Celebrating Cancer Survivor Month: CARE Board Member Carolyn Ho’s Story

June is National Cancer Survivor Month! In celebration, we chatted with Cancer Survivor and CARE Board Member, Carolyn Ho.

Carolyn considers her cancer journey to have truly begun 14 years before she received her diagnosis. When Carolyn’s identical twin sister, Nina, was diagnosed with cancer, Carolyn was thrust into a world that she didn’t know much about. She soon learned about the importance of choice in cancer treatment and how personal treatment decisions are. Thankfully, Carolyn’s sister is a survivor! After learning about the benefits of exercise for reducing the risk of cancer recurrence, Nina began participating in triathlons and has completed over 80 triathlons since her diagnosis. See  www.teamsurvivornw.org

Several years later, cancer struck Carolyn’s family again. This time, her husband Ray was diagnosed with an aggressive lymphoma. Coincidently, just 6 months before Ray’s diagnosis, Carolyn had heard Dr. Frank Senecal speak at a fundraiser. She was instantly impressed by his expertise and his heart.

 “I remember hearing Dr. Senecal speak for the first time and it was very impactful. I don’t remember what he said but I remember how he made me feel. It was unusual for a doctor to speak about how a patient had impacted him, instead of what he did for the patient. But that’s Frank,” Carolyn Ho said.

Carolyn and Ray sought Dr. Senecal out for Ray’s cancer treatment and he was able to bring a new treatment to Ray that extended his life for 14 years.

Fourteen years to the week after Nina’s diagnosis, Carolyn’s fears were confirmed—she was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer. At this time, Carolyn was well versed in cancer treatments and she immediately began seeing her husband’s oncologist. Carolyn knew she was in good hands with Dr. Senecal and given her family history decided to have a double mastectomy.

“Cancer treatment is very personal. You have to make the decision that’s right for you,” Carolyn said.

After standing by her sister and husband as they battled cancer and then facing it herself, Carolyn created a notebook filled with documents, research, and resources for anyone navigating cancer. “Cancer can be a daunting diagnosis but there are blessings within that. There is a bond among survivors and by telling your story you can make new friends and understand what someone else in this position might need or want. I’ve learned that listening, being present, offering support, calls, and cards are all helpful ways to support someone fighting cancer. It’s also helpful to do research and share that research,” Carolyn said.

While Carolyn and her twin sister Nina are today both healthy and cancer-free, sadly Ray passed away after a long battle with lymphoma in 2014. Carolyn knew she wanted to continue to honor Ray by helping other people get access to the kind of care that saved her life and extended Ray’s. She joined CARE’s Board shortly after Ray passed away, serving as Board President for 5 years.

“Carolyn is a special person and an incredible leader. She leads from the heart,” Dr. Frank Senecal said.

“CARE is different because it is local and seeks to serve patients specifically in the South Sound. Cancer treatments are often far away and during a difficult time people need support and care from their family and friends. CARE offers people lifesaving treatment right here. I have two sons and five grandchildren and I want to help them avoid a cancer diagnosis by adding to the pool of research, sharing information, and learning more about how to support family and help prevent them from going through this. CARE helps make that possible,” Carolyn said.

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”

Learn more about how you can help patients fighting cancer in the South Sound by partnering with CARE. See  https://www.southsoundcarefoundation.org