Testimonials
Read true stories from those who have received a Hope Anchor.
I am a DG alum - Gamma Rho 1977. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (incurable blood cancer) in March 2017. I have had chemo, hospice, chemo again, hospice again (still here!), and now I am receiving target therapy and seem to be improving. The Colorado Springs DG alum group has been a constant support, bringing food, visits, cards, and even a margarita party and sing!
I have to go through some hard decisions and the giver one of my advisors wanted to make sure I understood how many people are behind me no matter what decision.
I received my Hope Anchor from my good friend Melanie. We both met through a friend when I was in college. I first remember getting Mary Kay makeovers done by Melanie and soon becoming good friends outside of that. The two of us both continued to correspond and as time went on we formed a strong friendship. Even though we are in two different states we constantly share with each other on social media, text about the Eagles games, and check in every so often. About 7 months ago I finally had enough of the depression I was experiencing. I've had many challenges with mental health through much of my adult life. However, it had gotten worse after I graduated, and I eventually came to the point where my legs couldn’t even walk without getting sore. I was 15 lbs. underweight and lost all color in my face. I had come to the tip of the iceberg and was finally ready to go through with what I had planned, with what I had plotted out for so long. I drove up to the 10th level of a parking garage. I came with young photos of me and several drafts written into one perfect suicide note. This was the only place I know I’d eventually find peace if I jumped. It was the closest I’d ever come. I parked close to the barrier, cautiously waiting to get out while no one was there. At the same time, I was sobbing and wishing for anything but what was about to happen. I didn’t want to go that way, but I felt it necessary. The main thing that prevented me from going over that day is the story of Kevin Hines. Kevin Hines is one of the few people who survived jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. To this day he travels the world speaking and continues to say that the millisecond his hands left the rail it was an instant regret. I have had many mental health struggles prior to this, but this was the darkest of them all. This struggle was one I never thought I’d come back from. Days like today I still struggle. I struggle to get my life back on track. I struggle with the unwanted thoughts that sometimes creep through. Then there are good days, and those good days I want to hold forever. Melanie being the sweet, caring and sociable friend that she is would often connect with me through social media. I was not responding for quite some time. After getting out of the hospital I was returned my phone. I saw the extent of her concern and let her know I was in the hospital. From there on I tried to gently say that I was dangerously close to suicide. I knew I could trust Melanie, and because she was someone who truly was concerned, truly did notice my lack of presence, I shared very briefly of what I had gone through. If she reads this then it will be the first time she sees the whole story. Melanie has provided such support to someone so in need. I often wake up to a text with a link to an inspirational song, or in this case, I opened my mail to get this wonderful Hope Anchor. Thank you, Melanie. I love you.
I received my Hope Anchor necklace from my friend and Delta Gamma Sister. She received the Hope Anchor necklace when she attended the DG Convention with a friend in June. My friend initially wondered what she would do with the necklace and almost gave it back, but decided to keep it. Once she heard about my breast cancer diagnosis, she immediately knew it was “meant to be” that she had kept the necklace…..and had it to send to me to provide hope through my breast cancer journey. I am SO very blessed that my cancer was found early (through a mammogram). I had a successful lumpectomy last Friday, will have limited radiation, and will not need chemo. My friend’s thoughtfulness and this sweet Hope Anchor necklace will give me comfort through the upcoming months. I also hope my story will inspire all the ladies reading this to get their mammograms! I’m living proof that early detection makes a difference! 9/19/2018
I received my necklace during DG Convention registration. After reading the reason and sentiment for this, it rings true to me right now. I am battling breast cancer right now and had my last chemo treatment yesterday. I am fatigued, but still here at Convention to learn and bring back things to my new chapter knowing that I will be better. I am focusing on the finish line and know my hair will grow back and I will be 100% soon. This necklace will give me the courage and strength to continue.
Karla M. sent me my Hope Anchor after having received it herself at the 2018 Convention. Here is our story: Karla was my DG volunteer "boss" on Council when I served in another volunteer fraternity role, 30 years ago. We have maintained our connection via Christmas cards and Facebook....until 19 months ago. This is when my husband was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Since that time, Karla has consistently kept in touch via our Caring Bridge website, sent notes of encouragement, and let me know she has been fervently praying for us. When this journey started, our daughter (a recent college grad) had been transferred to Karla's hometown of Chicago. Karla and her husband initiated taking our daughter out to dinner to let her know they were there to support her - having never met her before, nor having seen me for decades. How amazing! To summarize my husband's journey: In the last 19 months, he has been hospitalized 74 days, received multiple rounds of chemo, traveled 18 times from Minnesota to MD Anderson in Houston to partake in a clinical trial, and then had a Bone Marrow Transplant at the Mayo Clinic in February of this year (2018). In June he was given the great news that there was no evidence of leukemia, and he is in remission! That said, this is not the end of the story. My husband does not yet feel well (and won't for quite a while), has many associated health issues to resolve because of the extreme nature of the transplant, and knowing that leukemia can relapse. We hope and pray that he defies the odds as he has so many times, and will have continued healing and remission! There have been other amazing DG alums I have met that have been wonderfully supportive whose names you may recognize: 'Reen S., Marianne L., Barb P., Kit S., Sue A., Paula E..and more. These women humble me in their love and support, showing the essence of Delta Gamma: giving me strength and hope...for life. I had no idea what a gift I would receive when I became a member to simply make more friends in college. That is my Hope Anchors story.
My anchor was given to me by my dear pledge sister and 50 year close friend. She has been with me every step of my life. In the past 11 years I have had 2 children to die. There has not been a day that I have not felt this dear sisters love and presence. Also receiving anchors when I did were my other 8 close DG sisters. Their love and presence have also sustained me during dark days. This anchor is yet another symbol of our devotion to each other. Thank you Carole.
My father passed in October and the anchor was a gift of support from a close friend and high school classmate.
My sister has stage 4 cancer and Catherine gave it to me for hope that my sister will beat it.
My sister was diagnosed with cancer and I was given this anchor during the difficult time for my family as a reminder that I have a support system in Delta Gamma away from home. This anchor is a reminder to me that I do have a home away from home and people that love and support me.
My sorority chapter started using this necklace as positive programming. Each week the sister who received it will pass it down to another sister who has given hope or needs hope. I shared a very personal and hard time in my life to the sister who gave me the necklace. Receiving this necklace showed me how much my sisters love and support me.
Our Delta Gamma chapter president, Abby Langenburg gave me this necklace during work week, as my grandfather had passed a few days before. I had been struggling to be my happy and positive self during my grieving process, and noticing this she gave me this necklace and put the biggest smile on my face. Having the support of a sister is something completely indescribable.
Rosanne is my DG Sister, my good friend, my neighbor and my attorney. We began our journey together as friends and DG sisters. She has been by my side as a "champion in my absence" as an attorney and counselor through a very difficult situation. She has been my guiding light and keeper of faith. Both of our mothers are ill. We pray for each other and for our Moms. In addition to aging parents, have an unimaginable sibling situation which has changed my life. The anchor was shared with me to let me know that hope will prevail. It is a token to show me that with Rosanne's help I know I will see good triumph over evil. I know that she understands my situation and has been there for me. When, many years ago, we both took the promise as Delta Gammas, we did not know each other. We are however Delta Gamma Sisters caring for each since the day we first met. She is an inspiration to our Alumnae Chapter and our community. Our hope is real and lasting. We want to keep it going.
Sarah has had multiple myeloma since March 2017.She presented very late with disease and has the T-17 deletion. She has been in and out of hospice twice and is still living - now is on zaratubumab. Why is she still alive? Nancy (DG alumnae president) gave this necklace to Sarah on August 22, and Sarah is trying to start a blood cancer awareness group - something that did not exist when she was diagnosed.
Shaun and I have been best friends since 2nd grade. That's going on 50 years! We have always been there for each other during difficult and happy times. I have a unique situation at my house. My husband was diagnosed with a degenerative neuromuscular disease about 10 years into our marriage. It has been hard to watch a slow decline in a man that I cherish. But together was have raised our 2 children and we continue to persevere and hope that a cure is on the horizon. We have a wonderful life full of family and amazing friends. We live on a lake which makes every day a vacation day! I continue to work full time as a flight nurse at Children's Mercy Hospital. My work is very fulfilling and I'm thankful I have such a great support system with my work family as well. I was surprised to receive this wonderful gift and I cherish the meaning and who gave it to me. For now, I will hang onto it, but I'm sure there will be a day when I want to pass it on. With Gratitude to all involved with the DG organization and much love to Shaun.
Teena welcomed me on to Council in 2014, and we worked together (and laughed together!) for the rest of my time on Council. She has been a strong, caring sister as we've gotten to know each other better, and has proven to be a champion for others as much (or more) as she champions herself.
The anchor was given to me from a girl whom I love very dearly. I have been struggling with everyday life. When I received the anchor and read the meaning on the card I felt like there was still hope and her love was really genuine.
This anchor was given to me after our former President attended convention and was transitioning me into my role as President of our alumnae chapter. For me, it means hope that I can be a strong leader for our chapter and that we will continue to thrive and grow.
This anchor was given to me by my grandmother after coming back from the 2018 Delta Gamma Convention. While I do not have a specific struggle, I am very happy to be able to have possession of this anchor and be able to pass it on to a sister in need in the future.
This is in support of my sister, Laura, during her fight with cancer. My sister, Dana, presented the six anchors to each of us at our annual Robinson sister reunion. Our love binds us together forever.
We are friends through the alumni group. She wanted to encourage me through current challenging times.
We have a large group of Delta Gammas who pledged at the University of Mississippi (Alpha Psi) 1970 and 1971 who have continued to remain dear friends along with our husbands. We get together and travel often. Our group covers MS, AL, FL. The past week we begin our next 50 year celebration together and the beach, and one of our dear sisters presented us with our Hope Anchors, which will be worn and cherished forever!