As I reflect on the past year of our survivorship blog, it seems notable that many of you have mentioned the positive presence of people in your lives during this time.

These are the friends and family who know and understand how to love, support and simply be with you. This might also include people you've met along the way during your experience as a patient.

Now, it might also include those who are supporting each other through this blog. It's so amazing to see the love and strength that you're giving each other.

It's sometimes difficult for others to know how to be with someone who's experiencing cancer. Cancer is personal. It threatens our mortality, our lives, and the people around us in so many ways.

At times, friends and family pull away, not knowing what to do. However, this is the time when you may need them the most. I would love to hear from you about this. What has been your experience? What do you need the most from others?

Honest feedback may help others understand what kind of presence is the most helpful to a person experiencing cancer. I want to thank all of you for your presence on this blog in the past year.

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Mentor, navigator, advocate ... these are just a few of the people that you may have been touched by as a cancer survivor.

Most times, the people who fill these roles have faced cancer on a personal level as well. They've walked in your shoes and may have similar experiences to share. The art of caring, listening and supporting is so valuable.

Helping others make it through the experience of living with cancer is an incredible gift. They help you navigate your way through diagnosis, treatment and the time after treatment ends, which can be the hardest period.

People in these roles often want to give back by providing support and guidance to others who may be just at the beginning of their cancer experience. This is an empowering experience where the person helping oftentimes gets back as much as they give. For the person receiving the support, it's just so good to be with someone who knows exactly how they're feeling.

At Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, we are so fortunate to have American Cancer Society Navigators and volunteer survivors who work in the Cancer Education Center, Pink Ribbon Mentors who support breast cancer survivors, a strong group of men who organize the Prostate Cancer Support Group, as well as countless other advocates and community support.

Please share stories of how you've been touched by people in these supportive roles. Whether you were on the giving or receiving end, both are equally important!

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