Sue’s Gift Blog

Supportive articles for the newly diagnosed, those currently in treatment, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. Written by our Patient Services Director, Sherry Martin, a licensed clinical social worker with over 35 years of experience in the field of oncology social work.

Coping Strategies Sherry Martin Coping Strategies Sherry Martin

Reframing Where We Are

I was in the aisle seat, returning home. Every seat on the plane was occupied. The flight attendant cautioned the gentleman sitting next to me in the middle seat to move his bag an inch further under the seat in front of him.

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Living Intentionally Sherry Martin Living Intentionally Sherry Martin

The Gift

One of my favorite songs is The Gift by Jim Brickman. It's  meaningful to me personally as a love song. But it's so much  more. I especially like these words from that song because,  when I look around me, I see many who are giving their love away. 

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Overcoming Adversity Sherry Martin Overcoming Adversity Sherry Martin

When Your Guide Is Gone

Do you remember when you looked up to your basketball  coach, your science teacher, or your youth minister? They  were your guides who taught you new skills or showed you a  different way to see the world. It seemed they were full of  wisdom and always had the right words to inspire you. 

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Overcoming Adversity Sherry Martin Overcoming Adversity Sherry Martin

Lessons from Harold

I have been an oncology social worker for over 35 years, and during that time, I shared many patients with my husband, a counselor at the cancer center where we both worked. We learned several lessons over the years from those who had a cancer diagnosis. One of the most valuable came from Harold.

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Overcoming Adversity Sherry Martin Overcoming Adversity Sherry Martin

Amid The Storm

We've all been there amid the storm, both literally and figuratively: the ferocious rainstorm that seemed never ending with raging torrents of water eliciting fear of drowning, the blinding blizzard making it impossible to see the front end of your car, not to mention the vehicles ahead of you; the enormous tornado cloud that surely brought a run-away train with it along with damaging wind and flying objects leaving both humans and structures battered...all storms that were potentially life-threatening and something you didn't want to be part of.

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Living Intentionally Sherry Martin Living Intentionally Sherry Martin

Never Forget

Remember when someone told you that you weren't enough...not tall enough, skinny enough, pretty enough, young enough, old enough, smart enough, talented enough, experienced enough, rich enough, educated enough, sophisticated enough, conservative enough, liberal enough? If only you were enough. 

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Overcoming Adversity Sherry Martin Overcoming Adversity Sherry Martin

I’m Ok—Really

When I was an undergraduate student many years ago, a book entitled I’m Ok—You’re Ok by Thomas A. Harris, M.D., was very popular. The book’s subtitle is “A Practical Guide to Transactional Analysis,” and centers on a method for solving problems in life.

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About The Author

Sherry Martin, LCSW has served as Patient Services Director at Sue's Gift for the past seven years. A licensed clinical social worker with over 35 years of experience in oncology care, she brings deep expertise and compassion to patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

She is also the author of Beginning Again: Tools for the Journey through Grief a step-by-step guide for grief support group facilitators. Based on a proven model with low attrition rates and overwhelmingly positive participant feedback, the book provides practical tools for those feeling stuck in grief or seeking guidance in their healing journey.

Throughout her career, Sherry has specialized in medical and oncology social work, with experience spanning in-patient hospitals, outpatient cancer centers, hospice, skilled nursing facilities, case management, counseling, program development, educational workshops, and group facilitation. Her work is dedicated to supporting individuals and families through the challenges of cancer, grief, and loss, helping them find resilience, connection, and hope.