New Utah Mom Faces Cancer Diagnosis with Community Support
A new mother from Salt Lake City, Emily Hausman, is confronting a significant challenge just months after welcoming her first child. Diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, Hausman has received an outpouring of support from her community, which she describes as “overwhelming in the most beautiful way.”
Shortly after moving to Utah to be closer to family following job loss during pregnancy, Hausman gave birth and then faced her cancer diagnosis. “It’s not great when you look it up,” she reflected. “It was just very overwhelming… making sure that my kid’s going to be okay, that was the biggest thing for me.”
Support has come in various forms, including the establishment of a GoFundMe campaign by her friend, Leia Bell. Bell expressed her shock at the timing of the diagnosis, stating, “We were really excited to find out that Emily was having a baby… and then, just like crazy that just two months in and she got this diagnosis, which was completely devastating.”
Hausman has also turned to social media, creating a TikTok profile to share her journey. She noted that reaching out for help has been a significant relief, allowing her to focus more on her son during this challenging time.
Community Response and Advocacy
Since her diagnosis, Hausman has received messages of support from people around the globe, including friends she hadn’t contacted in years, as well as others who have shared their own cancer experiences. “I tend to be the type of person who just… shoulder this myself,” she admitted. “But getting my story out there has been such a huge relief.”
Bell echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the kindness of strangers. “It’s been amazing just to see how many perfect strangers are willing to help someone else… it just restores your faith in humanity a bit that so many people care.”
The importance of self-advocacy is a key message Hausman wants to share. “If something doesn’t seem right, go to the doctor, check it out, because I never in a million years had those on my postpartum bingo card,” she advised.
For those experiencing similar challenges, Hausman encourages accepting offers of help, stating that many people genuinely want to assist cancer patients. Bell added that being present and listening is crucial. “Most important is just to be willing to listen to everything they have to say,” she stated.
Through her ordeal, Hausman has highlighted the power of community and the profound impact of shared experiences in navigating life’s challenges. The collective support has not only uplifted her spirit but has also become a beacon of hope for others facing adversity.
