Over the past year Oncology Caregivers have joined together in developing and implementing a supportive program for our community. Following various situations in which community members have been diagnosed with cancer it appears that the community, including Rabbinic leadership, educators, organizations, and families, would benefit from education and interventions that would provide a comfort level in dealing with cancer.
We can be extremely instrumental in helping Rabbis, Principals/Teachers, and community members understand the disease, it’s process, and how to provide the appropriate support and guidance needed throughout the cancer journey. Perhaps as a result of providing accurate information which can impact a sense of empowerment as well as education on how to be supportive there will be a decrease in the tendency to be fearful of the disease. This in turn will give patients permission to deal with their cancer. In combining medical support with psychosocial support we can help patients, families and community deal with the“human side of cancer.”
This initial community event will be followed by ongoing supportive interventions when needed. Hopefully this will also decrease the tendency to create a crisis mode when a situation arises involving a cancer diagnosis. The support network is a meaningful opportunity to provide our community with the skills and tools to be able to manage the stress associated with a cancer diagnosis.
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