Why Having Support Can Make All the Difference
- Comedian Kathy Griffin, 62, came to the aid on social media of fellow singer and actress Madonna, 64, after she fell ill with a bacterial infection during concert rehearsals.
- Griffin's gesture of support is something many cancer warriors can understand. The power of support amid a health battle can make all the difference.
- Griffin herself was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer in 2021. Griffin had half her lung removed for treatment, and then she needed to have vocal cord surgery to fix damage done during the procedure.
- A support group for someone battling cancer or disease can be made up of a friend, family member, partner, or stranger you've met also battling a similar disease. A mental health professional can also serve as your support group.
- These important people help you navigate your feelings because of your diagnosis. They can also help with everyday chores to make your life a little easier.
Comedian Kathy Griffin, 62, knows what it's like to face adversity because of a health challenge, so when fellow entertainer Madonna, 64, was hospitalized, Griffin jumped to her aid on social media.
As a cancer survivor, Griffin found refuge with her support group while overcoming lung cancer. Her willingness to support Madonna amid her health scare is a gesture many cancer warriors can also appreciate. The impact of having a group of loved ones helping you cope with a health challenge is irreplaceable.
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Madonna, whose real name is Madonna Louis Ciccone, has been a staple of the music and entertainment industry for decades. The iconic pop legend's biggest hits include "Like a Prayer," "Vogue," "Papa Don't Preach," and "Everybody," among many others. The multi-award-winning singer is among the biggest trailblazers in the music industry since her rise to fame began in the early 1980s.
Several decades later Madonna is still going strong, but a recent mishap sent her to the hospital during rehearsals, according to People magazine.
"She ignored some symptoms of illness for quite a while because she thought they would go away. But she didn't want to take time away from rehearsals," a source told People.
The pop singer developed a bacterial infection that caused her to stay in an intensive care unit for several days. While she's expected to make a full recovery, social media users voiced their suspicions about what's going on, which upset Griffin.
"I love her and want to defend her," Griffin said in her video post.
"I think she has provided the world with decades of music and entertainment…A lot of it is ageism and misogyny and as a 62-year-old chick, I deal with it all the time," Griffin continued.
Griffin herself was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer in 2021. Lung cancer is the second-most common form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States.
It can be particularly tricky to treat because often, symptoms don't show up until the cancer has spread to other organs.
Griffin's treatment involved surgery, where she had half of her left lung removed. During the procedure, she needed intubation, or a breathing tube. The tube ended up affecting her voice, and she later had vocal cord surgery to help fix the issues.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, SurvivorNet is proud to offer extensive and expert resources on the disease and treatment options.
Griffin is known for speaking her mind unfiltered and this character trait is likely what motivated her to speak out in support of Madonna.
"I care about her health and I'm glad she can go back on this tour and the tour is her greatest hits," Griffin said.
Power of Support
Having Support Makes a Difference
Whether it's cancer, chronic disease, or a bacterial infection in Madonna's case, having a strong support system always helps. Your support system can be a partner, friend, family member, or someone you've met that's battling a similar health condition.
In the end, support during a health struggle has many benefits.
While coping with your diagnosis, your emotions may swing from anxiety to anger to depression and beyond. Your support system can help you navigate those feelings.
Having people around to help with everyday chores is another way your support system can help you day-to-day. If you've undergone rounds of chemotherapy, which can leave you feeling tired, your friend or family member handling dinner plans can make all the difference.
WATCH: What to do after a cancer diagnosis?
New York-based psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik understands the emotional step of coping with a diagnosis and forming a support group to help you along. She recommends the following three steps for anyone who just found out they had cancer.
- Seek additional support if you need it. This might mean speaking to a mental health professional or finding a support group to join.
- If needed, find a mental health professional who has experience helping people dealing with things like cancer.
- Make sure your care team stays connected. Your care team may include your friends, loved ones, therapist, and doctors.
SurvivorNet spoke with Carrie Kreiswirth, who is a breast cancer survivor. She explained how valuable her support system was to her while she navigated her cancer journey.
WATCH: Finding that support system.
"My brother and sister did not live near me at the time. They made sure that they were at my doorstep that even, so they could come with me to my appointment the following day which I am grateful for now, I was grateful for then, and I will be grateful forever," Kreiswirth said.
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