Do you like a CHALLENGE!???

In Northwest Arkansas we are fortunate to have an amazing number of non-profits doing great things for our communities. We also have a number of generous foundations and individuals who make it their goal to support these agencies in the work they do. One of our favorites is the Cancer Challenge.

The mission of the Cancer Challenge is to raise funds to support programs and services designed around the early detection, prevention, diagnosis, research and treatment of cancer. It is a non-profit organization that has been caring for the community of Northwest Arkansas for over sixteen years. Hope Cancer Resources receives grant funds from the Cancer Challenge to support our cancer patient assistance and education programs. 

 The Cancer Challenge is an annual event - actually a series of events - running from June 24 - 26, 2010. Just about any sporting or athletic activity you could be interested is included in this year's calendar of events, but if you'd prefer to help out without having to break a sweat, consider volunteering instead.

You'll see several of us from Hope Cancer Resources at the events this year, serving lunch and breakfast, and volunteering at the events... be sure to say hello!!

Calling All Volunteers!

This Thursday we will have an open orientation session for anyone who is interested in finding out more about our volunteer opportunities. It begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at our office - 5835 W. Sunset in Springdale. There are opportunities for everyone that range from being a helping-hand and friendly face as patients go through their treatments, to participating in the planning and execution of fundraising events. Check out the list below (taken from our website) and contact Cindy Bilyeu for more information by email, or at 479.361.5847.

" Been There" Volunteers
 A special group comprised of cancer survivors who are available to provide emotional and practical support for other cancer patients. Volunteers are screened and matched with patients who request to speak to a survivor. Open to any cancer survivor. Background checks and special training is required. 

Clinic Volunteers
Through our partnership with Highlands Oncology Group, we staff their clinics with volunteer support. Roles are available in the chemotherapy suites, radiation clinics, imaging department and other areas. Tasks involve administrative, patient and clinic staff support. Volunteers must have daytime availability and be at least 18 years of age. Background checks and special training is required.
 
Special Event Committees
Hope Cancer Resources has several special events each year to help spread the word about what we do and raise funds to support our programs. Currently we have the Bill Fleeman Gentleman of Distinction Fashion show (a formal gala event) and the Heather Ridley Fleeman Battle for Hope  (5K, 10K, family fun walk). We rely heavily on dedicated volunteers to help us plan and execute these events. Background checks and orientation required.

Professional “Pro Bono” Services
We employ professional licensed social workers and registered nurses to carry out our programs. We engage volunteers with these or related professional designations and related experience who are willing to donate their time to be a part of our service delivery teams. Orientation and background check required, other training to be determined by volunteer role.

Administrative & Outreach Volunteers
Help us with filing, answering phones, processing mailings, organizing, data entry, etc. around the Hope Cancer Resources office. Volunteers can also represent Hope Cancer Resources at volunteer or health fairs, staffing information tables at special events, and other outreach efforts. We offer a fun atmosphere and the reward of supporting our programs in very necessary ways. Volunteers must have daytime availability. Background checks and orientation required.

Episodic or One Time Volunteers
Can you staff a water station at our race? Help us set up the room for Gentlemen of Distinction? Do you have a group that could help us complete special projects such as large mailings or clean up/repair to our office or equipment? No long term commitment required.

Third-Party Fundraising Volunteers
Can you conduct a penny drive at your school? Are you willing to donate a portion of your business sales to Hope Cancer Resources? We are honored by your generosity and willingness to support cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas. Please contact us so we can provide you with more information.

2010 Heather Ridley Fleeman Battle for Hope

May 1st dawned about an hour after the first volunteers and staff arrived at Old Tiger Stadium, and when it started getting lighter in the East we were happy to see it was overcast, but there was no impending rain. In 2009 the Battle for Hope was held in a fairly heavy constant downpour of rain. In 2008, the morning temperatures were in 30s. Lucky for us, runners seem to enjoy adverse weather conditions - it's just tough on the volunteers and staff.

We are working on getting all the photos up on our Flickr account, but here are a few to give you an idea of what a great day it was. Special thanks goes out to all of our volunteers, our staff, and the sponsors who made this event so awesome. We raised over $40,000.00
this year that will go directly to assisting and educating cancer patients and the community of Northwest Arkansas. Thank you!!

Optimism is Optional

It seems that everywhere we look lately, someone is linking positive attitude to good health or quicker recovery from physical ailments. It's on daytime t.v., it's in women's magazines, it's in blogs we read... people we don't even know are telling us to "cheer up!" to keep ourselves healthy.

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, there are always a handful of people who don't know what else to do except to encourage that person to remain hopeful and to be positive about a good outcome. But the fact is that there are some very real fears and difficulties associated with their disease, and it really is okay for those people who are dealing with it to be angry and scared and even have days when they would rather stay in bed than do almost anything else.

It goes without saying that if you have to sit in a doctor's office and hear the words "It's cancer." there isn't a lot of cheer to be found. Or, at the very least - what's available doesn't seem like it's enough to do the job that will be required as you go through your treatment and recovery plan. In fact, some recent studies state that there is no tangible connection between positive thinking and better recovery and longer life when cancer is added to their daily routines. So, what do we do with that information?

First, let us suggest that the mere act of going to the doctor to investigate the symptoms that have led to the cancer diagnosis as an outward sign that there is, somewhere inside us, a tiny nugget of hope and optimism. Otherwise - why get diagnosed at all? And while a simple "positive attitude" may not cure the disease (did we really believe it would??), remaining realistic but determined and hopeful can certainly cause a cancer patient to take steps that will provide a better opportunity for recovery than feeling defeated and hopeless. Altering diet, getting more exercise as appropriate and with a doctor's approval, and having access to much-needed emotional support can all affect the ability of a cancer patient to get through treatment successfully and start making plans for the remainder of their life.

The social workers at Hope Cancer Resources are trained specifically to work with oncology patients and the special burden of emotions and needs they experience during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. They work with patients individually if requested, or with their caregivers or partners, and we even host a support group for families with young children a couple of times a year.
 
We have a great list of support groups available in Northwest Arkansas on our website. We don't recommend the groups just because they're available, but because we truly believe that having a strong support system behind you as you go through treatment (and afterward) is beneficial for your mental health. Odds are, you will find a lot of people talking about being positive and keeping their chin up in these groups, but you will also find some folks who share your fears and frustrations. At the very least, you will meet some people to talk to when you feel you've said all you can say to your friends and family and they've said all they can say to you. Talking to our social workers or participating in a support group won't heal your body, but they might help you deal with some of your less positive feelings - which will go a long way to ease the rough spots along the cancer journey.