
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.
Interactive Posts
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.
The Three C’s
The Big C. I bet most people know what “The Big C” means. For many over the years, “Cancer” was so feared and dreaded that even the word itself couldn’t be spoken. Some may still feel that way today.
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.
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.
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.
Smokey And The Rabbit
We adopted him when he was four months old. His given name was Chip. But that didn't fit him. He was Smokey from that day in August when our lives were forever joined.
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.
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.
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.