| What is a Cancer Coach? A Cancer Coach is a trained volunteer survivor of cancer who is matched with a patient with a similar diagnosis. The interaction of survivor and patient is a profoundly healing experience that empowers patients to participate in their treatment and to take back control of life. The instructional materials and complete training and monitoring system ensure the quality our program took over a year to develop. What is the Cancer Coach Program? The program was launched in November of 2002. This program sends a powerful and positive message to newly diagnosed patients and their loved ones, by connecting them to some of the most courageous and brave survivors in our community. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is often overwhelming, but who can better help a newly diagnosed patient other then someone who has walked in his or her shoes. Some patients are fortunate enough to have family members as caregivers but often the caregiver is at a loss as to how to help. The coach is a source of emotional support as well as resource for information to help navigate the health care system. However, the coach makes no recommendations concerning doctors and treatment. Reliable information may be difficult to find, however, our medical librarian has informed our coaches about credible web sites on the Internet, so that they can share that information with patients and family members. Cancer Coach Journey The Cancer Coach journey is living proof that while treatment of cancer can often be traumatic both physically and emotionally, it can often be a time of growth and tremendous healing. Survival can take all forms. Most often it is an awakening. Many people have said that they became awake for the first time in their life when they were diagnosed with cancer. They have come to realize how precious their life is. And how important it is to spend their time doing things that really matter. Cancer Wellness Coaches have learned difficult and vitally important lessons from their experience as a cancer patient. First, no one should be paralized by a cancer diagnosis. It is possible to live productively and fully recover from a cancer diagnosis. Millions of people have done just that. Our Coaches will help you on your journey. Please don't be afraid to ask for help. We are here for you. |
