Dear Friends of Domus Pacis,​

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I had spoken to my doctor about getting my PSA checked, but it hadn’t been a priority. Honestly, if not for an incentive offered by my insurance company, I might not be here writing this letter today.

 

Two moments will forever be etched in my memory: October 28, 2025—the day the doctor called with my results—and the moment the oncologist said, “You have cancer, and it is Stage IV.”

 

When I heard those words, the room spun. I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. The conversation that followed was long and overwhelming, a firehose of frightening information. But I’ll never forget one thing the oncologist said: “This is not a death sentence.”

 

From that moment, I was determined to fight.

 

What I didn’t realize then was how much of the battle would be mental, not just physical. The doctors had a plan for my treatment, but inside I felt lost, trapped in fear and grief. That’s when a neighbor introduced me to a cancer survivor who told me about Domus Pacis. She shared how her respite gave her hope and healing. I knew immediately I needed that same chance to “just get away from it all.”

The timing of our respite was extraordinary—the week of my birthday. My daughters even made custom shirts to mark the occasion.

 

Surrounded by my family, I found peace.

 

We hiked, laughed, played games, and celebrated with a surprise birthday cake from the Domus Pacis team. Watching my granddaughters giggle at old family videos reminded me what I was fighting for.

I can say with certainty: without Domus Pacis, that healing respite would never have happened.

 

Today, I have completed 28 sessions of radiation—one of the hardest things I’ve ever endured. But I am determined to be a survivor. My oncologist is confident I will reach full remission, though there’s always a chance it could return. In the meantime, I plan to live life to the fullest and never take a moment for granted.

From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my entire family—thank you! Thank you to every donor and volunteer who makes Domus Pacis possible. Your generosity gave me more than a respite. 

 

You gave me strength, hope, and time with the people I love most.

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With gratitude,

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