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 Gift Of Time
In light of recent personal and global losses, I’m reflecting on what's important and valued, and how I want to spend my time. I’m thinking of this time as a reset button – this time when the world has changed due to so many losses – tragic deaths, Covid-19, a cancer diagnosis – when everything is different, when I’m different.
Taking Control Amidst The Coronavirus Crisis
Everything feels out of sync and nothing feels normal. New words and phrases become commonplace: social distancing, community spread, PPE, N95, flattening the curve, Zoom. Some days I really struggle with my emotions and I have trouble not being overwhelmed by thoughts like…”When will things get back to normal? Will this ever end? Am I being irrational or just trying to be safe? My anxiety feels out of my control. I feel a little depressed…and maybe a little scared, and that’s not typical for me. I don’t handle uncertainty well. I’m used to planning ahead. I’m exhausted from the news and from feeling hypervigilant.”
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.