When Karen Crawford was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer at age 34, one of the greatest feats she and her husband Dave faced was how they would approach Karen's health challenge as a couple. While much of Karen's time was focused on cancer treatment and the needs of her two young children, Dave was working out how he could best help Karen and most effectively and lovingly communicate with her about all they were experiencing in a way that was helpful.

Living in Essex, Vermont, a great distance from their families, Karen and Dave's support and needs were quickly met by the generosity and support of their church family. And it was in this community, too, that Dave reached out to an elder who became a helpful resource, providing him with the guidance he needed to navigate the best way to discuss his thoughts with Karen. "As a man," he says, "it was good to have that time to blurt out what I was thinking and get coherent, and then go back and talk with Karen about it."

For the Crawfords, part of thriving has meant helping others who may be struggling with communicating well and supporting one another during this difficult time. Helping other men facing communications challenges, in fact, is part of giving back for Dave, and is just the right thing to do, he says. "I want to help other guys learn from my mistakes."

Today, Karen is cancer-free, and together, the Crawfords are sharing their story with others at a special pre-conference event, focused on the unique needs of couples coping with cancer.