Lighting the Dark: Cari Hahn on Breast Cancer
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Cari Hahn, breast cancer survivor and founder of Karma Candles
1 out of every 8 US women is diagnosed with breast cancer, which means that you probably work with or know an affected woman.
How employers respond to and support women with breast cancer matters. Do you have policies and support measures in place to support friends and employees for the long-term of recovery, not just in the immediacy of their diagnosis?
Breast-cancer survivor Cari Hahn shares her story of job loss, struggle, and rebirth after cancer. Her wisdom will help you avoid painful workplace missteps.
You can find the Handle with Care podcast on Google Play, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. And you can listen to the episode here:
Recovering
Here are three key takeaways from my conversation with Cari:
If you know someone that is living with cancer, resist the urge to tell them all about the people you know that have died of cancer. Cari heard these statements a lot. In my trainings, I talk about the empathy avatar of Commiserating Candace, she (or he) always has a sad story to share. This sharing hijacks the story of the person who is currently suffering. Don’t be a Commiserating Candace
If you are an employer or a manager of someone who is living through cancer, what support systems do you have in place for once the chemo is done? Cari talked about being well-supported initially, pushing through all of the appointments etc. But her body was exhausted on the other side and, when she asked for flexibility, her workplace was unwilling to shift. Do you have policies in place for the long-game, designed to accommodate the aftermath of bodily stress that happens post-treatment?
Breast cancer continues to influence the lives of survivors. There is the stress of wondering if the cancer will manifest again, the bodily exhaustion, and the survivor’s guilt. If you are a friend or a coworker, continue to check-in with the survivors you know, especially once the chemo is done. They still need and will appreciate your support on this long journey.
Cari leveraged her experience, bringing light to the darkness by launching Karma Candles where she sells jewelry, home fragrances, gift boxes and cozy apparel. The brand empowers, encourages and inspires women.