The Quiet Moments Nobody Sees
• Jason Pohlonski, Founder & Executive Director

The Quiet Moments Nobody Sees

Not every One More Moment wish is meant to become a public story.

Some Moments are quiet. Some happen around a kitchen table, in a hospital room, at a favorite restaurant, on a porch, or in a place that only matters because of the people who are there. Some are never photographed. Some are never posted. Some are held closely by a family because that is exactly where they belong.

One More Moment helps adults in Michigan facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer create meaningful Moments with the people they love. These Moments are about dignity, connection, and time together when time feels especially precious.

For a broader overview of adult cancer wishes in Michigan, visit our guide to wish granting for adults with cancer in Michigan.

A Moment Does Not Have to Be Big to Matter

When people hear the word “wish,” they may picture a large trip, a major event, or a story with photos and a public update. Some One More Moment wishes may look like that. Many do not.

A Moment can be simple and still be deeply meaningful.

It may be:

  • A meal with family
  • A visit from someone who lives far away
  • A quiet conversation that has needed space
  • A return to a favorite place
  • A peaceful day together without the pressure of planning
  • Time for children, siblings, parents, partners, or friends to simply be present

The size of the Moment is not the measure of its meaning. What matters is whether it gives an adult facing late-stage cancer and their loved ones a chance to share time, make a memory, or feel connected in a way that might otherwise be difficult because of cost, timing, logistics, health, or available resources.

Privacy Is Part of Dignity

Families navigating Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer are often carrying more than most people can see. They may be managing appointments, symptoms, decisions, grief, hope, exhaustion, practical needs, and the emotional weight of trying to make the most of the time in front of them.

In that space, privacy matters.

Some families are comfortable sharing photos, names, and stories. Others are not. Some want the Moment to remain within the family. Some are still processing what they are living through. Some simply do not want a deeply personal experience turned into public content.

One More Moment respects that. A private Moment is not less meaningful because fewer people see it. In many cases, privacy is what allows the Moment to feel safe, honest, and fully theirs.

Family Boundaries Deserve Respect

Every family has its own boundaries. Those boundaries may include what information is shared, who is present, whether photos are taken, and whether the Moment is discussed publicly afterward.

Respecting those boundaries is not a small detail. It is central to the mission.

A meaningful Moment should not create pressure for a family to perform gratitude, explain their medical situation, or share more than they are ready to share. One More Moment can help create the experience, but the family gets to decide how much of that experience belongs to the public and how much stays private.

That choice matters for the person facing cancer. It also matters for spouses, partners, children, parents, siblings, friends, caregivers, and everyone who may be holding the Moment in their own way.

Donors May Not See Every Story

Donors make Moments possible, and their generosity matters deeply.

At the same time, supporters may not always see every story their gifts helped create. That is not because the Moment was less important. It may be because a family chose privacy, because the experience was too personal to share, or because the most meaningful part of the Moment could not be captured in a photo.

A quiet Moment can still be a powerful use of donor support.

It might mean helping remove a barrier so loved ones can gather. It might mean making a meal possible. It might mean arranging transportation, a short stay, a small experience, or the practical pieces that allow a family to focus on each other instead of logistics.

One More Moment is grateful for donors who understand that impact is not always visible. Sometimes the most important work happens quietly, and the people who receive it may never want their names or story online.

Trust and Transparency Still Matter

Privacy for families and transparency for donors can both be true.

One More Moment is committed to using public donations for the mission. 100% of public donations go directly toward wish granting because overhead is covered separately by corporate donors and generous supporters.

That means when someone gives through Donate to One More Moment, their public donation helps create meaningful Moments for adults in Michigan facing late-stage cancer and the people they love.

Some of those Moments may be shared publicly with permission. Others may remain private. Either way, the goal is the same: to help create time, connection, dignity, and memory when those things matter deeply.

When a Quiet Moment Is the Right Moment

There is no single right way for a Moment to look.

For one person, the right Moment may be a trip. For another, it may be a favorite place close to home. For someone else, it may be sitting with family over a meal, hearing familiar voices in the room, or having one quiet day without the usual pressures.

The heart of a Moment is not the itinerary. It is the connection.

If someone you love is an adult in Michigan facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer, you can learn more about eligibility in Who Qualifies for a One More Moment Wish? or read How to Request a Wish for an Adult With Stage 4 Cancer in Michigan.

When you are ready, you can start with the Request a Moment form. Please share information carefully and only include what is needed for One More Moment to review the request. You can also review the organization’s Privacy Policy to learn more about how submitted information is used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a One More Moment wish have to be a trip or event?

No. A Moment does not have to be a trip, public event, or large experience to matter. Some Moments are a meal, visit, conversation, favorite place, or quiet day together.

Will every Moment be shared publicly?

No. Some Moments may be shared publicly only with permission. Other Moments remain private because the person or family chooses to keep the experience within their own circle.

Why might a family choose privacy?

A family may choose privacy because the Moment is personal, emotional, medically sensitive, or simply not something they want online. One More Moment respects each family’s boundaries.

Can donors still trust that private Moments are meaningful?

Yes. Donors may not always see every story, but private Moments can be deeply meaningful. One More Moment uses public donations for wish granting, and 100% of public donations go directly toward wish granting because overhead is covered separately by corporate donors and generous supporters.

Who can request a Moment?

A request may begin with the person facing cancer, a family member, friend, caregiver, oncology team member, hospice worker, social worker, church contact, or community contact. The person facing cancer should remain central to the Moment being requested.

Where can someone request a Moment?

You can begin through the Request a Moment form. If you are unsure whether someone may qualify, review Who Qualifies for a One More Moment Wish? or contact One More Moment at contactus@onemoremoment.org.

About the Author

Jason Pohlonski is the Founder and Executive Director of One More Moment, a Michigan-based nonprofit created to help adults facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer experience meaningful Moments with the people they love.

One More Moment was inspired by Jason’s personal experience with his mother’s cancer journey and the realization that, near the end of life, even a simple moment together can mean everything. Through One More Moment, Jason and the organization work to provide dignity, connection, and meaningful experiences for adults and families navigating late-stage cancer.

About One More Moment

One More Moment grants meaningful wish experiences for adults in Michigan who are facing Stage IV, advanced, or metastatic cancer and who lack the resources to create that Moment on their own.

Every request is reviewed with care. Eligibility may include Michigan residency, a qualifying cancer diagnosis, financial or logistical need, and confirmation from an oncology provider.

Nonprofit Verification

One More Moment is a registered nonprofit organization. Visitors can verify the organization through official nonprofit resources, including the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and Candid/GuideStar.

Privacy and Medical Information

One More Moment respects the privacy of every applicant, family, and referral partner. Medical and personal information submitted through a Moment request is used only to review eligibility and coordinate the request.

For more details, please review our Privacy Policy.

Contact

One More Moment
Founder & Executive Director: Jason Pohlonski
Website: https://www.onemoremoment.org