Victoria's Story: Drawing Strength from Community

Cancer hurts. And sometimes, it pulls families apart.

When Victoria was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, she and her family were only just starting to recover from her mother’s death after eight long years of living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Then, Victoria lost her sister to colon cancer in early 2012. So, when Victoria got sick, her family barely reacted. They were numb, shell shocked – just too tired to provide Victoria with the support she needed.

“In those first horrible weeks after my sister died, I felt so alone,” Victoria said. “I was emotionally depleted, and my family was too. They were still in survival mode, and they just couldn’t be there for me.”

Victoria’s situation was even more precarious because she was between jobs.

Fortunately, she found support and strength in her community – from her doctors, fellow breast cancer survivors and Project Open Hand (POH). While undergoing radiation treatment, she was referred to POH by a social worker at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Before long, she was signed up for weekly groceries.

“The groceries from Project Open Hand have been a godsend,” Victoria said. “Everything offered here is good and healthy. And, I’m trying lots of new foods too, like lentils and quinoa. I ate pretty well before, but now I know I can count on getting the nutrition I need. That keeps up my strength and my spirits, too.”

Victoria enjoys visiting with the Project Open Hand staff and volunteers every week in our Oakland Grocery Center. And she makes a point to attend Project Open Hand events and community gatherings.

“Everyone who works at Project Open Hand is so kind,” she added.

It’s always such a positive experience to be here.

“’I’ve always liked going places, getting out and being a part of the community. And it was wonderful to have the community that is Project Open Hand there for me when I needed it. ”