Caregiver Honored By Bedminster Cancer Support Center

BEDMINSTER, NJ — The Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey (CSCCNJ) located in Bedminster is honoring Nancy Gonzalez, a full-time teacher and caregiver.

Gonzalez is a Theology and Social Justice teacher at a high school in the Bronx and has been lifelong caregiver.

She began caring for others at age 8, when one of her newborn twin brothers came home from the hospital with medical challenges.

“I thrive when I can care for others," she stated.

She continued to care for other while serving in the military where she helped fellow soldiers complete physical challenges and helped them study.

When her partner of 20 years, Ellen Brophy, was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2005, the hospital recommended CSCCNJ. Brophy and Gonzalez started participating in programs within a year.

Even after Brophy lost a battle with cancer in 2013, Gonzalez kept coming to programs and continues to do so today.

November is National Family Caregivers Month and as such Gonzalez was honored for her work.

“Caregivers are the forgotten heroes in our country,” says Amy Sutton, CEO of CSCCNJ, “At Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey, Nancy found she was not alone because the needs of caregivers are an integral part of our support services model.”

Today, Gonzalez battles Parkinson’s disease and Osteoarthritis but finds comfort in T’ai Chi Chih, Mindful Meditation, and Yoga, among other classes that help her physical and emotional well-being while also providing her with the emotional support she needs.

"Gonzalez has become a welcome, smiling face at CSCCNJ in Bedminster, where she is still a caregiver, giving back as much to the staff as they try to give to her," according to CSCCNJ. "There, and in so many other places in her life, she is and always will be, a caregiver."

(Image via CSCCNJ: Gonzalez participating in a T’ai Chi Chih class and in a drumming circle at a recent gala.)

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