In the face of terminal illness, finding the strength to 'do dying well' can seem like an impossible task. But for Jackie Storer, a single mother from Derby, the Ruth Strauss Foundation has been a beacon of hope, offering not just emotional and psychological support, but also practical advice on how to navigate the challenges of explaining a terminal diagnosis to her teenage son. This is a powerful testament to the impact of the foundation, which was set up by former England cricket captain Sir Andrew Strauss to support families facing the death of a parent with incurable cancer.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is the intersection of Storer's personal journey and her lifelong love for cricket. Growing up in a family that ran a cricket club, Storer was 'cricket mad'. Her son, Dom, followed in her footsteps, playing for Swarkestone CC and sharing season tickets to watch the Trent Rockets with his mother. But when a routine hysterectomy revealed Storer had cancer, her world turned upside down.
In my opinion, the foundation's support has been transformative for Storer, helping her to adopt a mantra of 'trying to live life the best you can'. This is a powerful message, one that resonates with many people facing terminal illness. It's not about ignoring the reality of the situation, but rather about finding the strength to live each day to the fullest, despite the challenges ahead.
One thing that immediately stands out is the foundation's ability to provide both emotional and practical support. Storer received advice on how to explain her diagnosis to her son, which is a critical aspect of navigating the challenges of terminal illness. What many people don't realize is that explaining a terminal diagnosis to a child can be one of the most difficult tasks a parent can face. The foundation's support has helped Storer to approach this conversation with honesty and openness, which is crucial for both her and her son's well-being.
If you take a step back and think about it, the foundation's work is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and support in the face of adversity. By bringing people together, whether it's through events like the #RedforRuth event at Lords, or through personal support, the foundation is helping to create a network of support for families facing terminal illness. This is a powerful example of how a single idea can have a profound impact on the lives of many people.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the foundation's focus on helping families 'do dying well'. This is a powerful and poignant phrase, one that captures the essence of the foundation's mission. It's not about dying poorly, but rather about finding the strength to live each day to the fullest, even in the face of terminal illness. This raises a deeper question: what does it mean to 'do dying well'? And how can we support those who are facing terminal illness to live each day to the fullest?
What this really suggests is that the foundation's work is not just about providing support to families facing terminal illness, but also about helping them to find meaning and purpose in their final days. This is a powerful and moving aspect of the foundation's work, one that highlights the importance of community and support in the face of adversity. Personally, I think that the foundation's work is a powerful example of how a single idea can have a profound impact on the lives of many people, and how a small act of kindness can make a big difference in the world.
