My mantra is ‘cancer lives with me, I don’t live with cancer’.
My name is Karen Jones and if anybody knows what a difference this wonderful charity makes, it’s me. I joined the staff team at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in 2008, but just two years later I was diagnosed with breast cancer and suddenly went from colleague to patient.
In a way, I wasn’t surprised when I was told the lump in my breast was cancer. My nearest sister had sadly passed away from breast cancer in 2007 and my eldest sister was diagnosed just four months before me. I was thinking “oh, it’s me next”, but I also knew I was in the best hands with Dr Malik at Clatterbridge. When I had my diagnosis, it took away all my control, I was literally in the hands of my Consultant, and I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. Life went on, and following my cancer treatment I was back working at the Centre, I loved making a connection with patients on Delamere ward and our Outpatients department until my retirement, caring for others with cancer every day as part of a fantastic team.
Over the years, I have seen the impact that donations to our charity have on patients, whether it’s through life-saving research, the best equipment or creating a warm and welcoming environment; your support really does help to change and save people’s lives.
In 2018, a mammogram unfortunately showed a second diagnosis of cancer in my left breast, which had spread to my spine. This time it came as a shock, but the care I’m receiving each month with Dr Malik and the Delamere team is fantastic. I’m determined to enjoy my life with my wonderful husband Bill who has supported me throughout. My mantra is ‘cancer lives with me, I don’t live with cancer’.
Being able to help local people with cancer like me, is the reason I support The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and it makes me so proud, to have worked there for so long. I’m giving back by doing what I can for this wonderful charity. Whilst I cannot control my illness, I can help the hospital grow and continue in pioneering new treatments for future patients. Our support can help Clatterbridge to look ahead to the next 25 years of cancer care in our area.