Ben cared for his mother as she fought, and after their wedding, Leah & Ben took on the responsibility together. “I got really lucky to have married Leah,” Ben says. “We were newlyweds, but Leah was adamant that we were the right people to take care of mom.” 

From 2015-2019, they were primary caregivers. At that time, they also welcomed two children and began building their business Smith & Smith Realty Group. Caregiving and its emotional toll defined the early years of early marriage. “You’d pick it a thousand times, but it can be frustrating.” 

The pair wanted to get more involved with their community in a more active way and their research brought them to Cancer Hope Network. They knew immediately they’d found a cause to rally for. “You just feel kind of alone in the process (of caregiving),” Ben said. “Your friends don’t get it. Even families can struggle to understand the challenges of caring for a loved one 24/7. You are a caregiver and also a new parent. It was like: wait a minute. You can get paired up with someone who knows what it’s like to be a caregiver. Or someone for my mom to connect with? This is amazing!”  

That find led to the first-ever Step on Cancer walk held in downtown Merchantville earlier this year. They planned quickly, learning the ropes of fundraising and permits and promotional challenges as they went. “It was kind of nerve-wracking hosting our first event,” Leah recalls. “But as we saw people start pouring in, it was incredible. We’re grateful to our personal community for coming out – and it was exciting to see people who’d found us online and through promotions.”  

They handed out rally towels for the attendees to write the names of loved ones they were walking for, with walkers. For some attendees, the event was the first opportunity to see the historic town up close. For others, it was an opportunity to enjoy the delicious flavors of A & J Food Services. For all, it was a chance to remember loved ones lost too soon and celebrate survivors and caregivers still with us.  

“We are grateful to Ben, Leah, and the Smith & Smith Realty Group for helping increase awareness of the need for and availability of peer support,” said CHN Associate Director of Special Events, Randibeth Gallant. “The funds they raised will help ensure no one faces cancer alone. We look forward to joining the fun at next year’s walk.”  

For more information about how you can host a fundraiser of your own, contact Randibeth at rgallant@cancerhopenetwork.org. Visit cancerhopenetwork.org/connect to request free and confidential support    

The post Merchantville couple hosts Step On Cancer fundraiser for CHN  appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Cancer Hope Network was the first in the nation to provide peer support for cancer patients. The organization was formed more than 40 years ago when very little support was available to cancer patients. Today, research and modern medicine are improving health outcomes, and various services are available to support patients and mitigate the impacts of social determinants of health.  

Cancer Hope Network has participated in regional Unite Us networks for several years, connecting with community experts and social service professionals to support individuals facing cancer. This expanded alliance scales existing relationships and will provide more seamless access to care for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors across the nation.  

Together, Cancer Hope Network and Unite Us can connect people in need to community-based resources that may be difficult to navigate otherwise. The Unite Us platform provides a central point of contact where healthcare providers and social service organizations can securely access and refer people to services while monitoring progress and measuring outcomes. 

“Cancer impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, bringing a flood of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Unite Us leverages the power of technology to connect people in need of help with the organizations and professionals who stand ready to provide that help,” said Sarah Miretti Cassidy, Cancer Hope Network’s Director of External Affairs. “The individualized care provided by Cancer Hope Network mentor volunteers is bolstered by the relationship and connections available through Unite Us support networks.” 

“As we continue to expand the network to support individuals nationwide, we’re proud to support the Cancer Hope Network community’s needs and connect them to much-needed resources,” said Adrienne Sherk, Senior Director for Community-Based Partnerships at Unite Us. “When an individual is diagnosed with any form of cancer, their focus should remain on treatment and recovery; they shouldn’t have to worry about navigating the social service landscape on their own.”  

For community-based organizations that would like to learn more about the Unite Us network, please visit https://uniteus.com/contact/.  

About Cancer Hope Network 

Cancer Hope Network provides free and confidential 1:1 peer support for cancer patients and their loved ones. Survivor and caregiver volunteers provide support from (pre) diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Support Volunteers have faced more than 80 types of cancer. (More than 98% of the cancers will be diagnosed this year.) They speak 15 languages, are located across the country, and are prepared to offer hope and guidance through various challenges accompanying a cancer diagnosis. Mentor and client matches are individualized to meet the key needs of the patient or caregiver and may include one or many visits. Matches are overseen and supported from beginning to end by a team of healthcare and social work professionals.  

About Unite Us:   

Unite Us is a technology company that builds coordinated care networks of health and social service providers. With Unite Us, providers across sectors can send and receive secure, electronic referrals, track every person’s total health journey, and report on tangible outcomes across a full range of services in a centralized, cohesive, and collaborative ecosystem. Unite Us’ dedicated team builds authentic, lasting partnerships with local organizations to ensure their networks have a solid foundation, launch successfully, and continue to grow and thrive. This HITRUST-certified social care infrastructure helps communities transform their ability to work together and measure impact at scale. Follow Unite Us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

Unite Us Media Contact: 

Jaquetta Gooden                                         

jaquetta.gooden@uniteus.com  

The post CHN Announces National Collaboration With Unite Us appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Plain Wood Productions and The Ebell of Los Angeles will host a staged reading of The Lucky Ones by Lia Romeo on Wednesday, June 29. The fundraising event includes performances from Tina Huang, Roxana Ortega, and Brandon Scott. CHN Support Volunteer Chelsea J. Smith will be featured as part of a talkback immediately following the show. Proceeds from the event will benefit Cancer Hope Network and The Ebell of Los Angeles. 

The Lucky Ones will make you laugh and cry in equal measure and that roller coaster of emotions reflects so many cancer survivors’ stories. We are grateful for the creativity and talent that Diana Wyenn and the Plain Wood community are marshalling to benefit Cancer Hope Network and the clients we serve. This performance will uplift and encourage – and hopefully inspire some attendees to consider serving as a peer mentor with CHN.  

• Purchase Tickets: HERE

Cancer Hope Network recently sat down (virtually!) with Author Lia Romeo and Director Diana Wyenn to discuss the play and what this performance means to them.  

CHN: What inspired you to write The Lucky Ones?  

ROMEO: I wanted to write a friendship story that followed the template of a love story, because there are so many stories about people finding – or losing – romantic love, but for many of us – especially women – our friends play an equally important role in our emotional lives.  

CHN: Why this play? Why now?  

WYENN: The Lucky Ones is one of those unique plays that hit the funny bone and the heart in equal measure. As the daughter of a cancer survivor, I immediately recognized the power of sharing this story about two friends and how their lives are forever changed when one is diagnosed with cancer. We’ve lost so much because of the pandemic. Now’s the perfect time for us to gather, laugh together, and reflect on how important we are to one another when we go through individual and collective health crises.   

CHN: The Ebell of Los Angeles has a storied history. What makes this stage and this setting so meaningful?  

WYENN: After directing “The Body Female”—a night of music, opera, and theater—at The Ebell of Los Angeles for LA Opera in January 2020, I knew this historic women’s club was the perfect venue for sharing this play which centers and celebrates strong and complicated women characters. The Ebell was founded by women, for women in 1894 and has been uplifting women and advancing Los Angeles through arts, education, and service ever since. And that long legacy means we are in good company! The auditorium where we will perform The Lucky Ones is also where aviation icon Amelia Earhart gave one of her last public appearances in 1937.  

CHN: You write about cancer and friendship from a deeply thoughtful place – can you point to a personal experience or influence that helped shape your perspective?  

ROMEO: My mom is a cancer survivor, and is still dealing with ongoing, severe health challenges as a result… and I think this play – and a lot of my writing over the past few years – has been shaped by a fundamental sense that things aren’t fair, and an attempt to grapple with that (spoiler alert: have not found any good answers!) 

CHN: What do you hope people will take from this performance?  

ROMEO: I’d like to make people think about the subtle – and not so subtle – ways that women’s lives are shaped by patriarchy, and how that affects all of our relationships.  

WYENN: I hope people take away a lot of great laughs and a stronger sense of belonging to this remarkable community made up of cancer survivors, those currently living with cancer, those who care for them, those who love them, and those who have lost someone. Living with a chronic illness myself, I’m acutely aware of how isolating a diagnosis and ongoing treatment can be. However, I’m also keenly aware of how important and healing having a community and a support network can be. The connections and community created by the Cancer Hope Network inspire me deeply and it means so much to be able to give back with this presentation of Lia Romeo’s The Lucky Ones at The Ebell of Los Angeles. I can’t wait to see folx there!  

• Purchase Tickets: HERE

The post Plain Wood Productions & The Ebell of Los Angeles Present “The Lucky Ones” appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

While medical bills alone can be tremendous, another monstrous cost of treatment is travel expenses, especially when treatment is offered far from home. When my uncle was diagnosed with cancer in 2008, he had to only travel two hours by car from northern NJ to Philadelphia or just over the bridge to NYC, and that got expensive. For those who need to travel farther distances, it can become overwhelming. Luckily there are amazing programs in place to help fix this problem. Unfortunately, people don’t always know the help that’s available. According to Lindsey Kerr the Executive Director of LifeLine Pilots, “Only 5% of those with a need are being served by organizations like ours.”² 

Lifeline Pilots, established the same year as Cancer Hope Network, “has provided no-cost air transportation for financially distressed passengers with medical and humanitarian needs.  Over four decades, volunteer pilots have flown five million nautical miles and more than 8,000 missions with a 100% safety record. Missions are facilitated for babies through senior citizens. LifeLine Pilots’ has also participated in relief efforts for natural disasters by transporting volunteers and supplies to areas of need.  Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, LLP currently serves patients living in the following 10 states: Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.”³ (Lifeline Pilots) 

According to the American Hospital Association “[Every year,] 3.6 million people in the U.S. do not obtain medical care due to transportation barriers.”  In fact, transportation is said to be the third leading cause of missing a medical appointment.⁴ 

Another great organization fighting toxicity by providing transportation is PALS which is located Farmingdale, NY. PALS “arranges free flights for medical patients requiring medical diagnosis, treatment or follow-up who cannot afford or are unable to fly commercially.” (PALS website) One of our amazing CHN Support Volunteers, Rachelle, also volunteers for an organization (Hospitality Homes) that houses patients when they visit the Boston area for treatment. She’s seen PALS help first hand, as a patient that stayed with Rachelle in the past used PALS services. “He had used PALS, and I remember he had good experience with them…they are tremendous programs.”  

“A lack of access to transportation has a significant impact on cancer patients’ decisions with respect to stopping or continuing treatments.”⁵   With the help of these amazing organizations and many other similar, having to travel for cancer treatment, can seem less daunting.   

To learn more about these and other organizations helping patients navigate transportation, please visit https://www.aircarealliance.org/

 
To request support and to be matched with a survivor or caregiver, please visit cancerhopenetwork.org or call us at 877-467-3638 (877-HOPENET).   

1. Financial Toxicity (Financial Distress) and Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version – National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov. Published June 29, 2017. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care/track-care-costs/financial-toxicity-pdq

2. Removing a barrier for better healthcare. LifeLine Pilots. Published February 6, 2020. Accessed March 2, 2022. https://lifelinepilots.org/removing-barrier-for-healthcare

3. Removing a barrier for better healthcare. LifeLine Pilots. Published February 6, 2020. Accessed March 2, 2022. https://lifelinepilots.org/removing-barrier-for-healthcare

4. Transportation and the Role of Hospitals Transportation and the Role of Hospitals Social Determinants of Health Series.; 2017. https://www.hpoe.org/Reports-HPOE/2017/sdoh-transportation-role-of-hospitals.pdf

5. Etminani-Ghasrodashti R, Kan C, Mozaffarian L. Investigating the Role of Transportation Barriers in Cancer Patients’ Decision Making Regarding the Treatment Process. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. Published online February 6, 2021

The post Planes, Trains & Medical Bills: Getting To & From Cancer Treatment  appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

The nuggets of wisdom she shares are hard won. Kristin’s cancer was discovered when she felt like she was having contractions – but wasn’t pregnant. She also had a history of endometriosis and adenomyosis prior to her cancer diagnosis, so Kristin’s care team recommended a hysterectomy.  

Kristin was trained as a Support Volunteer earlier this year. She is part of a pilot program between Stanford Health Care and Cancer Hope Network. The pilot’s goal is to help mitigate patients’ and caregivers’ fear and ambiguity around cancer diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trials. It’s an opportunity for patients and caregivers in the East Bay area to receive free and confidential support – and for survivors and caregivers like Kristin to share their hard-won wisdom.  

Initially diagnosed with a slow-growing endometrioid tumor, Kristin was closely monitored by her healthcare team. In addition to the full hysterectomy, Kristin also underwent a lymph node dissection. A year later, she returned from a family vacation and landed in the emergency room. She needed major surgery for a tumor that caused a “humongous” blood clot pressing on her femoral artery.  

Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with adenosarcoma, which had spread, with lesions on her liver, requiring removal of eight inches of her colon and a re-built bladder. She spent more than 16 days in the ICU and hospital, and when she recovered, started 10 months of grueling chemotherapy that caused hair loss and neuropathy, which she still has today. She was prescribed Megace and quickly gained 40 pounds, which was extremely difficult. 

After 15 years, she had a recurrence of her cancer with more surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. With the removal of part of her small bowel and the inability to properly digest foods, the treatments that saved her life have often been followed by unexpectedly challenging side effects.  

She is thankful to the family and friends who rallied around her during each of her bouts –  

Today, she’s found perspective. “While I have all these things to deal with, the alternative is that a lot of people die from ovarian cancer. I’m still here and that’s something I remind myself of all the time.”  

She’s used her own struggle to empower others, helping normalize discussions of “embarrassing” health issues. “If I have a large cut on my arm and ask everyone to look at it, it’s acceptable. But if you’re starting to talk about your body parts and bodily fluids – and there’s a lot of that with ovarian cancer! – it’s really hard.  

The self-proclaimed worrywart has introduced meditation into her daily routine, and it is helping. “Meditation didn’t change me….but it helped calm me down. It helps me save my worry for when it’s necessary.” 

She’s also seeing benefits from her lifelong passion for exercise. “I enjoy it. I feel really good when I exercise, and that has helped me feel better.” Faced with long-term neuropathy (you can find her tripping her way through life) she’s learned to give herself grace when bumping up against new physical limitations. “Sometimes, you want everything to be better. But it’s helpful to remember that “even if I feel 10% better, it’s progress,” she encourages.  

Kristin is an active member of Stanford Medicine’s Cancer Patient Family Action Committee (PFAC), a group of volunteers committed to the patient experience at Stanford. It’s been a fulfilling experience – “we provide specific feedback and insights to the coordinators, and they make real changes, which is phenomenal.” When she learned of an opportunity to serve in new ways through the pilot program between Stanford Health and Cancer Hope Network , she leapt at the chance to put her longtime passion for providing peer support into action.  

Kristin has always been a helper – providing guidance and answering questions for other patients she met – but she found the training offered by Cancer Hope Network especially useful. “Training is very concise. The commitment to complete the coursework is fairly minimal, but you get so much out of it, learning what to do and what not to do when talking to a patient. It gave me confidence and guidance.” 

She is passionate about her work as a volunteer – and thankful for the wide range of support offered through this pilot program. She joins Cancer Hope Network’s national bench of volunteers who’ve faced more than 80 types and sub-types of cancer, speak 15 languages and range in age from 19-94.) “Cancer Hope Network is like one stop shopping. It provides support for people wherever they are in life,” she said. “They’re like command central for matching people looking for a mentor with a volunteer who is a good fit.” 

“From our earliest conversations one thing has become clear. Stanford PFACs are made up of extraordinary people who are committed to improving the healthcare experience of others,” said CHN Programs Director Samantha Schrager. “That focus on helping others is shared by the broader community of Cancer Hope Network volunteers and another reason we are so pleased to combine resources and efforts with our friends at Stanford.” 

To learn more about becoming a volunteer or to request a free and confidential match with a trained Support Volunteer through the Stanford pilot program, visit cancerhopenetwork.org/Stanford.  

For healthcare and nonprofit professionals interested in teaming up with Cancer Hope Network to provide support for their patients, please contact Samantha Schrager, Director of Programs.  

The post Cancer survivor finds meaning and purpose helping others.  appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

If 2020 was “less than ideal,” 2021 has been a roller coaster that would give pause to the most dedicated thrill-seeker. But in the words of the old song here at Cancer Hope Network, the good days have definitely outweighed the bad days.

This year, we celebrated our 40^th anniversary, marking the occasion with a Virtual Volunteer Celebration in spring and honoring our co-founders, Diane Paul and Kris Luka at our Chrysalis Gala this fall. (Read a bit more of our history HERE or check out the article published by Strategies Magazine.)

When Covid-19 safety concerns made early-in-the-year fundraisers and gatherings impossible, our communities responded by hosting our first-ever online Poker Tournament, Paint Party and a coast-to-coast virtual 5k.

We’ve remained committed to collaboration – working with hospitals, cancer centers and nonprofits across the nation to provide hope and support for cancer patients and the people who love them. This spring, we were proud to be a Community Partner at Cancer + Careers 10^th Annual National Conference and delighted to present at the Community Healthworks of Georgia’s Cancer Symposium. Our summertime fun included co-hosting a Wellness Wednesday Stress Reduction workshop with our friends at Moving for Life and Neighborhood SHOPP. This fall, we launched a pilot program with Stanford Health Care, providing one-on-one peer support for cancer patients in the East Bay area.

We’ve completed our first year of Volunteer Roundtables, with robust discussions and expert guests covering topics including survivorship, crisis management, caring for the caregiver and living with uncertainty.

Our ability to help grew – as we added nearly 40 survivors and caregivers to our dedicated group of Support Volunteers. That help was needed, as requests for service continued to grow. To date, we’ve increased the number of clients served by more than 20% over last year.

All of these good days, the hills climbed and the weary days made a little easier, are made possible by our incredible communities of support.

As we enter the bustle of the holiday season – and the roller coaster of emotions and challenges it’s sure to bring – we say thank you. Because of you, hope is finding a way.

The post Because of you: Our good days outweigh our bad days appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Put one foot in front of the other. It’s advice for patients facing cancer treatment – and for marathon runners.  

Beth Blakey, Cancer Hope Network’s Associate Director of Development, recently completed her first-ever marathon. But the challenges she faced weren’t just physical. Halfway through her training, her chosen marathon was cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns.  

She continued to put one foot in front of the other – deciding to put the months of training she’d already endured to good use. Her Chasing Hope fundraiser was born.  

“Running a marathon has been a goal of mine for many years. So, I decided to sign up for my first 26.2 mile race this year (yikes!). I had already been training for several months when my race was cancelled due to COVID. Training was so hard, both physically and mentally. This cancellation was soul crushing news—but it was nothing compared to receiving a cancer diagnosis. My mom is a two-time cancer survivor, and I’ve seen first-hand the fear, devastation, and isolation of cancer. So, instead of throwing myself a pity party and throwing away months of hard work, I decided to focus on the fact that I had an extraordinary opportunity to make achieving my goal mean something to more than just me.”  

Beth’s tenacity paid off – as she and friend Jennifer Bauscher completed their 26.2 mile trek through the drizzly North Jersey countryside on Sunday, October 10, cheered on by family and friends. 

“Move for Hope is more than a fundraising campaign at Cancer Hope Network,” said Executive Director Cynthia Gutierrez Bernstein. “It’s about shining a light on exercise as an important tool for improving our physical and mental health. Another tool is 1-1 peer support. The efforts of people – including dear colleagues like Beth – help raise awareness of our services while also making them possible through their fundraising. We are incredibly thankful to Beth and all who supported her run. Together, we will ensure that no one faces cancer alone.” 

“Working at CHN, I’ve also seen the power of hope inspired by personal, 1-1 connection with someone who’s been through a shared lived experience and truly understands what you are going through when facing cancer,” concluded Beth. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Beth for the many ways she makes our lives – personally and professionally – better. Her tenacity, strength and commitment to ensuring support and hope for cancer patients and the people who love them is deeply appreciated.  

For more information about Beth’s run – or to learn more about how you can host a Move for Hope fundraiser of your own (dancing! Walking! Yoga sessions!), please contact Randibeth Gallant, Director of Events and Fundraising Campaigns – rgallant@cancerhopenetwork.org

The post Move for Hope: Beth Blakey completes marathon, raises more than $4K in support of cancer patients. appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

After a cancer diagnosis, the first half of the list is frequently discussed – supportive services provide classes on nutrition, friends give gifts of hats or offer rides to treatment.

But, for patients and loved ones facing cancer-caused problems with sexuality and intimacy, the second half of the list is critical in maintaining quality of life. Breast cancer patients suddenly undergoing menopause may find themselves with decreased desire and increased discomfort. (1) Men dealing with erectile disfunction face “an increase in depressive symptoms, frustration, shame, disappointment, and lower general life happiness.” Others face “3am” fears that keep them up – worrying if surgery scars will make them unattractive to their partners (2) or agonizing that disclosing their survivor status will send prospective partners running.

Unfortunately, sexual side effects are frequently omitted from the topics discussed during oncology appointments. (3)

That’s where Indiana-based Reclaiming Intimacy comes in, with a mission to provide “resources, educational services, and therapeutic products to help overcome illnesses and issues that create sexual dysfunction and loss of intimacy.”

More than a decade ago, Jen Fecher, now RI’s Director of Educational Services, was facing her own chronic health issues and began a course of treatment often reserved for cancer patients. Battling side effects faced by many cancer patients, she connected with resources from Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. A teacher by trade, Jen soon found her passion helping others who needed help. “A struggle with intimacy causes so much stress and many find it is slowing their healing.” Her recovery was an opportunity to team us with Cancer Services to create “The Big C and The Big O,” a class for patients and caregivers still available today.

Reclaiming Intimacy offers a variety of support services, with a holistic view of sexuality and intimacy. Classes are offered online and in person, for individuals or partners. There are paid and free options– with scholarships available for patients facing financial toxicity. A customized wellness guide that includes tips, tricks and suggested aids is available for free through signup on the organization’s website.

Gone is the awkwardness of fruit-shaped vibrators and furry handcuffs – fun in their appropriate framework and sometimes shared in an attempt to bring levity to this serious issue, but off-putting to patients facing life-threatening illnesses. The group offers medical-grade sexual wellness aids that are frequently covered by insurance. (RI staff will help clients file for reimbursement through their health insurance.)  “At some classes, we’ll have a table set up with a variety of sexual aids,” Jen said. “Participants are able to look silently and write their questions, which we will discuss as a group.” RI also provides one-on-one consultations for clients looking for a bit more privacy.

Cancer doesn’t happen in a vacuum, so Reclaiming Intimacy is working with organizations across the nation to provide up to date resources. They’ve partnered with the National LGBT Cancer Network to ensure the information they share is inclusive to all patients.

Jen and her colleagues are committed to providing judgement-free, fact-based resources and action plans, recognizing the challenges that come with talking about an often-taboo topic. “We started in a conservative state. For many of our friends and neighbors, talking about sex is out of the norm, except for pregnancy. We’re working to make these crucial conversations more accessible for everyone involved. Our medically-versed staff works with insurance companies and doctors, our educators are empowering patients and caregivers with information.”

To connect with a volunteer who has also suffered through intimacy or sexuality challenges, request a match by calling 877-HOPENET (877.467.3638) or click HERE.

(1) Changes in Your Sex Life. Breastcancer.org. (2021, February 3). https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/intimacy/changes.

(2) Nelson, C. J., & Kenowitz, J. (2013, February). Communication and intimacy-enhancing interventions for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners. The journal of sexual medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4324570/#R7.

(3) How Cancer and Cancer Treatment Can Affect Sexuality. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/how-cancer-affects-sexuality.html.

The post Love, Libido And Chemo: Discovering Intimacy After Cancer appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

This year, Cancer Hope Network is proud to recognize ReVital’s important contributions to patient care at Kessler with the Spirit of Hope award. The award will be presented Saturday, November 2 at the 34^th Annual Chrysalis Gala.“The collaboration between Cancer Hope Network and ReVital meets patient needs and provides much-needed support,” says CHN Executive Director Cynthia Gutierrez Bernstein. “We are proud to recognize the life-improving work being done by Dr. Stubblefield and his team.”

“Peer-to-peer and social support is invaluable during the cancer journey,” said Tiffany Kendig, PT, DPT, MPH, CLT, ReVital Program Director at Kessler. “Our ability to offer this resource through CHN empowers survivors and facilitates our dedication to providing comprehensive cancer care.” She discussed ReVital’s philosophy of care – which meshes so closely with CHN’s own. “We believe that all survivors should have access to comprehensive, high quality, specialized cancer rehabilitation services throughout their cancer journey. What’s important to our patients is important to us.”

“While we are honored and greatly appreciate recognition for our efforts on the part of cancer survivors, we still have a long way to go in making comprehensive cancer rehabilitation services available to all of those who need them,” Kendig concluded.

“Support and recognition by the Cancer Hope Network is a meaningful validation of our mission and a tremendous motivator as we work to get help to those who need it.”

For more information about Cancer Hope Network, the ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation program at Kessler  or to reserve your place at this year’s Chrysalis Gala, please contact Randibeth Gallant, Director of Events and Fundraising Campaigns – rgallant@cancerhopenetwork.org.

ABOUT ReVITAL

ReVital is a groundbreaking rehabilitation program that empowers cancer survivors to live their best lives. Our cancer-trained therapists work hard to help them achieve comprehensive recovery from cancer and its treatments through physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and cognitive rehabilitation.

ABOUT Cancer Hope Network

Cancer Hope Network provides free one-on-one emotional peer support to adult cancer patients and their loved ones. Each of CHN’s 400+ volunteers is at least one year post-treatment or successfully undergoing maintenance therapies. They have faced more than 80 cancer types and speak 15 languages. Our volunteers offer support from diagnosis, through treatment and into recovery. Cancer Hope Network serves clients in the United States and Canada.

The post Cancer Hope Network honors ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation at Kessler appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

“Our first training in Bend was in May 2008,” recalls CHN Executive Director Cynthia Gutierrez Bernstein. “It was one of my first out of state trainings as head of our programs team and we trained a wonderful group of volunteers. Since then, almost 90 St. Charles survivors and caregivers have completed training. They’ve had more than 2,000 visits with more than 1,000 clients. Cancer Hope works with many wonderful organizations across the nation, but St. Charles will always have a special place in my heart.”

Those volunteers provide support for cancer patients and caregivers throughout Central Oregon no matter where they are being treated. Volunteers are trained and supported by the CHN Programs Team, a group of nursing and social work professionals.

“Partnering with Cancer Hope Network helps us connect patients and caregivers who are currently being treated with someone who’s been through a similar experience,” said Wendy Rudy, St. Charles Cancer Center Survivorship & Community Education Coordinator. “They provide support locally, but CHN’s deep bench of volunteers across the nation means support is available for patients facing a rarer cancer. The crossover between our Cancer Center volunteers and those trained as CHN Support Volunteers provides an added depth of support for patients and caregivers.”

But healing doesn’t end when active treatment is complete and adjusting to the new normal of life after cancer can be challenging. Peers for Progress notes that while there is much attention paid to the needs of the recently diagnosed and those currently undergoing treatment for illness, “much less thought is given, however, to the distinctive educational and psychological needs of individuals in the decades following their diagnoses…” (Global Evidence for Peer Support: Humanizing Healthcare, 2014). Our Support Volunteers report that our initial and ongoing volunteer training, combined with professional support from our Programs team and an opportunity to “pay it forward” has helped them find meaning and empowerment in their survivorship.
“Cancer survivors, in general, have a great deal of knowledge about their disease and the post-surgical concerns and the rehab issues their patients likely will face,” says longtime Support Volunteer Jeff Scott. “Sometimes it’s hard to see the pain and suffering others are enduring but there is much personal satisfaction in knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.”

“Being a CHN volunteer has helped me find some purpose and meaning, not in spite of, but because of my cancer experience,” agrees Support Volunteer Marci Floski. “I think others might want to consider volunteering with CHN to have this same experience. A cancer diagnosis and all that comes with it, can be daunting. Being a volunteer reminds us that none of us suffers alone. It’s a powerful source of connection and can bring a sense of value to the difficulties one has gone through. It is proof that we each have much to give, even though it may feel that life has taken so much away.”

CHN and St. Charles Cancer Center will hold their next training session this fall. Want to learn more about becoming a volunteer? Join us for an informational luncheon Friday, August 23 at St. Charles Cancer Center or start your application HERE.

Contact Rachel DiQuattro, CHN Director of Programs for additional information – 908.879.4039 ex 118 or rdiquattro (at) cancerhopenetwork.org 

The post Local support, national reach. appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.