Monday, December 5, 2011

Holiday Helpers


The holidays can be a difficult time for many people who are facing an illness. Memories of past celebrations are bittersweet, and the future of long-held traditions may be uncertain. For people dealing with cancer, as well as their families, taking time to reflect and enjoy can be hard, but may be especially necessary. 

There are many opportunities in Northwest Arkansas to enjoy the season, or at the very least, spend a few hours focused on something other than your diagnosis. As your health permits, add a few of these to your list of things to do this month:

  • Look out for holiday light displays and parades - always a great way to spend an evening.
  • If it's too cold out for you, rent some classic Christmas movies and stay in where it's warm. 
  • Buy a few rolls of cookie dough and make cookies. If you won't eat them, your neighbors surely will.
  • Attend holiday concerts and look for festive shopping opportunities. Even if you spend a lot of time sitting on a bench at the mall watching others rush, the music and decorations might help you get into the holiday spirit.
  • Send holiday cards to your local nursing/rehab facility and ask that they deliver them to people without family close by.

If you or someone you love are currently going through cancer treatment in Northwest Arkansas, keep the following list in mind and reach out for support as necessary. (Note: you should confirm dates and locations of meetings this month as some may change to accomodate holiday schedules.)

A Place for Us: Caregiver Support Group
Caregivers of cancer patients are invited to attend this monthly group to find advice, support, and information to help them help their loved-ones. Contact: Lisa Manzini-Pace, LCSW – 479-361-5847

Art/Survivor’s Circle
Art therapy group meets the 1st and 3rd Monday every month at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Contact: Susan Earnest, RN – 479-521-8024

Been There
Local network of cancer survivors who volunteer to provide one-on-one support for newly diagnosed patients. Contact: Christy Scarrow, LSW – 479-361-5847

Blood Cancers Group
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Hope Cancer Resources, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Contact: Meredith Kinsey, BSW – 479-361-5847

CLIMB – Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery
For children ages 6-12 who have a parent or other adult loved one with cancer. Registration is required for this six week group. Contact: 479-361-5847 for more information.

Coping and Conversation
Anyone with a cancer diagnosis and their caregiver are welcome every Wednesday at noon at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Contact: 479-521-8024 for more information.

Faithful Friends
Breast cancer support group that meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m. Contact: 479-756-1700 for location and more information.

Lung Cancer Group
Open to lung cancer patients and their caregivers. It meets the 3rd Thursday every month at Highlands Oncology Group in Fayetteville at 5:00 p.m. Contact: Adela Martinez, LSW – 479-361-5847 or Lisa Russell, RN – 479-587-1700

Online Support Group
Online support for individuals affected by cancer is available 24 hours a day at your convenience. Membership is available to individuals 18 years old or over, and is free as well as confidential. Contact: Morgan Lauener-Cobb, LSW – 479-361-5847

Prostate Cancer Group
Supports men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners. This group meets the 4th Tuesday every month at Community Church in Bella Vista. Contact: 479-855-1126 for more information.

SPOHNC – Support for People with Oral, Head & Neck Cancers
This group meets the 3rd Saturday every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Cancer Support Home at Fayetteville. Contact: Jack or Temple Igleburger – 479-876-1051 or 479-586-4807

Upbeats
Support group for women with cancer meeting the 1st Wednesday every month at Papa Mike’s in the Kingsdale Complex in Bella Vista. Contact: Karen Willis – 479-855-6575

Young Survivors
For young women coping with a cancer diagnosis. This group meets the last Thursday every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Contact: 479-521-8024 for more information.

Women with Cancer Group
Meets the 2nd Monday every month at the Cancer Support Home in Bentonville, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Contact: Susan Earnest, RN – 479-521-8024

 

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