Sometimes life is overwhelming – sickness, death, divorce, mental anguish,  … We have been through life’s tough times too and know you need something to help get you through.

Hangin’ on Faith is here to provide hope and encouragement during those times. We are reaching out to help in various ways.  On this website are stories from real people who may have gone through similar situations. Sometimes reading about how someone else has prevailed will give you the strength and encouragement to make it through too. Read our stories to gain hope for yourself or share with another.  Most storytellers are even available for contact for more personal help and sharing. 

 Knowing there is a way to make it through a difficult time may provide a ray of hope...  

Newsletters Archive

Newsletter- July 2010

A True Relay About Life

By Kathy Wood




This year at the ACS Relay for Life there was a true relay with a special purple baton. It was quite late in the evening (the relay started at 6PM Friday and ended Saturday at 10AM) when one of the other HoF survivors come up to our booth with someone I didn't know that was holding the baton. My teammate pointed at me and said "Now she has a story to tell." I eventually came to understand that she, the baton holder, was to find a fellow survivor and ask them to walk the track together. During their walk, the baton holder was to share their story, then pass the baton on to the new survivor who would then share their story. The new survivor was to go out and find another survivor and start the baton passing process again. How cool was that!
A real relay with a baton and it was about sharing a life story!
I was only able to track through 5 levels of stories:

  • Ann was the HoF member. She was young with 2 small kids when she recently became a breast cancer survivor. She passed it onto Cheryl.
  • Cheryl was in high school when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma after a year of losing weight and energy. She is now in her 30's.
  • I was next - you may know my story or if not go to Kathy's story. I also got to meet Cheryl's family who had another member that had to fight through Cancer too.
  • I passed the baton to Linda who was also a Breast Cancer survivor.
  • Linda passed it to a woman who'd had Uterine and Breast cancer metastases.


    • While these stories are sad on one hand they were also an encouragement to me because these people were still here and could share with me what they were able to overcome! It re-emphasized what the HOF ministry is all about - helping others survive some trial or storm in their life by reading or even talking with someone that has been through something similar, and survived by hangin' on their faith in Christ - the ultimate rock through these storms.

    I believe we all have some story to share, and I certainly know people who need to hear them. HoF needs your stories to thrive and help others. We can help record the stories and they can be posted as anonymous if you wish. Please consider contacting us and sharing your story. Here is my email so we can get started at making this happen: Kathy@HanginOnFaith.org.

    Matthew 7:24-26: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand."

    Click here to share your story

    June 18th we participated in our 2nd Relay for Life fundraiser sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS), which are held all over the country. This year we participated in a new location in west Raleigh - it was their inaugural relay. While smaller than last year's relay, I think it is off to a great start. During the opening ceremony I was surprised and pleased to learn that ACS is second only to the federal government in funding cancer research and finding ways to help prevent and cure this horrid disease that affects so many.

    This year's theme was "Imagine a World with More Birthdays." I love it! During my 1st battle with cancer I remember thinking about how people dread hitting 40 (the original "old age") and how I was hoping just to reach that lovely age!

    The survivors were honored with a great meal, the 1st lap around the track, and for a moment of silence as everyone walked around the track late in the evening in almost complete darkness. The only light was provided by luminaries set up around the track. The luminaries were purchased in honor of or remembrance of those who have had cancer. Not only did that time affect those of us who were survivors but it really touched a young neighbor friend who realized that the names depicted on the bags were the names of people who had cancer - he was impacted by the large number of people.

    Hangin' on Faith (HoF) was blessed with a team of 32 people. I was very honored to receive (and also saddened) by an award I accepted Saturday on behalf of the HoF team for having the most cancer survivors. We had 3 women and 1 young boy (David) who is still going through treatments for Leukemia. I was thrilled to sit with him & his Mom at the survivor's dinner. What a great spirit he and his family have. Please include David in your prayers.

    It's hard to really describe this event to people. In most of my emails I included some statement about how even though it is held at a track, it isn't a really a race, relay, or even a walk. It is a great and fun event with music, booths, and things for kids, etc - but most importantly, it's a chance to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. However, this year it did indeed become a relay for some of us. Check out this month's featured story.

    Kathy Wood
    President and Founder

    Stories are a Powerful Thing...

    Tell Us Your Story

    Got a story to share or know someone who does? You can share a story about any of the difficulties faced in life and how you survived (maybe even daily) by "Hangin' on Faith". Clickhereto submit your story or to request more information.

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