Philadelphia Flyers’ player Oskar Lindblom completed his cancer treatment a few days ago after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer: Ewing’s sarcoma. He posted an adoring tribute to his girlfriend Alma Lindqvist, shown below, thanking her for the support she has given him through his difficult cancer treatment journey. Along with the image of them in a full-fledged bear-hug, he says he “couldn’t have done it” without her.
View this post on InstagramRead More Lindblom’s post highlights the importance and comfort of having a support system during cancer diagnosis, treatment, and in life thereafter.RELATED: Philly Flyer's Oskar Lindblom Rings Cancer Bell To Signal End of Treatment
The Benefits of Cancer Patients Having A Support Network
Like Lindblom, 53-year-old ovarian cancer survivor Kelly Sargent also felt relief in the cancer process because of the support she had from family and friends. "I started going online not only to find information but also support groups and stories from survivors,” says Sargent.
Sargent is a Chicago native and moved to San Antonio before receiving her cancer diagnosis. When in San Antonio, she was able to take initiative to create support networks in addition to her husband and child so that she would be supported in this process. She was able to meet a group of ladies at a Bible study group, who have become an essential part of her support network. Sargent says that they were part of why she was able to survive and remain strong. Sargent speaks to the importance and necessity of support networks for cancer patients.
Cancer Survivor Speaking to the Importance of Family Support
Like Sargent and Lindblom, ovarian cancer survivor Ellen Kleinbaum could not have gone through her cancer journey without support from loved ones. Minneapolis native Kleinbaum was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in 1991, having a total hysterectomy. When waking up from her procedure, Kleinbaum recalls her whole family standing around her sobbing. "I had three teenagers, I was a single parent, and my life just fell apart," Kleinbaum told SurvivorNet in an interview. “My life is my children,” and it seems that without them, Kleinbaum would not have had the strength to endure all that she had with cancer.
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