Guest Spotlight - Motsie and John Shoemaker

November 9, 2011

Of the 100 counties in North Carolina, SECU Family House takes in the most guests from Cumberland County, home to Fayetteville and Fort Bragg.

Among our many guests from down that way are Capt. (U.S. Army, retired) John Shoemaker and his wife, Motsie, who recently stayed with us while John underwent radiation treatments for thymic and hip cancer. John, originally from Fayetteville, was awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars for his heroism while serving in Vietnam.

Despite having been married for 46 years, the Shoemakers sound and act like newlyweds. During their three week stay at Family House, Motsie and John gained a great deal of comfort by sharing their story with other guests here. In their words, Family House is a "community where everyone supports one another. You know that the person sitting next to you at dinner is hurting, too, so you start with a common bond before even knowing the person’s diagnosis. Everyone takes care of each other here." What impressed Motsie the most is that "the staff and volunteers always greet you with a smile. It’s like an extension of the hospital. Family House is an answer to our prayers. It’s a special place."

The Shoemakers know that they’ll be dealing with John’s cancer for awhile. But, thanks to Family House and a great team of doctors and nurses at UNC Hospitals that includes Dr. Tom Stinchcombe, oncologist, and Dr. Larry Marks, radiologist, the Shoemakers consider every day a gift. Determination and character pulled them through the injuries John sustained in Vietnam and through 46 years of marriage. That same determination will help them weather this latest storm: the ups and downs of fighting cancer. Fortunately, John has the moxie (and the Motsie) to see him through.

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