Expand the services of the Women's Center of Greater Lansing by creating a program that will focus on psycho-social, holistic, person-centered support during and post-treatment to cancer survivors and their families. Offered in a warm and inviting setting outside of a hospital and nearby the main medical facilities in the area, this kind of support from professionals is shown to improve health outcomes and quality of life for cancer survivors and their families by going beyond medical treatment.
Women diagnosed with cancer struggle with the numerous decisions they have to make (often quickly) regarding everything from treatment, emotional support for their children, and how to talk to their family and friends. A young mother came to us for help finding a job after losing her previous job due to a cancer diagnosis. We realized she needed to talk with other cancer survivors regarding the issues she faces. Her frustration with the lack of places to go for support inspired this project.
In addition to creating a program that does not currently exist in the area, this program provides a personal, holistic, integrated set of services at no cost. Services will be immediately available, be provided by staff members with specific skills working with cancer patients. With the proposed programs, support will include cancer survivors, caregivers, family members, and children. Creating an open, safe and comfortable setting empowers survivors to advocate for their own care.
The program will result in integrated, survivor-centered support available to cancer survivors and their families regardless of ability to pay. Specifically, the program will result in positive and lasting impacts to cancer survivors and their families, including: increased social support; reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness; greater identification with a community of survivors; improved emotional self-care and feelings of empowerment and self-advocacy.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
