Caregivers: The Unsung Heroes of Cancer Care
As we bid adieu to 2024 and step into the fresh canvas of the new year, Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation is ready to celebrate those who are the heartbeats behind cancer care. We’re dedicating this Changemaker Spotlight to the caregivers—those unsung heroes who provide the love, support, and strength that cancer patients and their families need on this challenging journey.
Caregiving is no easy feat; it’s a role filled with challenges, yet it’s also one of the most rewarding, demanding resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
This year, we shine our spotlight on three Alaskan caregivers who have touched lives deeply: Carol Fraser, Charlotte Ray, and Susan Browning. Their stories are tales of love, resilience, and compassion, making a world of difference for those navigating the often overwhelming world of cancer care. Through their experiences, we peek into the sacrifices, the challenges, and the profound rewards of caregiving, offering insights into how to thrive while supporting a loved one through cancer.
Carol Fraser: A Corporate Caregiver with a Heart for Alaskans
Carol Fraser isn’t one to sit idly when she sees a problem; she’s all about bringing people together to solve it. Her journey into supporting Alaskans battling cancer didn’t start with a personal diagnosis but through her work at Aspen Hotels. When she noticed the financial strain cancer patients often face, especially in the summer with high lodging costs, she knew action was needed.
Carol launched the Aspen Cancer Care Program in partnership with the American Cancer Society, providing affordable hotel stays for cancer patients and their families. Since 2020, this program has been a sanctuary for hundreds of Alaskans during their treatment.
In 2024, Carol took it a step further, introducing cancer care kits with comfort items like a teddy bear named Ray, mint tea, and lavender essence. These kits were more than just practical; they were beacons of comfort and encouragement. “We’re Alaskan- owned and operated; we have a responsibility to take care of Alaskans,” Carol says with pride.
Her efforts remind us that even in a corporate environment, small acts of kindness can have a monumental impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Charlotte Ray: Supporting Her Husband Through Life’s Toughest Battle
Charlotte Ray’s journey into caregiving began in 2020 when her husband, Bryce, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. For 45 years, Bryce had been the one caring for others as a minister, real estate agent, coach, and entrepreneur. Now, it was Charlotte’s turn to step up, balancing love with meticulous care.
“It’s about loving them up extra,” Charlotte shared, becoming Bryce’s advocate and constant companion, keeping a journal of his treatments and leaning on her faith. She found solace in Isaiah 45:3, looking for “treasures in the darkness” as signs of God’s presence. Mat-Su Valley Cancer Center became a place of community and support.
“From the very start, it felt like a breath of fresh air,” Charlotte reminisced about the compassionate and humorous staff who made them feel like family. They even celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary there with flowers!
Charlotte’s advice to caregivers is heartfelt: “Ask questions, take care of yourself, and give your loved ones the benefit of the doubt.” Her journey through caregiving and the loss of Bryce in 2022 is a testament to the depth of love and grace one can offer in the darkest of times. Bryce lost his battle to cancer at age 66.
Susan Browning: From Caregiver to Patient – The Importance of Advocacy and Looking Forward
Susan Browning is a pillar of strength who supported her husband, Fire Chief Roy Browning, through his pancreatic cancer diagnosis during the tumultuous times of COVID. Caregiving for Susan was about advocacy, closeness, and faith. “It bonds you greater with your loved one,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of looking forward to life post-cancer.
Her advocacy was crucial; she pushed for early testing, which led to an early diagnosis for Roy, significantly impacting his outcome. “Don’t be afraid to be firm and respectfully demand what you need,” Susan advises, highlighting the importance of not settling for less when it comes to care. She also speaks to the power of community, with friends and family stepping up to help with meals and home maintenance, allowing her to focus on being strong for Roy.
The twist in Susan’s story came when she herself faced breast cancer. With a family history of the disease, she’s now a vocal advocate for screenings and early detection. “Stay on top of it, get tested regularly, knowledge is power,” she advises. Her message to those battling cancer is uplifting: “It doesn’t define you. You’re more than a diagnosis… You are created in a greater image than the scars upon you.”
Practical Tips for Caregivers: Nurturing Your Loved One and Yourself
Caregiving is a journey with its share of emotional rollercoasters. Here are some tips from our featured caregivers:
- Ask Questions and Stay Organized: Be the detective of your loved one’s
health journey, keep a detailed journal, and be fearless in your questions and
advocacy. - Take Time for Self-Care: Remember, even superheroes need a break. It’s okay
to take a little time and take care of yourself too; you deserve it! - Offer Grace and Compassion: Understand that everyone’s mood can be a
rollercoaster, especially when under a mountain of stress. Be the calm in the
storm. - Create a Support System: Rally your friends, family, and community around
you. Asking for help is actually a strength, so turn caregiving into a team sport.
A Message for Alaskans Impacted by Cancer
To the caregivers standing by their loved ones in Alaska: you’re not alone. Your strength, kindness, and resilience light up the darkest paths. As we enter 2025, Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation honors you, offering support and resources. Thank you for the love and care you pour into this journey.
Your dedication is a beacon of hope and a reminder that love can indeed light the way through even the darkest times.