Blog

For many cancer patients and survivors with compromised immune systems, the reporting on this public health emergency may likely be source of anxiety. At a time when information is coming at us at a rapid pace, we are putting resources for you here, in one place. Read on to view a list of the resources we have and the actions CSC are taking to provide support to individuals affected by cancer.

If you are a person impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), are living with cancer, or are immunocompromised, one important way to maintain some sense of control in what might be an anxiety-provoking time is to understand what is being done from a policy perspective to help respond to the pandemic, and how these changes have the potential to actually impact you and your community.

March is national social work month, and we want to take a moment to thank social workers and the CSC workforce for the passion, knowledge, and energy they bring to their work each day. We also want to say that we are particularly appreciative of their efforts during this complicated time, which has made many people feel a heightened sense of anxiety, sadness, or concern.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have have taken swift action to ensure patients and caregivers have access to our support and navigation services through digital channels and our toll-free Helpline. We are also fortunate to have many friends in the entertainment, sports, and advocacy sectors who have graciously agreed to send messages of hope to people affected by cancer. We are honored that Dr. Jill Biden, a longtime friend of our organization and passionate advocate for patients and families, delivered the first in what will be a series of messages, songs, and other expressions of inspiration.

The spread of the Novel Coronavirus has brought the strategy of social distancing to prevent disease transmission to forefront of the world’s spotlight. To those facing cancer however, the idea of social distancing has always been an important aspect of cancer care, as many patients experience weakened immune systems as a result of their cancer treatment. While it’s vitally important to practice safe social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it’s also important that we continue to take care of our own physical and mental health during these trying times. An essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to practice healthy social and emotional interaction. With all the technology available to us today, safe social distancing doesn’t mean we have to stay socially isolated.

There is no doubt that we are traveling through unchartered territory. Calls for social distancing, travel restrictions and lockdowns, may separate us physically, but we can still connect and support each other. No one should feel alone. This episode features questions we received from cancer patients and caregivers about the spread of the virus in general and its impact on the lives of people living with cancer specifically.

Each month, the Cancer Policy Institute profiles advocates who have been engaged in cancer advocacy. Read on to learn more about Lauren and her passion for ensuring that patients are able to afford and easily get the best treatment for their disease.

If you are interested in learning more about policy, advocacy, and ways to get involved, sign up to be a part of the Grassroots Network!

Advocacy Day will bring together passionate and determined advocates from across the country to speak out on behalf of all people living with a cancer diagnosis on March 4th. One of those advocates is Ben White, an early onset colorectal cancer survivor. He moved all the way from northern California to Washington DC to pursue a career in advocacy and now serves as Coordinator-Development at the Cancer Support Community’s DC headquarters. The day of action provides an opportunity for individuals to meet with their elected officials and staff on Capitol Hill to help ensure that the patient remains as the center of all policies and regulations related to healthcare.

On March 4th, 2020, the Cancer Support Community will bring together a group of dedicated and passionate advocates from around the country to meet with their elected officials and staff on Capitol Hill for Advocacy Day. One advocate is Kelly Hendershot a caregiver to her husband who died of brain cancer at the age of 30 and the Program Director of Gilda’s Club Quad Cities. She is traveling all the way from Iowa to be part of this day of action to help ensure that the patient remains at the center of all policies and regulations related to health care.

We had the chance to catch up with Kelly before she started her journey to Washington, DC

Support groups can be hugely helpful for those impacted by cancer. It creates a space where the good and the bad can be shared within a supportive community. No matter the circumstance, a support group ensures that no one is trying to manage tough cancer experiences alone.