“As you may imagine, there are a number of emotions, fears, and considerations a person experiences when diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. As a husband and father of two young kiddos, 4 and 5 at the time, my thoughts were most often of them. One of the biggest challenges through two major surgeries and 12 rounds of chemotherapy was remaining present for and supportive of my family. Cancer is hard on everyone involved, it is often hardest, as it is in on our case, on the main caretakers who for me is my wife, C.
As the cancer patient, I had access to a number of different support networks. When it came to support for C. and our kiddos; that was harder to find. Support for the whole family, not just the cancer patient, is one of the many things that makes The Brigid Project, and Christe, so special.
We connected easily and quickly with Christe during our first visit. Christe asked thoughtful questions to get to know us better and to help her understand what sort of support would be most helpful to us. We came up with a plan for Christe to visit and provide massages to C. and I. What became clear to me over time was all the other ways, beyond the massage, Christe supported us. It wasn’t long before Christe was like part of our family. Our two kiddos, S. and B., looked forward to her visits as much as we did. Christe’s kind, gentle, and engaging approach with our children often moved me to tears.
After one particularly challenging round of chemotherapy, C. was having a tough set of days. Solo parenting while caregiving to me, all while facing a very uncertain future, was taking a toll. C. needed someone to walk and talk with: she reached out to Christe. Walking down a dirt road while allowing a person who is struggling to feel heard and understood may seem simple; but it takes a very special person to do it well and it meant the world to us and had a profound and lasting impact on C.
Christe’s support through the most challenging stage of our lives impacts us still today. Her thoughtful attention to all the members of our family was unique and moving. Christe, in a seemingly effortless way, makes meaningful connections and provides unwavering support. The support of The Brigid Project allowed our family to continue to thrive and focus on each other during a time when we weren’t sure how much more time we had together.
I lack the words to thank Christe, and The Brigid Project, enough. The world needs more people like Christe and organizations like The Brigid Project.”
-J
“The Brigid Project had a significant impact on the last weeks of my husband’s life. D. fought cancer in the form of abdominal sarcoma tumors for most of the last three years until there were no more treatment options. When he came home for the last time, the tumors continued to grow making it necessary for him to remain either sitting up or laying on his back. Hoping that massage would be beneficial, I asked Christe Lampman through The Brigid Project to come see him. She was able to shift his body to reach the back and legs, giving him much physical relief.
The visits turned out to result in much more than physical comfort. She brought emotional comfort as well. By completely accepting and acknowledging the dying process with calmness and respect, Christe and those who work with her, bring calm and emotional support to both patients and caregivers. D. looked forward to her visits. Whether it was an offer to write to those he wanted to contact or her soothing voice, he responded positively each time.
It was Christe who offered to stay and support me… on a night when I would have been alone. It turned out that each of us held a hand and were trying to help him be more comfortable when his breath left. When I expressed my deep gratitude, she said that it was a privilege to be there. These are some of the gifts that those who work with The Brigid Project bring to those it serves.”
-R
Support The Brigid Project
All services provided by The Brigid Project are free of charge.
To do this, we rely on the generosity of individuals, grant funding, and private donors.
If you would like to help support our work, donations may be sent to:
The Brigid Project
P.O. Box 222
Saranac, New York 12981
As a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, donations to The Brigid Project are tax deductible.
In addition to individual donors, The Brigid Project appreciates support received from the Cloudsplitter Foundation, and donor advised funds through The Adirondack Foundation.