“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” -Psalm 100:4-5
Cancer is terrible. Krystyna Locke knows this all too well. In 2004, she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Thankfully, Krystyna is now cancer-free, but that is after an almost two-decade-long battle. The cancer affected every part of Krystyna’s life. In 2023, the cancer returned and was seemingly more aggressive. Krystyna, with the support of her friends, family, and her medical team, has not only survived but is thriving.
The long battle with cancer has given Krystyna a different outlook on life. Krystyna finds it easy to express her gratitude. She understands life is a gift and how important it is to be thankful for the blessings in her life.
Recently, Krystyna wanted to express her gratitude while helping others who were fighting their own battles with cancer. Krystyna remembers all the times she spent at the hospital. Treatments are rough on the body. The time spent on treatment is costly, even on the pocketbook. Krystyna pointed out that one cost often overlooked is the cost of parking, especially for those who receive treatment every day. To express her gratitude and bless others, Krystyna began to raise money to pay for parking for people who were receiving treatment in the same place she had been treated.
Every effort makes a difference. Krystyna knows that this effort won’t fix everything, but it will help cover a small cost while reminding patients they are not alone in their difficult times. Krystyna said she wants her “children and grandchildren to know how meaningful it is to give to others.” It is meaningful to give and a blessing to receive.
When the hospital learned about Krystyna’s effort, they informed the local news and said, “We are deeply grateful to Krystyna for her generosity and compassion toward…Facing a cancer diagnosis is an emotional journey, and helping cover parking costs removes one worry for patients and their families. Krystyna’s kindness is a shining example of the difference one person can make in our community.”
Our life is filled with trials and blessings. Krystyna’s efforts are a wonderful reminder that gratitude and service can give us a perspective that leads to a life of joy and peace. Kindness and gratitude direct our lives with a godly purpose. When we live with this purpose, we will find that both our lives and the lives of others are blessed.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
