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OUR FOUNDING BELIEFS
Cancer Encouragement Group International started with three simple understandings:
Cancer is seen as one of life’s most challenging journeys, afflicting both young and old, rich and poor, strong and weak. It knows no social barriers, it sees no color, and it has no boundaries. As Cancer takes its grasp countless find themselves spiraling into a deep level of depression, remorse, and fear.
Spreading the word of God and encouragement through home-based support group meetings called Encouragement Gatherings. Cancer Encouragement Group International is all about providing encouragement and support to those impacted by Cancer. From those facing Cancer, to loved ones both near and far. Guidance from individuals, family, friends and industry supporters who have dealt with, and fought Cancer face-to-face, and who, through God’s guidance and uplifting word, are traveling the path with the support from Encouragers worldwide.
Each Encouragement Gathering creates a link of support in the growing global chain of support for those facing Cancer. One link connected to another, one Encouragement Gathering to another, the cancer support network becomes an ever growing support chain. Stronger by numbers and more powerful through the word of prayer.
Countless stories over the history of man have been told of unexplained miracles, which have only been associated with the power of prayer. This is where Cancer Encouragement Group International starts, and where we bring an uplifting level of support and encouragement to those in need.
Our story is just like those of countless individuals both those before us and those traveling the Cancer journey today. Cancer Encouragement Group International started with the belief that God is the answer.
Our journey started in April of 2004 and today is a living testimony to how the three fundamental understandings can make a powerful impact on the lives of those impacted by cancer.
On a bright April day in 2004, a day no different than most others, Cancer found its way into the life of Don Smith. Don had been battling what he thought was an ordinary sinus infection, so a visit to his doctor resulted in a saline solution sprayed up his nose, in hopes of resolving the health challenge. After many weeks, Don realized that he wasn’t getting any better. His VA doctor agreed to do a nasal endoscopy and on August 3, 2004 a day which Don should have been celebrating another joyous and happy birthday, instead he was informed that he had Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and aggressive tumor located in his throat, and that it would require immediate action to save his life.
To say that Don was both overwhelmed, confused and shocked would be an understatement. Don was now a Cancer patient and his journey had officially begun. The Senior Oncologist sat Don down and shared the hard facts. Don was told that he possibly only had four months to live, and that if he survived the cancer, he would most likely succumb to the treatments.
This is also where our story transitioned into one from shock and despair to a deep seeded understanding and belief that the journey is best lived with God.
As Don sat with the Senior Oncologist he thanked the doctor, acknowledged his level of formal education and then, with a deep seeded belief he let the doctor know that this battle was between him and God. As a non-believer, and one who only saw the medical path, he thought Don was simply a quack.
The doctor remained steadfast in his belief that Don had no choice but to undergo an aggressive level of Chemo and Radiation therapy, so Don decided to allow the doctors to provide him with the medical treatments and he would deal with the effects with the belief that God would lead him through the journey.
Don recalls the doctors sharing that the radiation would destroy his teeth and ruin his gums and that if he didn’t have his teeth pulled that he could face a situation that might require them to remove his jaw. With his trust in the doctors and his faith in God, on August 12, 2004, the doctors pulled all 32 teeth from Don’s mouth, which he still has in a jar to this day. On the 23rd of August the doctors performed an outpatient surgical procedure to install a stomach feeding tube. The very next day, radiation and chemotherapy were started.
To say that we treat prisoners of war better than the treatments that followed would be an understatement. Don’s chemo sessions were nine long hours, and the radiation was approximately 45 minutes. A face mask was designed to bolt him to the table during the 47 radiation treatments. The treatments resulted in third degree burns located on his throat and neck. The procedure made his neck look like raw hamburger meat and his ears turned black. The damage done to his jaw caused it to fuse together making it where he can hardly open his mouth, not allowing him to place his false teeth in or open large enough to allow him to place a fork or spoon in his mouth. Don’s throat had closed and was only as large as the width of a pencil.
Don underwent 11 surgeries on his throat as it collapsed due to the extensive radiation. The aggressive Stage IV cancer was found his throat and lymph nodes of his neck and jaw. He spent approximately three months in the VA hospital in Dallas, Texas, where he entered weighing approximately 230 pounds and over the next seven weeks, he had dwindled to about 131 pounds.
On multiple occasions Don’s doctor informed his brother and sister that he had less than one week to live and to make sure Don’s “things” were in order. But Don and God had different plans.
For over three years Don slept in a recliner as he feared dying in his sleep due to aspiration. He had to ground up the following to flush down the feeding tube daily:
– 4,000 MG (8 pills) of Hydrocodone for pain
– 1,500 MG of Gabapentin due to a spinal stroke from the procedures
– 30 MG Morphine Sulfate for pain
Post surgeries, Don endured a great deal of severe, ongoing pain due to the destroyed nerves from the cancer and treatments. Each time he attempted to get off the medication he either ended up in the ER at the VA or in the hospital. His Doctor told Don that he should never attempt to get off the medications since the pain would be ongoing and life-long. Well Don and God had different plans as today the only medication Don takes is Levothyroxine for Thyroid as the radiation did extensive damage, and Omegrazole for re-flux from all the throat surgeries.
Well Don and God had different plans as today the only medication Don takes is Levothyroxine for Thyroid as the radiation did extensive damage, and Omegrazole for re-flux from all the throat surgeries.
For 34 months Don had to depend upon a feeding tube where he would send 10 cans of Isosource down the stomach feeding tube daily. Since the radiation destroyed his saliva glands he also had to get used to caring a water bottle with him everywhere he went as he needed to place water in his mouth frequently due to the dryness.
To say that Don was tested would be a mild understatement, you see as Don left the hospital he found God’s support through friends who allowed him to live with them for 11 months as he was unable to care for himself. His transition led him then to a small home that was able to assist him with the daily routine of keep the area around the feeding tube clean. Unfortunately, Don still contracted salmonella poisoning and had to once again have medical assistance from the VA to rid his body of the salmonella poisoning.
During this time Don experienced day and night constant vomiting for over three months. He also was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes making it difficult to read, type or watch TV. Do you sense that Don had given up yet? Not at all. You see Don’s belief that God had control, and that he would help him walk through these challenging times never wavered. And yes, Don and God continue to march forward with the belief and understanding that he was saved to serve and assist those who are also walking the journey of Cancer.
Two years after the throat cancer Don had the same but not related cancer appear in his left eye. He got to watch it grow daily until surgery removed it. Hi is now back to 215 pounds eleven years later, exercises daily, and his is able to get down a few things other than liquids. Don is also hopeful that he will someday soon have jaw surgery and dental implants that will allow him to further improve his quality of life.
Through this journey God has never failed Don and he stands steadfast in his belief that God has been there for all his needs. If you get a chance to speak with Don personally he will share that he can’t even imagine where he would be without God, and furthermore he doesn’t even want to try.
Don’s walk with the Lord is close to his heart, and his strength has allowed him to share his inspiring story and to motivate countless individuals along their journey. Always in hopes that the encouragement inspires them to take just one more step, always looking up. Through Don’s encouragement grew Cancer Encouragement Group International, and Don will share that to him, it is more than just a journey of faith and encouragement, it is also an opportunity to share the word of God, especially with those that don’t know Jesus or who don’t have faith in Him and the everlasting life that awaits each of us.
As Don learned to let go and let God take control, he experienced true peace and fulfillment.
“In my quiet times I think often of those precious people who go about helping me quietly. They give a gentle touch, have intuitive understanding of my needs, and express compassion without fanfare or effort. I am forever grateful and know that they are my earthly Angels sent from God. In closing I want to share that whatever the healing need is, God is the answer. The spirit of God within me is the life force that nourishes, heals, and renews me. The Spirit of life soothes my body and soul. I have been healed and made whole, in mind, body and spirit. God is the answer to every healing need!”
Don Smith
Cancer Encouragement Group Founder
The Cancer Encouragement Prayer
God almighty we come together in your light and in your name and ask that you help each of us to become a beacon of encouragement for both ourselves, our loved ones and those facing Cancer. We pray that your presence will fill each of us with faith and hope, knowing that your power is greater than any cancer. Merciful Jesus we pray that you have compassion on those afflicted by Cancer and their loved ones and that you hear the prayers of our encouragers both near and far, and help to heal each of us from the sickness, the pain and the suffering. In God we pray. Amen!
Prayer – Support Request Form
BE what it is you want to see more of. DO what it is you want everyone else to do. By Modeling what it is you want to see – you create More – enthusiasm and Less – cynicism. More – results and Less – busyness. More – objectivity and Less – wishing and guessing. How about more Focus and less distraction, or more kindness, truth and humility. Less ego. More time, effort and care. Whatever it is you feel will help to create a better experience for everyone.
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