NOW AVAILABLE
Faces of Cancer
The Emotions No One Prepares You For, and the God Who Meets You There
By Kim VanderPoel
Cancer comes with appointments, treatment plans, and medical information.
But nobody hands you a map for what happens inside.
Faces of Cancer gives words to the fear, anger, grief, loneliness, vulnerability, and uncertainty
that can accompany cancer—and points toward the God who meets us there.
Faces of Cancer is organized around the emotional landscape of the cancer journey — the fear that shows up at 3 a.m., the loneliness that surprises you in a crowded waiting room, the complicated grief of survivorship, the anger nobody gave you permission to feel, and the hope that keeps showing up anyway even when you're not looking for it.
This book is for patients. For survivors. For the caregiver sitting in the parking lot trying to hold it together before walking back in. For anyone who has needed language for something they couldn't quite name.
It doesn't end with a bow. But it doesn't leave you alone either.
Who is this book for?
Faces of Cancer is for the person newly diagnosed, the person somewhere in the messy middle of treatment, the survivor wondering why "done" doesn't feel finished, and the caregiver or friend trying to understand what someone they love may be carrying.
It's also a meaningful gift for someone walking through cancer when you aren't sure what to say
—but want them to know they aren't alone.
Whether you're walking through cancer yourself or looking for something meaningful to give someone you love, Faces of Cancer was written to remind you that you are not alone in what you're feeling.
Words from Readers
Sometimes the most meaningful part of sharing a story is discovering how it meets someone else in theirs.
“I read the book in one setting. Wow! I am so blessed by it! It's like I was given permission to feel all the emotions I have been keeping bottled up inside since my diagnosis. Yes I cried but oh how I needed to! Thank you for putting into words all the feelings!”
Amazon Review“ I wish this book was written 5 years ago when I began my cancer journey. Knowing now that the feelings and emotions I felt and still have are okay. This guides me through today with scripture and prayer.”
Amazon Review“Very well written and must read for family members, husbands and adult children of cancer patients! My sister with stage 4 breast cancer felt blessed when reading this book, Kim hit the nail on the head, addressing many emotions that come with the diagnosis. Thank you Kim for making it ok to talk about these emotions.”
Amazon ReviewRead More Reader Reviews on Amazon →
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Give the Gift of Hope
Pair Faces of Cancer with a Prayer Shawl or Words for the Journey to create a meaningful gift for someone walking through cancer.
Not sure if this book is for you?
Read a chapter from Faces of Cancer and get a glimpse into the honest conversations about fear, grief, anger, faith, and hope found throughout the book.
Looking for something for someone you love?
When someone you care about is facing cancer, it can be hard to know what to say or how to help.
Faces of Cancer offers something you can place in their hands—a reminder that whatever they are feeling is real,
and they don't have to walk through it alone.
Sometimes the best gift isn't having the right words.
It's simply letting someone know, I'm here. I see you. You are not alone.
Meet the Author
I knew what cancer treatment would ask of my body. What I wasn't prepared for was everything it would ask of my heart.
Years after my own diagnosis and treatment, I realized how many of us carry emotions we were never given language for—fear, anger, grief, loneliness, vulnerability, and questions about faith.
I wrote Faces of Cancer because I wanted to create the book I wish someone had placed in my hands.
Not a book that promises easy answers. A companion for the middle of the hard thing.
God is the anchor. Hope is the thread.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Although my own experience was with breast cancer, Faces of Cancer explores emotions that can accompany many different cancer diagnoses. Fear, anger, grief, loneliness, vulnerability, and uncertainty don't belong to just one type of cancer.
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Absolutely. The book was written for people walking through cancer, but it can also help caregivers, friends, and family members better understand some of the emotions their loved one may be experiencing.
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No. This isn't a book about choosing treatments or navigating medical decisions. It's a faith-rooted companion for the emotional side of cancer, offering honest reflections, encouragement, and reminders that you don't have to navigate those feelings alone.
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Faces of Cancer is written from a Christian perspective, and faith is woven throughout its pages. However, the emotions it explores are deeply human. Readers from different backgrounds may find understanding and comfort in the honest conversations about cancer.
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Yes! Personally signed copies are available through Hope Lives Now. You can also pair the book with a prayer shawl or Words for the Journey encouragement cards to create a thoughtful gift for someone facing cancer.