Live & Love the process.
Don’t let expectation of destination ruin the present moment. Trust me , when you are there you will realize that there is no such thing called destination & contentment. You are just a traveler . Just keep moving!
Don’t let expectation of destination ruin the present moment. Trust me , when you are there you will realize that there is no such thing called destination & contentment. You are just a traveler . Just keep moving!
Have you had any ‘WOLO’ (WeOnlyLiveOnce) moments? We’d like to people to start sharing their favourite moments - whether it be a special memory, a special place you have been to, or something special you’ve done or seen - we’d love to hear about it! Let’s start sharing these special times and fill our newsfeeds with happy ‘we only live once’ moments. Hashtag #wolo or #weonlyliveonce #wolomoment and share with your friends to spread the WOLO love 💛
💛Treasure moments, not things. Life is precious, let’s make the most of it- WOLO 💛
Our latest - we were up at 4am and on the beach in time for sunrise - OK, OK we admit it wasn’t all rosey - the kids were a bit cold and whiny and we think we enjoyed it more than them - but hey, they’ll remember it forever right?! #wolo #weonlyliveonce #wolomoment @ Seaford Beach
Did you know that Wolo Foundation are now on #TikTok? 😁
Use the link below to see a video of Fler’s journey, and give us a follow whilst you’re over there - we’ve certainly been keeping busy doing all sorts of silly things on there during lockdown 🤪💛
Please share this video to create awareness.
Yay! A friend (and valued Wolo supporter) Kimberley Beal created her own #wolo #weonlyliveonce #wolomoment with her family this morning and took them to the beach for sunrise! Amazing! Life is precious, let’s make the most of it!💛 #wolo
Over a year ago, my wife started chemotherapy. it’s so important to look after yourself while she is receiving treatment. Remember to give yourself a break and listen to your body. Sleep, eat ,go for walks, run and navigate day by day. Just show up and be her hero, hold her hand, make her laugh, don’t just put your head down and go on your phone worrying about what you can’t control. When your partner gets sick, parenting and relationships are changed in a unique way. It sure gets lonely sometimes, as well as hard. Try to counter your negative thoughts. CRY it helps! I remember having a good cry many times when I came home from hospital with the kids. It’s important to show your emotions and not lock them away. It’s normal
Many friends and family call and message, healthy, busy people who envelop us in their hearts and remind us how our lives have changed overnight. Our jobs and the identities they once gave us changed over night.
My job now is to keep her strong and find a new normal for the children. Nurses, and doctors try and help us helps us to forget, for a few moments, why we are a part of their world. Feel grateful. Many people in the chemo room will never recover.
To those going through it, I wish I could give you all the strength you need and I hope it’s as easy as it can be. To those who’s chemotherapy quest never ends, you are true hero’s for standing by her side. To those whose journey has come to an end, my heart breaks for every post I read. I’m wish you never had to endure what you went through.
The challenges we all have are unique and one is not worse than the other, they all rubbish!
If there is anything I can help any of you with, please reach out. You are not in this fight alone.
By sharing this i know that I am not alone, I know that someone is listening. I suppose I am just saying that if you are not having a good day then please share it, don't dwell on it nor suffer in silence. Share it and someone will always be there for you.
Take care all.
#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mindset #cancersurvivors #cancer #familyiseverything #familyforever #dad #cancerjourney #mylife #charity #lifelessons #weonlyliveonce
One filled with fear, hope and courage. While survivors have many things in common, no two journeys are the same. Here's mine.
#cancer #cancersurvivor #wolo #wolofoundation #breastcancer #survivor #cancersucks #chemotherapy #radiotherapy #lymphodema #cancerunder40
...See More
Some of you may remember this lovely family that we have been supporting - we posted about their wonderful vow renewal back in February.
We are devastated to let you know that the courageous, funny, beautiful, Chanel and Irregular Choice-loving Rebecca lost her battle yesterday 💔
Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time. Rebecca was a fierce advocate of increasing awareness about breast cancer, and shared these images herself during Breast Cancer Awareness month at the end of last year. It seems a fitting tribute to re-post these today as if it saves a life, she’d have been over the moon.
She lived with no regrets - something that is very close to WOLO’s hearts. We are liasing with the family to decide on the best ways we can support them at this time, and we will post an update as soon as we can. In the meantime, please check those boobies! (yes, men too!) Life is precious, lets try and make the most of it - we only live once 💛
#cancer #cancersucks #fuckyoucancer #wolo #wolofoundation #weonlyliveonce
In April 2019, I was diagnosed with Stage Three Lung Cancer. As a non-smoker, in his early forties, this came as quite a shock. The timing couldn’t have been worse either. I’d worked in a full-time job for only six months, having spent the four years prior to that studying for a degree in Criminology and Social Policy. In addition to the degree, I’d re-sat my Maths and English GCSEs as well as an Access to Higher Education course, covering Sociology, Psychology and History. The fact that I had spent these four years back in education meant that, without two years’ worth of recent National Insurance contributions, I was not entitled to Employment Support Allowance. Furthermore, having been working for only six months, my entitlement to sick pay was limited.
That said, my employers went far beyond their obligations in this regard. Whilst still numb from the shock of a cancer diagnosis, many other problems began to accumulate. I am fortunate enough to have a loving and supportive wife, Sally, and we have got two beautiful children together, currently aged two and four. The efforts required to run a household containing two small children are both gargantuan and never ending. My condition meant that I quickly became unable to partake in my fair share of household duties, putting extra pressure on Sally. At this point, things were really getting on top of both of us, and there were no signs of anything getting better anytime soon. We were reduced to tears on an almost daily occurrence.
Around about this time, we became aware of a lady called Fler, and her wonderful charity called Wolo. (We Only Live Once). Fler met us for a coffee and bought us lunch. That in itself was a much-needed treat and the food was delicious (The Grumpy Chef in Seaford). Fler asked about our situation and listened carefully as we described all of the aspects of our lives which had suffered the adverse effects of my cancer diagnosis. Fler is a great listener and the experience was entirely therapeutic. Sally and I actually enjoyed some rare laughter as we tucked in to our dessert. Thanks, Fler, again for that.
Since meeting Fler for lunch that day, Wolo have had a tremendous and positive impact on our lives. Fler put us in touch with a cleaner called Mel who visits our house once a week with members of her team. They give the house a thorough blitz and work their magic throughout. In addition to this, when Fler learned that the dampness in our house was causing respiratory problems for me, she provided us with enough dehumidifiers to entirely eliminate the dampness throughout the whole house. The house is now a lot closer to being clean, dry and dust free; which has really helped my breathing.
Wolo. have also been helping us out with childcare. We already had some childcare in place but our budget was already stretched to its limit. Fler asked us for the details of the childminder and arranged to pay her directly. We now just book it as needed. This has enabled me to attend counselling sessions with MacMillan. It has also allowed Sally to return to work part-time. It has been incredible to receive help in such a way that allowed us to continue using our existing childminder. Her name is Hayley and she has built up a really good relationship with both kids over these last few years.
Sadly, in December 2019, I received the devastating news that my cancer had spread and is now at Stage Four. An additional tumour has developed in my lungs and further tumours had also developed in my right thigh bone, prostate and groin area. The tumour in my thigh bone was particular troubling and required an immediate and intensive session of radiotherapy. I was told that this would initially cause further pain in my leg but, hopefully, the pain would reduce over the coming weeks. The resulting pain was so intense that I was unable to walk more than a few steps, or put any weight on my right leg. Again, Wolo came to the rescue and provided me with a folding walking stick. This enabled me to go for short walks and get out of the house.
It’s currently April 2020 and we are under lock-down conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fler has continued to find ways in which to help up, even under these difficult conditions. A few days ago, we had a surprise package turn up, addressed to the kids. Inside was an abundance of crafting materials including projects, colouring in pages, craft kits, and a monster pack of felt-tipped pens. My kids have had all sorts of fun with the contents of this box. My eldest daughter, Eleanor, presented me with a heart shaped keyring that she had made with some of the content of this wonderful box. I shall treasure this keyring for the rest of my life.
The following day, another box turned up. This time, the box contained treats for the whole family. Fler had arranged for a local supplier to put together a box of fresh produce and essentials. There was fresh fruit and veg, pasta, sauce, bread and many other items, all topped off with a bunch of freshly cut flowers.
The last year really has been, in so many ways, the worst ever year for me, my wife and my kids. Without the generosity of Fler and Wolo I can’t even imagine where we’d be right now. We really can’t thank Wolo enough for all of the help that they have given us throughout these truly terrible times.
Every day is equally good and bad, it just comes down to our ability to see it.
healing #positivity #gratitude #recovery #cancercommunity #cancerawareness #mentalhealth #cancerresearch #mentalhealthawareness #weonlyliveonce #wolofoundation #wolo #sussex
The Wolo Foundation are so grateful to everyone who lets us share a piece of their worlds on here. It raises awareness for so many different cancers that effects so many families in different ways, situations, treatments as a essential reminder for us all of us.
We are passionate about our message, passionate about raising awareness. Helping families through cancer.
We are grateful for the endless support... please keep posting, tagging & sharing - it is helping WOLO Foundation all corners of the world. Well (Seaford)
The highs and lows of life give life character. Imperfection makes us beautiful. Live for the now. Live, Love and laugh. Be kind. Smile.
It’s never too early to start investing in your health.
We want to👂hear👂from you! How did you make changes to your life
Listen to Wolo founder Fler Wright’s cancer journey podcast thanks to @100storiesbook
@helenatraill for the opportunity to share it and help create awareness of different people’s cancer journeys.
Start the day with gratitude. try making a list before you go to bed this evening. #happyfriday #makeeverydaycount #cancer #covid #covidkindness #cancersurvivor #nhs #weonlyliveonce #wolo
#throwbackthursday Hi 👋🏻 my name is Fler Wright founder of @wolofoundation from East Sussex, UK.
In 2018 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer, specifically invasive ductal carcinoma at 38 years old.
I do not have breast cancer in my family.
I ate well, loved my job, exercised regularly and was diagnosed when I was at the fittest/best I had felt in a long while.
I had a small tumour in my right breast.
I decided on a mastectomy to try and get rid of everything. Afterwards, my breast surgeon got the pathology report that found 3 more tumours in the removed breast and cancer in one of my lymph nodes. The cancer was estrogen positive. I had further surgery to remove more lymph nodes.
In total I have undergone 11 chemotherapies, 3 surgeries (including 2 mastectomies) and 15 rounds of radiation. For the next 10 years I will have monthly injections to put/keep my ovaries asleep (so am now classed as post-menopausal), and take daily hormone tablets.
I am now NED (no evidence of disease) and see the oncology and breast surgery team every 6 months. 18 months after my diagnosis I went back to work - I had really missed it. I don’t think life will ever go back to how it was before. Theres always that niggly doubt that any minor ailment could be something more, but I’ve been told that gets better over time.
For now, life is good. I’m living flat chested and have started a charity to help others families affected by cancer (@wolofoundation ). WOLO is growing (and so is my hair!), and we are now supporting a number of families through their cancer journey. Loving helping to make a positive difference.
Savour each and every day. Normal days may seem ‘boring’ to some, but others would give anything to have that ‘normal’ back. Enjoy life, enjoy family, stay close to those that feel like sunshine. We only live once, make that ‘once’ count.
#weonlyliveonce #wolo #healing #positivity #gratitude #fuckcancer #recovery #cancercommunity #cancerawareness #mentalhealth #cancerresearch #mentalhealthawareness #seaford #breastcancerawareness #nhsheroes
I remember when I was facing tough moments in my life last year. I was struggling as a husband/carer/friend/daddy of +3 young children/all things work/my health and wellbeing. I then found myself reading this below many times over the months ahead to helped me focus on myself, as I knew I needed to be the best possible version of myself I could be.... during these tough times when my best friend (my wife) was fighting cancer head on. Reading this 'Desiderata - Word of life' gave me a great sense of pride and made me realise that I'm human (not superman) and needed help from my true friends and family.
Justin Wright - Co-founder of Wolo (Husband, Dad of 3 incredible kids)
Desiderata - Words for Life
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
#weonlyliveonce #wolofoundation #wolo #seaford #charity #feelinghumble #husband #family #cancer #sobercurious #cancerwarrior #corona
We need to stay at home to keep ourselves and each other safe. I’m staying home because my wife was a cancer patient and I know how important it is to help keep others going through treatment, safe. Who are you staying home for? Post your pic tagging Cancer Research UK with the hashtag #IStayHomeFor #wolo #weonlyliveonce
We will be featuring the stories/journeys of yet more incredible people over the next few month.
The Wolo Foundation are so grateful to everyone who lets us share a piece of their worlds on here. It raises awareness for so many different cancers that effects so many families in different ways, situations, treatments as a essential reminder for us all of us. If you have a cancer & would like to contribute - please get in touch. Send us a DM & we can explain more.
We are passionate about our message, passionate about raising awareness. Helping families through cancer.
We are grateful for the endless support... please keep posting, tagging & sharing - it is helping WOLO Foundation all corners of the world. Well (Seaford)
The names removed from one of the families we are supporting to ensure anonymity. Sending them so much love right now 💛💛💛💛
Today I am tired
Tired of cancer
Tired of my daughter asking if I’m ok everytime she hears me cough
Tired of coughing
Tired of travelling to London for treatment that we aren’t clear is working
Today I am tired
Tired of side effects, eyebrows and lashes just exactly where are you going?
Tired of the cold cap, it’s hell, but a different kind of hell to being bald
Tired of blood tests, scans, ECGs, biopsies, X Rays and everything else we are counting on to have even a minor celebration
Tired of hearing ‘you’ve got this!’ Or ‘you can fight this’. No, no I haven’t and no I won’t win
Today I am tired
Tired of being in my head, a mess of excitement for plans with confusion about the future
Tired of the pain in my husband’s eyes everytime he looks at me, scared
Tired of thinking about how will they cope when I’m gone? Who will take my daughter wedding dress shopping and hold my sons hand when he has his heart checked?
Tired of the aches and pains, breathlessness and exhaustion
Today I am tired
I might be tired, but I am alive and tomorrow is a new day
@designerwright (Justin Wright, 40)
Want to share my thoughts today after watching #BeingMumAndDad with Rio Ferdinand, who lost his first wife after she had a long battle with breast cancer. A humbling programme. Utmost respect for him as he talked about how he was suddenly forced to learn to speak about his feelings. I know everyone says cancer is different for everyone. However this was such a hard programme for me to watch as it feels so close to home, as many of you know my wife is now a ‘survivor’, after her breast cancer diagnosis almost 2 years ago. We also have three young beautiful children. We never know what way this journey will take us. People say ‘Why are you thinking like that? she’d going to be alright’. Staying positive is so hard when you see stories like this. Just want to share my feelings today. I’m 100% sure I’m not the only one who watched this programme and live in fear.
Some men hide their feelings. Not me. I’m passionate about raising awareness and helping families affected by cancer. That’s why wife and I have set up WOLO Foundation.
Remember the people that support you are the ones you want in your life. #wolo
Has anyone struggled with talking about this? I would love to hear from you.
#itsgoodtotalk #cancercommunity #cancerawareness #mentalhealth #cancerresearch #mentalhealthawareness #healing #positivity #gratitude #fuckcancer #recovery #cancercommunity #cancerawareness #mentalhealth #cancerresearch #mentalhealthawareness #sussexsurvivors #seaford #weonlyliveonce