Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/401614
KISHPROGRAMS.ORG FIND YOUR SUPPORT No matter how cancer touches your life, you'll find empathy, information, hope, and joy in a KishHealth System support group. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP—Cancer patients and others affected by the disease gather weekly to share experiences, swap coping strategies, encourage each other, and learn from KishHealth System providers. CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP—In this group, individuals caring for someone with cancer learn how to manage the challenges. WOMEN WITH CANCER NETWORKING GROUP— This twice-monthly gathering is a great place for women to discover new friends and gain insights into cancer treatment and survivorship. Turn to the center spread for more information. For additional groups and classes, please visit kishprograms.org. Living With Cancer: Cancer Support Group Open to patients, caregivers, and community members. Free//No Registration Required KISHHEALTH SYSTEM CANCER CENTER, DEKALB - 815.748.2958 Meets every Thursday, 9:30 - 11 am VALLEY WEST MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING - 815.786.9198 2nd Wednesday of each month, 8:30 - 9:30 am STRENGTH SUPPORT GROUPS CAN help individuals affected by cancer feel more empowered, connected, and hopeful. Best of all, the groups can decrease emotional isolation during a time when patients may feel that no one can relate to what they're going through. "One cancer support group participant told me this summer, 'Other cancer patients understand you like no one else. Family members may love you, but they can't understand what it's like to have cancer,'" says Vickie Peyton, MSW, LCSW, oncology social worker at KishHealth System Cancer Center in DeKalb. "In support groups, individuals feel safe to be themselves, without judgment. After sharing a personal story, a cancer patient may find another participant has had a very similar experience." Support groups can also benefit caregivers. "Caregivers can develop symptoms of grief from watching loved ones battle cancer, and that can lead to physical distress," Peyton says. "Caregivers can't support patients to the best of their abilities unless their emotional needs are addressed." IF YOU'RE FACING A CANCER BATTLE OR LEARNING TO LIVE AS A SURVIVOR, A SUPPORT GROUP MAY OFFER THE KIND OF UNDERSTANDING THAT YOUR FAMILY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE. in Numbers 4