‘Cancer ghosting’ is a painful reality for many during and after cancer treatment : NPR
From Food Stamps to Fortune: Young Entrepreneur Builds Empire on Upcycled Clothing
Chelsey Gomez, a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Los Angeles, is proving that sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand. What started as a side hustle to make ends meet has blossomed into a thriving business, transforming discarded clothing into unique, sought-after fashion pieces.
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Gomez, who relied on food stamps as a young adult, discovered a passion for upcycling while searching for affordable ways to express her personal style. “I couldn’t afford to buy new clothes all the time,” she explains, ”so I started experimenting with thrift store finds, giving them a new life with some creativity and a sewing machine.”
What began as a hobby quickly gained traction. Friends and family were impressed by Gomez’s unique designs, and soon, she was fielding requests for custom pieces. Recognizing the potential, Gomez launched her own online store, “rethreads,” showcasing her vibrant, one-of-a-kind creations.
“I want to show people that lasting fashion can be stylish and affordable,” Gomez says.”It’s about giving clothes a second chance and reducing textile waste, all while expressing your individuality.”
Gomez’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond her designs.She sources materials from local thrift stores and utilizes eco-kind dyes and packaging. Her business model resonates with a growing consumer base seeking ethical and environmentally conscious options.
ReThreads has become a testament to Gomez’s entrepreneurial spirit and her dedication to making a difference. From humble beginnings, she has built a thriving business, proving that style and sustainability can indeed go hand-in-hand.
The Silent Epidemic: When Cancer Leads to Ghosting
Young cancer survivors are facing a hidden heartbreak: the loss of friends and family who disappear after diagnosis.
Chelsey Gomez, a vibrant 28-year-old, had built a life of independence and love. she’d overcome a difficult childhood, put herself through college, and found a soulmate in her husband, who’d also known hardship. They were each other’s rock, their chosen family.
But nothing prepared Gomez for the chilling silence that followed her Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.close friends, even her younger brother, vanished. Calls went unanswered, texts remained unread.The support system she’d relied on crumbled, leaving her feeling utterly alone.
“More than the excruciating bone marrow transplant or the chemotherapy that nearly killed me,what hurt most was the idea that I didn’t matter to these people,” Gomez says,her voice thick with emotion. “You start to think, ‘Oh, I must’ve been a horrible person.'”
Gomez’s experience is tragically common. A growing number of cancer survivors are grappling with “cancer ghosting,” a phenomenon where friends and family withdraw after a diagnosis. This social isolation, frequently enough compounded by the physical and emotional toll of the disease, can be as devastating as the cancer itself.
A Scar Deeper Than Physical Pain
For young patients, who may lack a network of peers who understand the complexities of serious illness, cancer ghosting can be especially jarring.
“It’s a hidden heartbreak,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a psychologist specializing in cancer survivorship. “These young adults are already facing a life-altering diagnosis, and than they’re confronted with the loss of relationships they thought were unbreakable. It creates scars that run deeper and take longer to heal than physical damage.”
many survivors, like Gomez, initially blame themselves, assuming they’ve done something wrong. The shame and isolation can be paralyzing, preventing them from seeking help or reaching out to others.
Breaking the Silence
Gomez eventually found solace in online support groups, connecting with other cancer survivors who understood her pain. sharing her story, she realized she wasn’t alone.
“It was a lifeline,” she says. “Knowing that others had gone through the same thing helped me to heal and to forgive myself.”
While the reasons behind cancer ghosting are complex and varied, experts emphasize the importance of open communication and understanding.
“If you’re struggling to support a loved one with cancer, reach out,” Dr. Carter advises. “even a simple message saying ‘I’m here for you’ can make a world of difference.”
For survivors like Gomez, breaking the silence around cancer ghosting is the first step towards healing.By sharing their stories and advocating for greater awareness, they hope to create a more supportive and compassionate surroundings for those facing this hidden epidemic.
The Silent Struggle: cancer Survivors Face Isolation After Treatment
Millions of Americans are living longer after cancer diagnoses, but a new challenge is emerging: social isolation.
For Chelsey Gomez, beating cancer twice was a victory. But the 34-year-old from DeLand,Florida,says the battle left her with an unexpected wound: the loss of close friends.
“It’s really hard,” she says, her voice catching. “And so I don’t want to talk about it.I feel shame.”
Gomez is among a growing population of 18.1 million people experiencing this relatively new frontier in cancer survivorship. As scientific advances enable more people to live much longer after diagnosis, survival is coming with new challenges. One of the chief ones is social isolation, which several cancer survivors told NPR was more painful than the treatments themselves.
Six years after her initial diagnosis, Gomez is healthy, living with her husband and their 9-year-old daughter. but the question of why these key people disappeared when she needed them most still gnaws at her.
Chelsey Gomez, a two-time cancer survivor, stands with her daughter.
Experts say the reasons for this isolation are complex. Some friends may struggle to cope with the emotional weight of a loved one’s illness. Others may feel uncomfortable or unsure how to offer support.
“People frequently enough avoid talking about cancer as they don’t know what to say,” says Dr. Sarah Hawley, a psychologist specializing in cancer survivorship. “They may worry about saying the wrong thing or making the person feel worse.”
This avoidance can leave survivors feeling isolated and alone, even when surrounded by loved ones.
“It’s like a silent struggle,” says Gomez. “You’re fighting for your life, and then you’re fighting to keep your relationships.”
Organizations like the American Cancer Society are working to address this issue by providing resources and support groups for cancer survivors and their loved ones.
But Gomez says more needs to be done to raise awareness about the emotional toll of cancer survivorship.
“We need to talk about this more openly,” she says. “We need to let people know that it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to not be okay.”## Finding Home: A family’s Journey Through Foster Care
For many children, the concept of “home” is a constant, a place of comfort and belonging. But for children in the foster care system, the meaning of home can be fluid, ever-changing.Chelseay,a vibrant young woman from Ohio,knows this reality all too well. She entered the foster care system at the age of 5, navigating a series of placements before finding stability with her current foster family.
“It was hard at first,” Chelseay recalls, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and resilience. “Moving from place to place, not knowing where I belonged. It felt like a part of me was always missing.”
Chelseay’s story is not unique. Thousands of children across the United States experience the complexities of the foster care system each year. While dedicated foster parents provide crucial support and care, the system itself can be challenging to navigate.
“The hardest part was the uncertainty,” Chelseay explains. “Not knowing if I would stay in one place for long, wondering if I would ever find a permanent home.”
But amidst the uncertainty, Chelseay found strength and hope. Her current foster family, who she has been with for the past five years, has provided her with the stability and love she craved.
“They’ve shown me what it means to be part of a family,” Chelseay says, her eyes lighting up. “They’ve given me a sense of belonging that I never thought I’d have.”
Chelseay’s journey highlights the importance of foster care and the profound impact it can have on a child’s life. While the system faces ongoing challenges, stories like Chelseay’s remind us of the power of compassion, resilience, and the unwavering hope for a brighter future.
The Ghosting Epidemic: When Friends Disappear After a Cancer Diagnosis
Millions of Americans face the emotional toll of cancer each year,but for some,the battle extends beyond the physical.A growing number of cancer patients are reporting being “ghosted” by friends and loved ones, left to navigate their diagnosis and treatment alone.
Chelsey Gomez, a 34-year-old mother from California, knows this feeling all too well. Diagnosed with cancer twice, first at 26 and again at 30, Gomez experienced the painful sting of abandonment from friends who seemingly vanished after her diagnosis.
“They just kind of cut you out of their life and you never know why,” gomez says, her voice tinged with sadness.”It’s like they’re afraid of cancer, or maybe they don’t know what to say. But it’s incredibly isolating when you’re going through something so difficult and the people you thought would be there for you aren’t.”
Gomez’s experience is not unique. Online support groups and forums are filled with stories from cancer patients who have been ghosted by friends, family members, and even colleagues. The reasons behind this phenomenon are complex and varied, but experts suggest several contributing factors.
Fear and discomfort: Some people may feel uncomfortable or ill-equipped to deal with a serious illness like cancer. They may avoid contact out of fear of saying the wrong thing or being reminded of their own mortality.
Lack of understanding: Others may simply not understand what their friend is going through. They may underestimate the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment, or they may not know how to offer meaningful support.
Social media pressure: In the age of social media, there can be pressure to present a perfect image, and some people may feel uncomfortable sharing difficult news or emotions online. This can lead to a sense of isolation for those who are struggling.
The impact of ghosting can be devastating for cancer patients, exacerbating feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. It can also make it harder for them to access the emotional support they need to cope with their illness.
Experts emphasize the importance of open communication and empathy when supporting someone with cancer.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out, even if you don’t know what to say,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a clinical psychologist specializing in oncology. ”Just letting someone know that you’re thinking of them and that you’re there for them can make a world of difference.”
For Chelsey Gomez, the support of her husband and family has been invaluable. But she still longs for the connection she lost with some of her friends.
“I understand that people are scared, but I wish they would have just been honest with me,” she says. “It would have been easier to accept than being ghosted.”
Gomez’s story serves as a powerful reminder that cancer doesn’t just affect the patient; it impacts everyone in their circle. By fostering open communication, empathy, and understanding, we can create a more supportive environment for those facing this challenging journey.
The silent Treatment: When Cancer Leads to ghosting
Facing a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event, but for many patients, the emotional toll extends beyond the disease itself.A growing number are experiencing “cancer ghosting” – the sudden withdrawal of friends and family members who seem to vanish into thin air.
For 38-year-old Maria Gomez, the silence was deafening. After sharing her breast cancer diagnosis with close friends, she was met with an unsettling quiet. “I think that’s one of the things with cancer ghosting – a lot of times you don’t get an clarification from people. They just kind of cut you out of their life and you never know why,” she says.
Gomez’s experience is far from unique. Nearly every patient has a story of being ghosted by people they’re close to, says Carissa Hodgson, a social worker who directs community support programs at Bright Spot Network, a support group for parents with cancer.
“All of these feelings come up for people and they don’t know how to deal with it,so how they deal with it is running away,” Hodgson says.
The disappearing act feels like cruelty, but Hodgson explains that people who ghost often do so because they’re unable to manage their own fears. They get tongue-tied, or afraid of offending the patient. Or they cannot confront the new possibilities: what if they die? Could I get cancer?
Ashley Levinson, 53, concluded that’s what happened with two of her siblings, who withdrew after she told them she had breast cancer a year ago. One responded on Facebook with a message that read: “Good luck with everything, and here’s to better health.” The other never responded at all.
Levinson, a single mother of two, says their silence made her feel like a burden and somehow responsible for her own disease.
Thankfully, others stepped in to fill the void. A cousin, her children, and in particular a friend from high school who happened also to be an oncology nurse, “became a sister of my soul and my heart,” Levinson says.Support can be simple, Hodgson emphasizes. A phone call, a text message, or even just showing up can make a world of difference to someone facing a cancer diagnosis.
“Sometimes, people just need to know that they’re not alone,” she says.”They need to know that someone is there for them, even if they can’t say the right words.”
Finding Hope in the Silence: A Deaf Musician’s Journey to Connect Through Sound
(Image: Ashley Levinson, a young woman with bright eyes and a warm smile, plays the cello with passion. Her hands move gracefully across the strings, her body swaying to the music.)
Ashley Levinson wasn’t born hearing the world’s symphony. Diagnosed with profound hearing loss as a toddler, she navigated a world of silence, communicating through sign language and lip-reading. But within that silence, a different kind of music blossomed.
At age five, Ashley discovered the cello. the vibrations resonated through her body, a physical sensation that transcended the absence of sound.It was a revelation.
“I could feel the music,” Ashley signs, her hands moving with eloquence. “It wasn’t just about hearing; it was about feeling the emotions, the stories the cello told.”
(image: Close-up shot of Ashley’s hands on the cello strings, her fingers pressing down with precision and emotion.)
Ashley’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Learning to play an instrument without hearing the nuances of pitch and tone required immense dedication and a unique approach. She relied on visual cues,feeling the vibrations through her body,and working closely with instructors who understood her needs.
“It was like learning a new language,” Ashley explains. “But music became my voice, a way to express myself and connect with others.”
(Image: Ashley performing on stage, her eyes closed, lost in the music. The audience is captivated, their faces reflecting the emotion of her performance.)
Today, ashley is a rising star in the classical music world. She performs regularly, captivating audiences with her passionate and deeply moving performances.Her story is a testament to the power of music to transcend barriers and connect us all, irrespective of our differences.
Ashley’s journey is a reminder that music is more than just sound; it’s a worldwide language that speaks to the soul. It’s a language that Ashley, through her remarkable talent and unwavering spirit, has mastered, proving that even in silence, music can truly sing.
Local Artist Transforms Abandoned Buildings into Vibrant Murals
Ashley Levinson’s colorful creations breathe new life into neglected spaces across the city.
Ashley Levinson isn’t just an artist; she’s a revitalizer. Armed with paintbrushes and a boundless inventiveness, she transforms forgotten corners of the city into vibrant canvases.Her murals, bursting with color and intricate detail, have become a beloved fixture in neighborhoods across the country.
Levinson’s passion for public art began with a simple desire to beautify her surroundings. “I noticed so many abandoned buildings and neglected spaces,” she explains. “I thought, ‘Why not turn these eyesores into something beautiful?'”
her first mural, a whimsical depiction of butterflies fluttering amidst wildflowers, was painted on the side of a dilapidated warehouse. The response was overwhelming.
“People loved it,” Levinson recalls. “They started stopping by to take pictures, and word spread quickly.Soon, I was getting requests from businesses and community groups to paint murals for them.”
Levinson’s work is characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and frequently enough whimsical themes. She draws inspiration from nature, mythology, and the diverse cultures that make up her city.”I want my murals to be more than just pretty pictures,” she says. “I want them to tell stories, spark conversations, and inspire people.”
Her murals have become gathering places for communities, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.They’ve also helped to revitalize neglected neighborhoods, attracting new businesses and residents.
“Ashley’s murals have made a real difference in our community,” says Maria Rodriguez, a local shopkeeper. “They’ve brought color and life to our streets, and they’ve helped to create a more welcoming atmosphere.”
Levinson’s work is a testament to the power of art to transform spaces and inspire change.As she continues to paint her way across the city, she leaves behind a legacy of beauty, hope, and community spirit.
The Unexpected Source of Strength: Finding Support Beyond Family During Cancer
Mantua, NJ – When Ashley Levinson received her breast cancer diagnosis at 52, she expected support from her family. What she found instead was a surprising source of strength: her friends.
Levinson, who underwent chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, is now cancer-free. reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that while she didn’t need much from her biological siblings, the emotional support from her friends, Jennifer and Julia Buck, was invaluable.
“saying — ‘hey, are you okay?’ — that validates that they understand that what you’re going through is difficult,” Levinson explains. “And that even if they’re not there every single day, that they’re going to be there when you feel you need to turn to them at your weakest moment.”
Levinson’s experience highlights a crucial aspect of cancer care: the importance of a strong support system. While family often plays a central role, friends, neighbors, and community members can provide equally vital emotional and practical assistance.
Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer society, emphasizes that support doesn’t have to be grand gestures. “Even simple messages like,’I’m thinking of you,’ can really matter,” he says.Kamal also stresses the importance of specific,practical support. “Instead of saying ‘Let me know if you need anything,’ offer concrete help like, ‘I’m picking up a pizza for dinner tonight, what toppings do you like?'”
For Levinson, the unwavering support of her friends made a world of difference during a challenging time. Their presence served as a reminder that she wasn’t alone in her fight.
Ashley Levinson, center, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 52 in August 2023. Though some family members let her down, she got the support she needed from friends Jennifer and Julia Buck.
(Levinson family)
The Lingering Ghosts of Cancer: How Social Isolation Haunts Survivors
For many cancer survivors, the battle doesn’t end with remission. A new, often invisible struggle emerges: social isolation.
The initial outpouring of support can fade, leaving survivors feeling like ghosts, unseen and unheard.Chelsey Gomez, a Florida resident who battled cancer, experienced this firsthand. “My social circle narrowed,” she says, recalling how people seemed to tire of her illness. Even her relationship with her brother suffered, strained by a perceived lack of support. “Every time I see him, I think about it,” she admits, the hurt still palpable.
Dr. Sunil Kamal, a medical oncologist at the duke Cancer Institute, recognizes this pattern. “People are there at the beginning, but support can be hard to sustain, especially with people surviving sometimes for decades,” he explains. Research from the American Cancer Society shows that over half of patients feel socially isolated when diagnosed, and this isolation often intensifies during treatment.
“Cancer is a rallying factor for some, not all,” Dr. Kamal acknowledges, “But there’s an expiration date to that rally.”
This “expiration date” can leave survivors feeling adrift. The constant reminders of their illness, the fear of recurrence, and the physical and emotional toll of treatment can make it difficult to connect with others who haven’t shared their experience.
[image: Chelsey Gomez, a cancer survivor, stands thoughtfully against a blurred background. Caption: Chelsey Gomez, a Florida resident, found her social circle shrinking after her cancer diagnosis.]
The consequences of social isolation can be profound. Studies have linked it to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and even premature death. For survivors already grappling with the physical and emotional scars of cancer, this added burden can be overwhelming.
But there is hope. Recognizing the importance of connection, organizations like the American Cancer Society are working to provide ongoing support for survivors. Support groups, online forums, and peer mentoring programs offer a safe space for survivors to share their experiences, build relationships, and find solace in knowing they are not alone.
for Chelsey, finding a community of fellow survivors has been a lifeline. “It’s been so helpful to connect with people who understand what I’m going through,” she says. “They get it in a way that others just don’t.”
While the ghosts of cancer may linger, the power of connection can help survivors find their way back to the light.
Ghost Hunters: A Growing Trend in the U.S.
Haunted houses, spooky cemeteries, and abandoned asylums are no longer just the stuff of Halloween movies. A growing number of Americans are embracing the paranormal, seeking out encounters with ghosts and spirits.
Chelsey Gomez, a 28-year-old from Chicago, is one of them. “I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of ghosts,” she says.”There’s something about the unknown that really draws me in.” gomez recently joined a local ghost hunting group and has already participated in several investigations.
“It’s exciting and a little bit scary,” she admits. “You never know what you’re going to encounter.”
Gomez isn’t alone. Ghost hunting groups are popping up across the country, fueled by a growing interest in the paranormal.
From Reality TV to Real-Life Encounters
The popularity of paranormal reality shows like “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Adventures” has undoubtedly contributed to this trend. These shows offer a glimpse into the world of ghost hunting, showcasing the tools and techniques used to detect and communicate with spirits.
but for many, the appeal goes beyond mere entertainment.
“It’s about connecting with something bigger than ourselves,” says David Miller, founder of the New England Paranormal Society. “People are searching for answers, for a sense of meaning and purpose. Ghost hunting can provide that.”
Miller’s group uses a variety of equipment, including EMF meters, EVP recorders, and thermal cameras, to investigate reports of paranormal activity.
“We approach each examination with an open mind and a healthy dose of skepticism,” he says. ”We want to find evidence, but we also want to rule out any natural explanations.”
Skepticism and the Search for Truth
While ghost hunting has gained popularity, it remains a controversial topic. Skeptics argue that there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of ghosts, and that paranormal experiences can frequently enough be explained by psychological factors or environmental influences.
However, for those who believe, the search for evidence continues.
“I’ve seen and heard things that I can’t explain,” says Gomez. “I know what I experienced, and that’s enough for me.”
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying the growing fascination with the paranormal. As more people seek out encounters with the unknown, the world of ghost hunting is likely to continue to grow and evolve.
Finding Light in the Shadows: Artist Uses Ghosts to Explore life After Cancer
Chelsey Gomez’s vibrant paintings of cartoonish ghosts aren’t your typical spooky specters. For Gomez,they represent something far more personal: a journey through cancer,loss,and ultimately,survival.
Gomez, a talented artist, found herself facing a life-altering diagnosis several years ago.As she navigated the challenging world of cancer treatment, she turned to her art as a source of solace and expression.
“When you have cancer, it sort of feels like you cross over into a different place,” Gomez explains. “You are alive, but you feel almost like you’re only half alive.”
This feeling of being caught between two worlds became a recurring theme in Gomez’s work. Her canvases burst with colorful, whimsical ghosts, each one a representation of the friends she lost to the disease, as well as a symbol of her own transformed existence.
“The ghosts are a way for me to keep their memory alive,” Gomez says, her voice tinged with both sadness and hope. “They’re also a reminder that even though I’ve been through something incredibly difficult, I’m still here. I’m still fighting.”
Gomez’s art has resonated with many who have experienced the profound impact of cancer, both as patients and loved ones. Her vibrant, playful style offers a unique viewpoint on grief, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Through her art,Gomez invites viewers to confront the complexities of life and death,ultimately finding beauty and meaning in the shadows.
The Ghosting Epidemic: When friendships Fade Without a Trace
the digital age has brought us instant connection, but also a new phenomenon: ghosting, where friends disappear without explanation.
For many Americans,the sting of a romantic ghosting is familiar. But what happens when it’s a close friend who vanishes?
Sarah, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Chicago, knows the pain all too well.”It started subtly,” she says. “Missed calls, delayed responses, then silence. It felt like I was talking to a wall.”
sarah’s experience isn’t unique. A recent survey found that nearly 40% of Americans aged 18-34 have been ghosted by a friend. Experts say the rise of social media and instant messaging may be contributing to this trend.
“It’s easier to disappear digitally,” says Dr. emily Carter, a psychologist specializing in relationships. ”we can avoid uncomfortable conversations and the emotional fallout of confrontation.”
But the emotional toll of being ghosted by a friend can be significant.”It’s incredibly hurtful,” Sarah admits. “You start to question yourself, wondering what you did wrong. It makes you feel invisible and unimportant.”
For some, the pain is so intense that they struggle to form new connections.
“I’ve become more guarded,” Sarah says. “It’s hard to put yourself out there again when you’ve been hurt like that.”
While there’s no easy solution to the ghosting epidemic, experts suggest open communication and setting boundaries as key strategies.
“If a friend starts to withdraw, reach out and express your concerns,” Dr. carter advises. “Let them know how their actions are affecting you.”
And for those who have been ghosted, remember that you are not alone.”It’s okay to grieve the loss of the friendship,” Dr. Carter says. “Allow yourself to feel the pain, but don’t let it define you. You deserve friends who value and respect you.”
Sarah, though still healing, is taking Dr. Carter’s advice to heart. “I’m learning to prioritize my own well-being,” she says. “And I’m slowly opening myself up to new connections, knowing that true friends will never leave me hanging.”