Can You Laugh at Cancer?

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance..." Ecclesiastes 3:4 (KJV)

This is taken from a Cancer support community called "Laughing at Cancer." It's hard to imagine how one can laugh at a dreadful disease as Cancer. Yet, I found someone who through her own experience with Cancer, not only did that, but created an organization to help others do the same. Her name is Crystal Kauffman and is a writer on Associated Content under the pen name Imogen Rayne.

Crystal and I established a friendship when she made a comment on my article "Can Laughing Improve your Health?" She said, "Laughter is important, especially when living with a chronic illness like cancer." From that point on, she led me to her non-profit organization to help others get through their Cancer journey.

The reason I wanted to do this interview was not only to bring focus on her cause, but to emphasize how life challenges will always be there, but it is how we chose to handle these challenges that can determine the outcome.

Personally, I have a cousin whose husband has been terminally ill now for several years with Leukemia. It seems like every 3 months, they tell him he has 3 months to live. Yet, my cousin and her husband both have a great sense of humor. I am convinced it is because of this, they are both fighting this death sentence.

So, let explore together how to laugh at Cancer:

What inspired you to start your organization?

As a cancer patient in 2002, I was hurting emotionally and scared of the future. I wanted to meet people, who knew what I was going through. However, there wasn't much to choose from locally. With my grandfather, I started the Laugh at Cancer support group in Jacksonville, Florida. I enjoyed meeting new people, but a lot were homebound and disabled like me. At first, I thought about visiting everyone at their home.

Instead, I stayed in contact with the few members by the phone. Then, my grandfather was diagnosed in 2004 and I began watching his battle go downhill. However, him and I talked about opening the support online and making a difference now. After he died last year, I began researching the best way to move the support group online. Finally I partnered with Ning.com to bring this network to those touched by cancer...directly or indirectly!

Crystal, this is a unique approach to addressing this awful disease What made you think of laughing as an effective tool?

Laughing heals every part of the body, from head to toe! Personally, I found that a positive attitude has been my best friend throughout my journey. I learned laughing and living is important, once cancer has touched someone in anyway. Unfortunately, so many cancer patients are frightened, by the grim statistics associated with their type of cancer. However, it is important to adopt a positive attitude from that moment on.

Many doctors and researchers believe that laughing can reduce stress, pain, and anxiety involved in the initial diagnosis or treatment. In addition, laughing everyday will drive the cancer blues away, while making more memories with their loved ones. In this time of uncertainty, my mission is to help the community's members learn to live beyond cancer's touch. Therefore, they can focus on living beyond cancer's touch and celebrating their life everyday...no matter the outcome!

How many members do you have?

Currently, the support community has grown to 80 beloved members since Feb. 2008. Each member has been touched by cancer...directly or indirectly. Some members are looking for assistance and support, while others want to offer their support to new members and patients. Many of are members have all over the world and the have diverse backgrounds, religions, and cultures

We welcome members of all ages and religious faiths, who want to celebrate life with us. In our community, our members have a hand in the future of this organization. With out each beloved member, our community would not exist. There are many discussions and groups to enjoy, while stopping in for a visit. Our website offers many tips and resources for anyone facing cancer.

Is your membership free? How do you raise money for your cause?

Our membership is indeed free to anyone, who would like to celebrate life with us. We welcome members of all ages and we have recently built a youth community for our younger members. This way they can connect and make friends in a safe only environment, which is tailored to their needs. Right now, have a gift shop and all proceeds will be used to keep our community alive and growing.

We hope to partner with a health facility or an organization, which will help us bring treatment to those in need. No deserves to die, just because they are poor. In the future we hope to become a non-profit organization and offer local resources to every new member. Today, we are a work in progress and each member's contributions have helped us get one step further in reaching our goals.

How long have you had your organization?

I started the local group three years ago with my children and my grandfather. We worked hard to reach others, but many were stuck at home for medical reasons. After a great deal of research, I decided to open a local support group for those touched by cancer in anyway. I decided to move it online, in order to reach more families across the world. The online support community has been open about five months now and grown to include members from all walks of life.

Are there any inspiring stories you can share?

Honestly, every member has their own inspiring story and has touched me in many ways, since they joined. However, I would only feel comfortable telling my story to your readers. This is mainly, due to the privacy clause of my organization. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage 2 B in Oct. 2002. Thanks to my wonderful medical team for saving my life. I endured chemotherapy, radiation, and brachytherapy, which left me disabled.

However, I learned that a positive attitude can help heal my mind, body, and spirit. During my battle, my grandfather was diagnosed and we battled cancer together. This experience taught me that everybody needs a friend to lean on and laugh with. This year, made 6th anniversary and I feel blessed to be alive, despite my disability. Therefore, this community allows me and the member to celebrate the life we have, while living beyond cancer's touch.

I was really inspired with Crystal, her journey, and her selflessness to help others fight Cancer. I have always believed the mind plays a role in our health. If you would like more information on how you can help or get help on battling Cancer through the power of laughter, you can write to Crystal at:

Laugh at Cancer Support Community
Jacksonville, FL
United States

crystalk@laughingatcancer.com

or visit her website at:

Laughingatcancer.com