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Hope, Compassion and Support for Cancer Survivors and their Loved Ones

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As women, we are often called upon to serve as caregivers for our loved ones while also contending with career and social obligations. So when cancer strikes, we may find ourselves in the unfamiliar position of needing the same kind of compassion and support we so often devote to others. Fortunately, the cancer journey is one that no woman has to travel alone.

The Wellness Community - Arizona (TWC) has been supporting cancer survivors and their families since when we first opened our doors in March, 1999. Our mission is to provide “the other half of cancer care” through a diverse range of cancer-specific education, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and art and music therapy programs. Today, we offer more than 100 free monthly programs, including professionally-led support groups, educational workshops and mind/body classes utilizing the “Patient Active Concept,” in which people impacted by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope, regardless of the stage of disease.

Last year, we hosted close to 13,000 visits at our historic home in downtown Phoenix, a 2,400-square-foot historic bungalow that provides the foundation of a nurturing environment that is a welcome respite from the clinical setting of many hospitals, medical offices and clinics. Also sharing our one-acre property are the Phoenix Suns Exercise and Wellness Center and a 2,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art Teen and Family Center, where we offer education, support and cancer wellness programs for teens and families living with cancer.

TWC recently established a Cancer Support Network™, founded upon partnerships with leading hospitals like John C. Lincoln Breast Health and Research Center and the Comprehensive Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital. We’re also reaching out to serve new areas of the Valley by forging alliances with community organizations like Premiere Oncology of Arizona, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center and Valle Del Sol Latino Cultural Center, and faith-based organizations like Paradise Valley United Methodist Church.

When we first launched in Ariz., there was little recognition of the evidence showing that “psychosocial” support programs like ours significantly improve treatment outcomes and survivors’ quality of life. Today, these benefits are well established and embraced by the medical profession as a critical part of the treatment process.

If you or a loved one is contending with cancer, we invite you to attend one of our Newcomer Orientations, held every Monday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 10 a.m. We also hope you’ll come to one or all of the many free educational events we host both off-site and at our 360 E. Palm Lane home. We only ask that you RSVP in advance. For more information, please contact The Wellness Community at (602) 712-1006 or www.twccaz.org.

Free Educational Events in July

Here are just a few of the educational programs we’re offering this July:
Event: Environmental Toxins Presentation
Date: Thursday, July 8, 6-8 pm
Description: Marianne Marchese, NMD, a naturopathic physician, will discuss the links established between environmental toxins and cancer, and the genetic risk factors that make certain individuals more susceptible to contracting the disease or having a recurrence.

Event: Bladder Cancer Presentation
Date: Thursday, July 15, 6–8 pm
Description: Almost 500,000 Americans have bladder cancer, with approximately 56,500 new cases diagnosed each year. Michael Roberts, MD, Medical Oncologist with Arizona Oncology Associates, will discuss current treatments for bladder cancer, how to manage the side effects and the latest research concerning treatment and prevention.

Event: Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Liver Cancer
Date: Thursday, July 22, 6–8 pm
Description: Neil Goldstein, MD, Interventional Radiologist with St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, will provide a practical guide to navigating the numerous and complex challenges presented by a liver cancer diagnosis. Dr. Goldstein will discuss the currently available treatment options, how to manage symptoms and side effects, and strategies to help survivors and their loved ones preserve their quality of life.

Event: Food for Thought: Nutritional Tips for Your Cancer Journey
Date: Friday, July 23, 1:30-3:30 pm
Description: Nancy Banner, chef and owner of The Holistic Kitchen, will give an informal lecture and food demonstration designed to provide brain tumor survivors and their caregivers with dietary choices that complement treatment and recovery. She will describe the foods that support their memory, cognition and overall brain health with an anti-inflammatory diet.

Event: Chemo Brain
Date: Thursday, July 29, 6–8 p.m.
Description: Michael J. Robb, MD, an Otoneurologist specializing in disorders of the ear and brain, will discuss the effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments on cognitive functioning, as well as skills survivors can utilize to compensate and cope with “chemo brain.”

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Pat Elliott
Empowered
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Paula- Thank you for this information about The Wellness Community in Phoenix. As an Arizona resident I have benefited from the programs and services your organization provides and have found them very helpful.

EmpowHER members who live in other communities will be glad to learn that The Wellness Community is an international nonprofit organization. You can find the main website here: http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/Default.aspx

You can find information on US affiliates here: http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/hc/Communities/Local-Communities/communities.aspx

You can find information on international affiliates here:
http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/hc/Communities/Local-Communities/International-Locations.aspx

Even if you don't live in an area that has a location near you there is a lot of valuable information available to you through the website as well as 24x7 support from their online community. The Wellness Community is part of a larger organization now known as the Cancer Support Community. Backed by evidence that the best cancer care includes emotional and social support, the Cancer Support Community offers these services to all people affected by cancer. Likely the largest professionally-led network of cancer support worldwide, the organization delivers a comprehensive menu of personalized and essential services. Because no cancer care plan is complete without emotional and social support, the Cancer Support Community has a vibrant network of community-based centers and online services run by trained and licensed professionals.

June 22, 2010 - 6:47pm

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Paula Hardison
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.