A CHSCF Blog
Shoe Prints
Stories told with humor, insight and all things young adult cancer.
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Stories and insights
Cassie, Unfiltered
Each Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on our final holiday with Cassie, a day filled with dalmatian-spotted T-shirts, a crowd of puppies, and so much love. This year, I’m sharing an email Cassie sent to Chris and me not long before hospice, offering her very honest, very Cassie reflections on the five stages of grief. Her words are raw, funny, heartbreaking, and full of life. A glimpse into the young woman behind the legacy.
Always Ready
When cancer is part of your life, you learn to always be ready for the unexpected. From a packed hospital bag to Plans A–E at Base2Summit, sometimes the best we can do is be prepared and find joy anyway.
To Share or Not to Share?
From CaringBridge updates in 2008 to social media today, sharing difficult news has never been simple. This month’s Shoe Prints Karen explores the delicate balance between keeping people informed and protecting the parts of your story that belong only to you.
The Good We Leave Behind
Base2Summit participants arrive as strangers and leave as family. As CHSCF celebrated its first independently hosted program, one small act of kindness reminded us that even after cancer, these remarkable young adults continue to make the path easier for those who come behind them.
Normandy Was the Destination—Perspective Was the Gift
In the quiet, powerful landscape of Normandy, we found more than history—we found perspective. A reminder of why we lead, serve, and continue building something meaningful through CHSCF.
Get the Dog! Moments from a Caregiver-Mom
When my kids asked for something unexpected, my answer was usually the same: What? No. Why?
But cancer has a way of rewriting the rules, even the parenting ones.
Part 3: The Final Ride “Home”
This is Part 3 of a three-part hospice reflection originally written after Cassie’s death. It is being reposted as originally written, with only minor formatting changes. These reflections share our family’s experience with hospice and end-of-life care.
Part 2: Those Seven Words
This is Post 2 of a three-part hospice reflection originally written after Cassie’s death.
Part 1 The Unsayable Word—Hospice
This post is part 1 of a three-part hospice reflection originally written after Cassie’s death. It is being reposted as originally written, with only minor formatting changes. These reflections cover our family’s experience with hospice and end-of-life care.
Pausing Into January
Welcome to 2026! New Year—New beginnings. In Michigan it also means winter, with all the white (and grey) that comes during the season. The best part of winter…it’s Gala planning! On February 28, we will be on the dance floor celebrating another year of…
Every step forward matters.
Through Shoe Prints, CHSCF shares stories, reflections, and moments that remind us no one walks this journey alone.