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Please send your stories to OA so that other who read them can be filled with hope and inspiration to press on against cancer. Send your stories to kdesatnik@rcmed.com or fax to 440.942.7970 marked Attention Asst. Editor. |
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| Inspiration: Noemi Peterson, RN |
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| By: Kelly Desatnik |
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Family members and other caregivers of cancer patients are often desperate, overtaxed and isolated. They need validation and simple tools to help them cope in a healthier way. The Strength For Caring (SFC) Program addresses these complex needs of the patient caregiver.
This community-based program is free of charge and provides comprehensive education and support for caregivers on topics such as, understanding cancer and its treatment and managing patient symptoms (See page 18 for more information). In many instances, SFC programs have had repeat participants who felt they had gained so much from the program, that they brought other family members/friends to the next event.
A Nurse Making the Difference
Noemi Peterson, an RN in Houston, Texas has been extremely successful in starting the SFC Program in her region. According to Noemi, “The participants gain so much from the program. I see them leave with such a different understanding and renewed strength. The supporting institutions and clinics also love it because it helps them help their patients.”
For years, Noemi offered SFC programs in Bryan, TX, in conjunction with St. Joseph's Hospital's Healthy Communities program. Noemi has also seen success with SFC at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, where her team facilitated the programs for several years. Staff members were invited to participate and they have since taken it over and now offer various one-hour programs at “The Place of Wellness,” addressing caregiver issues.
Most recently, Noemi and her team partnered with American Cancer Society, M.D. Anderson, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Sisters’ Network and a Patient Advocacy Foundation. They had over 75 participants patients/caregivers and held sessions that were of interest to all.
Future Plans
Currently, Noemi is working with Methodist Hospital to set up bi-monthly SFC programs for the patients/caregivers in the clinics. According to Noemi, “This is a big institution with many of our physicians practicing here - we're very excited about this new opportunity!”
If you would like to participate in facilitator training so you can hold Strength for Caring programs at your local health care facility or organization, visit www.strengthforcaring.com and fill out the automated form on the website. You may also call 1-888-I-CARE-80.
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