A CHSCF Blog
Shoe Prints
Stories told with humor, insight and all things young adult cancer.
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Stories and insights
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…
The Day I Hid in the Closet (Caregiving at Its Finest)
Caring for a young adult with cancer is equal parts love, fear, strength, and total chaos. I tried to meet Cassie’s needs, support Ashley and Ethan, stay connected to Chris… and occasionally escape to the closet for a good cry. This is caregiving at its finest.
Foundation Facts #5
Founder’s Note Happy New Year! How long can we keep saying that, you ask? Someone once told me you can say it anytime in January if you haven’t seen or spoken to the person yet, so I *think* this newsletter qualifies. The new year brings fresh hope, new challengesm,…
Foundation Facts #6
Founder’s Note The gala is over, the waves are no longer on the ceiling and the seashells are tucked away. The memories, however, will remain for a while. For those of you that shared the evening with us, THANK YOU! ✨Thank you for making a tough day for our family…
Every step forward matters.
Through Shoe Prints, CHSCF shares stories, reflections, and moments that remind us no one walks this journey alone.