Inspirational Locals – October 2009

What is an exceptional or inspirational person?

Have you thought about it? Are you exceptional or inspirational? Most of us don’t think that we are either one. It’s usually the people around us who think we’re exceptional or inspirational. I know I’ve put a lot of thought the last couple of weeks on what makes a person inspirational.

And last week I had the pleasure of meeting a very inspirational woman from our area. Her name is Kim Walters. Kim has a great story. One I think will give us all hope that in deed there is a path for all of us and usually that path is right there in front of us. We’ve just got to listen and watch for the signs.

Kim is the founder of New Hope Cancer Recovery. New Hope is a faith based cancer support group and an outreach ministry of Fathers House. New Hope was started 13 years ago after Kim’s parents passed away within 15 months of each other. Kim was so overcome with grief she didn’t know what she was going to do or where to turn.

Five months after her father passed away Kim formed New Hope Cancer Recovery. Kim wanted to make sure family members, patients and friends were successfully handling the news after learning of cancer diagnosis. She felt she had the calling to help others deal with their grief. Currently the group has 16 people. They are all cancer patients. She said that even though it is a “Faith Based” group, it is open to everyone and their family members.

I asked Kim what they do at group meetings. Kim said people share what they are going through and then they deal with whatever the situation is. Kim makes herself available to her group 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Kim also said she is listed on the American Cancer Society’s website and she receives calls from patients who aren’t even in our area. She said she is the only cancer support group listed that is faith based.

I asked what her family thought of her ministry and she said her husband and children are all supportive of her endeavors. Her daughter, Nicole, has even mentioned she would like to do a mother/daughter ministry sometime in the future.

Kim is vibrant with energy. She shows a passion for her calling more than anyone I have ever met with. She said she didn’t even realize she was on the right path. But she was. She had been through the unbearable grief of losing her parents, then the Hospice training and was on the road to her destiny. Through her faith, Kim has touched the lives and hearts of many. Maybe you are one of those people.

According to About.com Community cancer support groups are the one of the best ways to actively get support and become more active in your cancer community. For each person diagnosed, cancer is a unique experience. No two people will travel the same journey during and after cancer treatment. How people cope after being diagnosed, during treatment, and afterward is also different for each individual. One common thread in all people with cancer is the need for a good support system.

I asked Kim where she saw her group in a year.  Kim said “I am in an amazing place. I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, now! ” I asked how people learned about her support group and she told me “word of mouth”.  At this time the group does not have a website. What Kim would like to see within the next year is the opportunity to pull together the resources to get the word out about New Hope Cancer Recovery.  If an individual Googles “How do I find a cancer support group in my area?” Many links are listed, but it was difficult to get down to the actual “support groups”. I would suggest if you know anyone who you think might benefit from Kim’s group, give her a call. Her contact information: Kim Walters 360.425.7978 or Kimmerz21@msn.com.

I hope Kim’s story will help inspire you to watch for your own personal calling in life. If you know someone who has an exceptional or inspirational story that needs to be told, please contact me. (360)430-3557 or Julie@valleybugler.com