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
The Song He Sings
I listened to his song for days and days. It was a soothing, beautiful song. I eventually came to know it as a love song.
He came faithfully every day, sitting in the tree, singing his heart out to his love and mate. She was protecting and warming their love children, yet to be born, in the nest they had built together. I was in awe of their equal partnership.
Just the Caregiver
Years ago, when he was in his fifties, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. They had been married a number of years, and both of them were receiving treatment for their cancer diagnoses at the same time. Her treatment included a bone marrow transplant. She spent months in the hospital, and eventually a nursing home, with the expectation she would never be well enough to leave. Her condition was so severe at one point that several toes had to be amputated. (They both recovered and lived active, fulfilling lives.)
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.