Local Author Discusses Cancer and Other Life Challenges

Author Lynn Oldham held an informal discussion on the powerful effects of compassion and prayer at Booktowne Thursday. The lessons she learned from surviving cancer and the death of her husband are the subject of Oldham’s new memoir, “Life in the Light: Reflections on Loss, Grief, and Overcoming Challenge.”

Oldham’s message on compassion is clear: acknowledge those who are suffering from life’s toughest challenges and stay active with care.

“I think people who are alone in their struggle have it the worst,” Oldham said. “There is a terrible isolation in suffering. It needs validation.”

In our culture, we have a tendency to pretend issues have already been resolved, Oldham said. “Grief is a long process, and it becomes a lonely process when people stop talking about it.”

Oldham was teaching English at when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. After going through chemotherapy and several surgeries, Oldham experienced complete organ failure. While in a coma, her family said their last goodbyes.

Oldham credits love, faith and active support from others for her survival. Doctors didn’t give up on her, but they were realistic.

“That’s when prayer kicked in,” she said. By word of mouth, her name spread to prayer groups around the country. “The energy of prayer is electrifying,” Oldham said.

“When I survived, I wasn’t supposed to, I was in a coma,” Oldham said. “There had to be forces greater than me.”

Oldham had enormous support during her recovery; a blessing, she said, not everyone has.

“We need to have a dialogue, we need to have an honest discussion about ignoring the issues,” Oldham said.

Helen Kaftan, Oldham’s neighbor, shared her thoughts on isolation.

“Sometimes we don’t say anything (to those suffering), and that’s really hurtful,” Kaftan said. “We’re afraid to say anything.”

“Life in the Light” has a powerful impact on readers. “A lot of people who read the book call me,” Oldham said. “They either want to tell me their own stories or offer feedback.”

One reader called to thank Oldham.

“I went to a wake, and for the first time in my life, I knew the right thing to say,” the reader told Oldham.

Oldham believes challenges are an opportunity to learn and grow.

“Challenges create the highest form of spiritual evolution,” she said. “They increase our capacity for empathy and sympathy.”

Oldham wrote “Life in the Light” to inspire others to see challenges as something positive.

“I had to share my perspective because I had to give back,” Oldham said. “Boy, did people give to me.”

The final chapter of her book gives credibility to adversity and challenge.  

“Something further will come of this,” Rita Maggio, Booktowne owner, said to Oldham. “You have a lot to give. I think this is your first, but not your last, author signing.”

Oldham’s next step is to offer sensitivity training to audiences in the corporate and healthcare industries. She is also available to speak with community groups.

“Life in the Light” can be purchased at in Manasquan, 732-722-7255. An electronic version is on Kindle.