There’s a more personal touch here.

In 1992 I was diagnosed with larynx cancer. In the hospital, I received a tracheotomy bib. I was told it was hand-made by volunteers of an organization called Cancer Action.

I went back to work for seven more years until I retired in 1999. Then in 1994 I needed a second operation. I awoke paralyzed. I had to learn to walk again and dress myself. The doctor described my recovery as ‘unbelievable’. He said he didn’t think I’d ever walk again.

My wife has always said I was stubborn. Yeah, I am stubborn. But it was my stubbornness and God’s help that got me to walk again.

I was sitting at home feeling sorry for myself. Then one day I ran into a gentleman using the same kind of electronic larynx that I use. He asked me how I was able to lower the pitch of my voice. He was really appreciative when I showed him how to do it.

That experience taught me that I had something to give. Then I received the Cancer Action newsletter. This place might be might be a natural, I though to myself. Cancer Action had helped me, now maybe I could help them!

For me Cancer Action is the place I go where I don’t feel sorry for myself. I’m not alone here. I run into people I have a common bond with. It’s dear to me to have contact with the other survivors.

All I do is keep the storeroom in shape, but feel like I’m part of a team. It makes me feel good knowing the staff can find what a patient needs instantly…diapers, literature, supplements, whatever they need.

I love the staff here. They don’t treat me like I’m handicapped. When I talk about Cancer Action I say ‘we’ because I feel like I’m part of the family.

- BILL BYARD, husband, father, retired tax manager