WOODBURY, TN (BNC) —Judy and Glenn Higgins (inset) had no idea that his battle with cancer would make such an impact in the world. After supporting her husband until his death, Judy saw a need for those suffering and surviving this dreaded disease. She approached the elders of the Woodbury Church of Christ with her idea and with their support the ABC (Altered by Cancer) group was formed.
The Altered by Cancer group began with ten letters being mailed to interested people who might like to work with the group. Higgins expressed her need for extra hugs to try and replace the energy drained from her in the sickness and eventual death of her husband. It was her vision for the participants to be “altared” (drawn closer to God’s altar) to find strength because their lives had been “altered” by cancer.
August 7, 2019, was the first meeting of the ABC group. Cancer patients and those in remission, along with family members, were contacted and the group grew. Monthly meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday. Patients are discussed and progress reports given. Currently there are 60 people with cancer, locally and out of state, with whom they keep in touch by cards, phone calls, visits, food deliveries, and prayers. In case of a death the surviving spouse receives a special book, “Widow to Widow” or “Widower to Widower.” The response has been positive.
The Altered by Cancer group has broadened their area of care to the prayer list at church, nursing home patients as well as assisted living facilities. A letter of introduction and initial visit is made before a person is put on the calling or card list and introduced to the group. If such a person desires the group’s loving care and attention, they let it be known.
Today the group of 17 members is ministering to over 100 people with cards, calls, and some visits each month. On average there are 100 or more cards mailed and 30-40 calls made monthly. Their goal is to make contact with each person on their list one time each month.
After her husband’s death, Judy Higgins moved to a retirement village in Florida. She stays in touch with the group while away and attends meetings when back in the Woodbury area. After her move the ABC group has been under the leadership of Linda King. Higgins says, “Through the leadership of Linda King this ministry has grown beyond all expectation. GOD IS GOOD!”
2021-09-02 at 4:43 pm
I love this group of ladies even though I don’t know you personally, thank you so much for all the prayers, I am healing more every day. I know God is totally in control of the cancer so I try always to keep my faith. Thank you so much for being so thoughtful!
2022-01-21 at 4:08 pm
Thank each of you for your concerns and prayers. We appreciate your thoughtfulness. Sincerely, Wallace and Martha Burke