Page 20 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - September 2016 - 23-09

Page 20 Senior Times - September 2016
YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE By: Katie Nelson
When someone hears the words, “You have cancer,” they can feel a multitude
of emotions. Everyone takes the news differently and chooses to share that news in their own way. One thing is certain for everyone facing cancer... they are never alone. The American Cancer Society (the Society) is here for every step in a person’s cancer journey. Most associate the Society with research, and they would be right to do so. They are the number one private funder of cancer research. In the state of Michigan alone there are 30 research grants currently being funded. In early July, the Society announced they are committed to doubling its research funding within the next five years. Research has always been, and will continue to be, an important key to freeing the world from the pain and suffering from cancer, but the Society is also there for those currently facing cancer.
The local American Cancer Society staff work closely with the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Center and its staff to make sure we are fulfilling the needs of patients and connecting them to the resources that are out there.
As a Breast Cancer Patient Navigator, Sue Swanks’ role is to offer support, reassurance, and education to patients and their caregivers. She helps navigate them through the health care system
by assisting with appointments and referrals. Sue also connects them to
the American Cancer Society programs such as Look Good Feel Better, Road to Recovery, and Reach to Recovery.
Look Good Feel Better is a non-medical, brand-neutral public service program
that teaches beauty techniques to women with cancer to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of treatment. The program includes lessons on skin
and nail care, cosmetics, wigs and turbans, accessories and styling, and helping people with cancer to find some normalcy in a life that is by no means normal. The program
is open to all women with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or other forms of treatment. Classes are taught by a volunteer cosmetologist and are held at the Cancer Care Center on the first Thursday of
every Month. To register for a class, call the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345.
Sue Swank says, “I have worked as coordinator for the local Look Good Feel Better class at Bronson Battle Creek for the last 10 years. I love seeing the emotional transformation in women as they learn to apply make-up, scarves, and wigs that help them regain ‘their look’ during treatment. The cancer journey can significantly affect the quality of life for many cancer patients. Look Good Feel Better can get them back on the road to recovery.”
Road to Recovery is the Society’s
most utilized program in Calhoun County and provides transportation to and from treatment for hundreds of local patients who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so
that patients can receive the life-saving treatments they need. For volunteers
who do not wish to use their own car, Calhoun County is fortunate to have a Road to Recovery vehicle parked right outside the cancer center that they can use for driving patients. If you know someone who needs help with transportation, or
you would like to volunteer to be a driver, please call the American Cancer Society
at (800) 227-2345.
Reach to Recovery has been helping people cope with their breast cancer experience for more than 45 years. The Reach to Recovery volunteers are specially trained to help people by offering a measure of comfort and an opportunity for emotional grounding and informed decision making. As breast cancer survivors, the volunteers give patients and family members an opportunity to express feelings, talk about
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