotionally.  

The truth is this: struggling emotionally during cancer does NOT mean you are weak. It means you are human.  

The Emotional Weight of Cancer 

Cancer can interrupt every aspect of life: 

• Relationships and family dynamics 
• Employment and financial stability 
• Identity and independence  
• Physical comfort and body image 
• Daily routines and future plans 

For caregivers, the emotional burden can be equally significant. Many caregivers quietly carry stress, anticipatory grief, burnout and anxiety while trying to remain strong for someone they love.  

Children and teens are impacted too. Young people may not always have the words to express fear or confusion when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer. Sometimes those emotions show up through withdrawal, acting out, changes in school performance or increased anxiety.  

Mental health support is not “extra” during cancer care. It is essential.  

Whole-Person Cancer Care 

At Cancer Care Services, we believe that no one should cope with cancer alone. Our approach to care recognizes that emotional support is just as important as medical treatment.  

Our social workers provide emotional support, resource navigation and practical assistance to individuals and families impacted by cancer. While our services are centered in Tarrant County, we also strive to connect those outside our area with helpful resources whenever possible. Whether someone needs a safe space to process emotions, support navigating difficult conversations, help managing financial stressors, or connection to community resources, our team is here to help.   

We also create opportunities for connection and healing through programs like: 

• Support groups 
• Children and Teen Programming  
• Family activities and camps 
• Survivor and caregiver support experiences  
• Community connection opportunities  

Because healing is not only physical. Sometimes healing looks like: 

• Feeling understood 
• Finding community 
• Asking for help 
• Laughing again 
• Having one less burden to carry 
• Knowing someone is walking alongside you  

There is no “right way” to cope with cancer. Some people want to talk immediately. Others need time. Some feel hopeful one day and overwhelmed the next. All of those responses are valid. This month serves as an important reminder to check in – not only on physical health, but emotional health too.  

At Cancer Care Services, we believe emotional support, connection and compassion are vital parts of cancer care. No one should have to walk this journey alone.

Becky Williams, MSW

Vice President of Programs

(817) 921-0653

As the Spiritual Support Coordinator at Cancer Care Services, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals navigating cancer. One thing I have learned is this: healing is never just physical.

While medical treatment is essential, many of our clients also need emotional and spiritual support to process the fear, stress, and uncertainty that cancer brings. That’s why Cancer Care Services is committed to offering non-denominational spiritual care. We believe in a holistic approach — creating space for anyone to connect, regardless of background, beliefs, or traditions.

Spirituality vs. Religion: Why the Difference Matters

It’s important to understand that spirituality and religion are not the same.

Religion often involves shared beliefs, structured practices, and traditions within a specific faith community. Spirituality, on the other hand, is centered on meaning, connection, purpose, and inner peace. It can be practiced within a religion, or completely outside of one.

At Cancer Care Services, our approach is intentionally spiritual rather than religious. We focus on helping patients, caregivers, and survivors reconnect with themselves, find grounding, and experience moments of peace during one of the most challenging seasons of their lives.

It’s natural for individuals facing cancer to begin searching for deeper meaning and purpose after diagnosis. The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation explains that spirituality is often how people make sense of their world, values, and place in life during illness (Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation, 2019). For some, this may look like meditation, time in nature, journaling, reflection, or strengthening relationships. All are unique expressions of spirituality that help individuals navigate the emotional impact of cancer.

Why Spiritual Support Helps

A cancer diagnosis affects every part of a person’s life and sometimes spirituality is the area that is most shaken. Spiritual support creates space to breathe, reflect, and re-center.

It offers emotional grounding, a sense of connection, and moments to quiet the mind and spirit. At Cancer Care Services, we offer ongoing events designed to foster spiritual reflection for those impacted by cancer.

I have seen clients walk into an event feeling overwhelmed and leave calmer, lighter, and more supported. A moment of stillness, prayer, meditation, or reflection can shift not only their day, but their perspective on their journey.

Research supports the importance of integrating spirituality into healthcare. A large review led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that when spirituality is overlooked, patients may feel disconnected from the healthcare system and their care teams (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2022). The study emphasizes that thoughtfully integrating spirituality into patient care can improve overall well-being and contribute to a more complete model of holistic health.

How Cancer Care Services Provides Spiritual Support

At Cancer Care Services, we host ongoing spiritual wellness events designed to help cancer patients and their loved ones reconnect with themselves and with one another.

Some of our recent activities include:

· Trips to botanical gardens

· Guided meditation sessions

· Optional non-denominational Bible Study

· Aromatherapy and candle-making workshops

· Nutrition and grounding classes

· Sound bowl therapy

· A day-long Spiritual Retreat

In September 2025, we held our very first Spiritual Retreat. The retreat included planting activities, meditation, aromatherapy, grounding practices, and more. It created a peaceful environment where clients could relax, share openly, and simply be present for themselves and within shared community.

All of our spiritual wellness events are offered free of charge and include materials and meals. As patients, caregivers, and survivors face the many hardships that cancer brings, Cancer Care Services provides the space, time, and resources to nurture spiritual connection and community.

This program is open to anyone interested. Events are also at times offered online for those who cannot attend in person. Individuals may participate in our Spiritual Support programs even if they do not live in Tarrant County or do not qualify for financial services.

A Program That Makes a Real Difference

The Spiritual Support Program at Cancer Care Services is more than a service offering: it has become a lifeline for many clients navigating one of the hardest experiences of their lives.

It provides comfort. It builds connection. It fosters belonging.

Spiritual support does not replace medical care, but it strengthens the healing process by caring for the whole person. For many of our clients, that holistic support is exactly what helps them keep moving forward.

Are you interested in joining our spiritual care group? Email Jamie today and come to our next spiritual care event!

Jamie Madrigal, MSW

Case Manager & Spiritual Support Coordinator

Sources:

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2022). Spirituality linked to better health outcomes and patient care. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/spirituality-better-health-outcomes-patient-care/

Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation. (2019). Spirituality and Cancer. https://netrf.org/2019/12/19/spirituality-and-cancer/

As of November 1, 2025, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, has been partially funded due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Millions of families across the U.S. including more than 3.5 million Texans will receive reduced food benefits this month, roughly half of what they normally receive. For individuals and families facing cancer, this reduction is especially painful.

At Cancer Care Services, we know that food is medicine. When someone in treatment loses or has a significant reduction in nutritional support, the impact goes far beyond the dinner table. It affects energy levels, emotional health, and even the ability to stay on treatment.

That’s why our team has already taken steps to respond.

Why This SNAP Reduction Matters for People with Cancer

The partial SNAP funding means that many Texans, especially those with limited income, will see smaller benefits or delays in receiving them on their Lone Star Cards. While state and federal officials continue working toward a long-term solution, uncertainty has already created stress for families who rely on these benefits to meet basic needs.

Recent data from Tarrant Area Food Bank shows that more than 220,000 families in Tarrant County are eligible for SNAP benefits.

For people with cancer, good nutrition is not optional, it’s essential. It supports healing, energy, and treatment adherence. Yet cancer treatment often causes financial hardship: lost wages, high medical bills, and increased transportation costs. When food support shrinks, patients can face an impossible choice between paying for treatment or paying for groceries.

Cancer isn’t just about medicine. It’s about helping clients find stability financially, emotionally, and physically. This partial benefit funding underscores how fragile that stability can be.

How Cancer Care Services Is Responding

When news broke that SNAP would only be partially funded this month, our staff immediately began assessing how this would affect our clients and their families. We’re responding on several fronts:

• Emergency Food Support: Thanks to the generosity of this community, we’ve expanded access to grocery gift cards and emergency assistance funds to help clients purchase nutritious food. When federal benefits fall short, we step in to bridge the gap.
• Resource Navigation: Our social work team is ready to help anyone relying on SNAP find nearby food pantries and community programs. We’re working closely with partners like Tarrant Area Food Bank, local churches, and neighborhood centers to keep families nourished.
• Community Collaboration: Cancer Care is connected with healthcare providers, social workers, and partner nonprofits across North Texas to coordinate referrals and share the most current information about food resources.
• Advocacy and Awareness: We’re using our voice to highlight how food insecurity affects health outcomes for those in cancer treatment, and to encourage collaboration across our community to ensure no one goes hungry while fighting cancer.

We know this situation is difficult, but we also know our community is strong. When public systems falter, neighbors step in to lift one another up.

What Clients Can Do Right Now

If you or someone you know is affected by the reduced SNAP benefits, here are a few important steps to take:

1. Check your EBT balance: Use any remaining funds for shelf-stable and high-protein foods to stretch your groceries.
2. Contact your Cancer Care Services social worker. We can connect you to emergency grocery support, food pantries, and community partners offering assistance. The Tarrant Area Food Bank’s “Find Food Map” helps locate food resources by ZIP code: https://tafb.org/find-food-main/.
3. Call 2-1-1. This free resource line can help locate nearby food pantries and meal programs: https://www.uwtexas.org/2-1-1-texas.
4. Talk to your healthcare team. If food insecurity is affecting your ability to follow your treatment plan, let them know — nutrition is an essential part of your care.

You don’t have to face this alone. Our social work team is here to help you and your family.

Moving Forward Together

The coming weeks may continue to bring uncertainty for families depending on SNAP benefits. But here at Cancer Care Services, our commitment remains the same: to ensure that no one

faces cancer alone, or is hungry. We’ll continue to walk beside our clients, connecting them to resources, easing financial stress, and making sure nourishment and care go hand in hand.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to our team at 817-921-0653 or info@cancercareservices.org. If you’d like to support our financial assistance program, visit givebutter.com/KazQep to give.

Together, we can turn compassion into action, because cancer care doesn’t stop when the food supply does.

Becky Williams, MSW

Vice President of Programs

(817) 921-0653

Cancer Care Services is a nonpartisan organization. This message is not intended to express a political viewpoint, but rather to provide timely information and support for individuals and families affected by cancer who may be impacted by the current changes to SNAP benefits.

About Teddi

Teddi started as our Director of Donor & Community Engagement in March and has hit the ground running.

My name is Teddi Wiggins, and I am the new Director of Donor & Community Engagement at Cancer Care Services. I come from Eunice, Louisiana, a small town of less than 10,000 in southern Louisiana known as the “Prairie Cajun Capital” and known for its traditional Cajun and Creole culture. I lived in this colorful Cajun city until I moved to Fort Worth at age 7. By time standards, I am a Texan and proud to be one. But my heart and soul will always be rooted in southern Louisiana. I love people, good food, hospitality, and great music!

I’m married, have two grown sons, and three fur babies that I’m more than happy to tell you about. I’m also a die-hard TCU Frog fan. Purple is my color, and the Horned Frogs are my team!

Teddi’s “Why”

I am thrilled to be part of the life-changing team at Cancer Care Services. I have served in the non-profit world for over 15+ years. I’ve advocated for children in the foster care system, found perfect transplant matches for blood cancer patients, and granted wishes to critically ill children! All these missions have been close to my heart, but Cancer Care truly describes my “why”. I lost my mother and best friend in 2004 to ovarian cancer. My mother was 63, beautiful, full of life, healthy, and unexpectedly diagnosed with this deadly disease. Her cancer journey and death changed my family forever. My prayer is that I honor her in the work I do at this amazing agency every day.

Cancer Care Services embodies a feeling of family,  and I felt at home and welcomed by everyone on the team. The commitment to our mission is evident in the time, hard work, and relationships that each staff member builds with our clients and donors. The services we provide are essential and personify the saying, “ no one should cope with cancer alone.”

About Graham

Graham started as our Development and Marketing Coordinator in April and is working hard to continue building our marketing strategy.

Hello! My name is Graham Hetherington, and I am excited to share that I have recently started my role as the Development and Marketing Coordinator at Cancer Care Services. I was born and raised in Arlington, Texas, and I have always loved growing up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Serving in a position that positively impacts my community has already been a blessing.

I am an avid reader and enjoy trying new foods, going to the movies, and spending time with my friends and family. I attended the University of Arkansas (Woo Pig!), and I returned to DFW last year, where I worked on the public relations team at the State Fair of Texas. I am excited to continue developing a marketing strategy at Cancer Care Services.

I look forward to sharing the story of this organization with all of you. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as we have some exciting things coming up. Stay tuned!

Graham’s “Why”

In the short time I have been here, I have come to appreciate how special this organization and this team truly are. During my first week, I had the privilege of meeting the incredible Melanie, whose story inspired me deeply. I’ve been moved by everyone who has shared their “why” and what makes this mission personal to them; that connection is at the heart of this organization.

For me, my “why” is my grandfather. He was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin lymphoma when I was in elementary school, and he was the strongest man I have ever known. Before his diagnosis, he taught all of his grandchildren how to play golf and how to drive a golf cart—two activities he was passionate about. Learning that the cancer had affected his ability to walk was devastating. However, my grandfather, being the resilient man he was, not only fought and beat cancer but also made sure he could walk with the aid of leg braces and a walker. He even taught himself how to drive again and embraced his new normal, never missing a beat until he passed away in 2022. Despite all his hardships, my grandfather remained one of the most joyful people I know. He loved to whistle, listen to music, and watch his westerns. I am truly honored to continue his legacy by working for such an amazing non-profit.

• $463,545 provided in direct financial assistance
• 73% of adults who completed counseling felt less distress
• 36% increase in clients who used transportation assistance to get to and from treatment
• 572 months of health insurance premiums were paid, enabling clients to receive treatment

“It would definitely be detrimental to the community to lose access to Cancer Care Services because it is so comprehensive and wellrounded. [Cancer Care] is access for the whole family, not just the patient, which is so important…because it’s not just the patient who is sick – it’s the whole family.”

– Erica, Cancer Survivor & Caregiver

Cancer Care’s 2023 Impact Report