Page 6 - Valley Life & Health

6 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 THE MORNING CALL

Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley:

A BEST-KEPT SECRET NO MORE

Organization offers social, emotional & psychological support to patients, survivors, caregivers, and families

By Shannon Sigafoos of The Morning Call

ancer. patients to the Support Community, which each year, with the number getting higher all
It’s an intimidating word no matter can sometimes add up to several thousand the time. Services they can rely on through
Cwhich way you spin it – and for those people annually. CSC-GLV include a Newcomer’s Orientation,
who have had to hear it come from the mouth Buss herself – who was diagnosed with Family Mindfulness and Kid Support™, the
of their physician, it’s also a scary word. There is cancer at age 28 and is currently living with Comfortable in Your Own Skin program
so much ‘unknown’ when you face a diagnosis stage 4 metastatic breast cancer – first found (a skin care series for men, women and children
– what the cost of treatment will be, how long a brochure about CSC-GLV in her physician’s that educates on safe products to use before,
you’ll have to fight for recovery, how it will office. As a young mother at the time, her main during and after treatment) a Frankly Speaking
impact your ability to work for a living, and how concern was how she was going to explain About Cancer Series, Healthy Cooking classes,
other people will react. her condition to her daughter. The two began Yoga, T’ai Chi, and Karate taught by certified
Transitioning in and out of active cancer attending their kids’ support group together, instructors, art therapy, social outings,
treatment can be stressful for both patients which provided a much-needed outlet. and more.
and their caregivers. The entire journey is an “My daughter got to see other kids whose The Cancer Support Community’s
emotional one that can lead to feeling helpless moms were bald, and I got to talk to other comprehensive program is built around pillars
and out of control. parents. The facilitators were great in helping – psychosocial support, education, wellness,
Each year, thousands of Lehigh Valley us talk to the children in a way that they information, assistance & referral, and social
residents contact the Cancer Support Group of understood it,” Buss explains. “When I started connectedness. Above all else, the social
the Greater Lehigh Valley (CSC-GLV) to help fill attending other CSC-GLV programs, I just component aims to transition patients from
the gaps that aren’t covered by medicine – the felt so at home. I wasn’t the odd person out feelings of sadness to feelings of hope. Over 50
emotionally complicated pieces to the diagnosis because of my young age. It really helped me programs per month are also featured in the
that may be overlooked during the process of to feel empowered.” “New Diagnosis” packets given out by area
restoring the body to good health. Buss went on to become an advocate cancer centers. And there is a Virtual Cancer
“Our programs are for anyone affected by and donor for the organization, but when Support Community offered online, delivered
cancer – not only patients, but family members, her cancer recurred and she needed CSC- in real-time support groups led by trained
caregivers and friends. We have programs for GLV’s services again, she never could have professionals, for those who may not be able to
every stage of your journey – that includes imagined she’d one day be at the helm. She make it to particular events.
post-treatment programs to help you cope took over the position in November 2016 and “One of the hardest steps is making
with times when you think you’re vulnerable has embraced the opportunity to provide the that first call or coming in the door for the
but everyone else thinks you’re okay. The same services to the public that became such a first time, but I promise you that you will be
programs are at no cost to anyone. Come lifesaver for her. welcomed with open arms,” says Buss. “We
here, use the services, get yourself healthy, and “Being a part of this community helps me will be here to support you and your family
get through your journey.” maintain a positive outlook about my diagnosis. through this journey.”
As an independent nonprofit, CSC-GLV When I attend our programs, I am able to
has their own board of directors and all of connect with others with similar diagnoses, Get support. Get involved.
the money that they raise for programming actively engage in my care, regain control Whether you are recently diagnosed,
(through private donations, grants and special and restore hope for a better quality of life looking for support for a family or friend,
events) stays in the Lehigh Valley. They also during treatment,’” she explains. “People say or serve as the caregiver of a patient, the
rely on the support of community partnerships all the time that our organization is the area’s Cancer Support Community of the Greater
with the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and best kept secret, and I don’t want to be a Lehigh Valley welcomes you.
American Cancer Society. secret anymore.” Visit cancersupportlv.org, call 610-861-7555
Both St. Luke’s University Health Network More than 9,000 people in the greater or email info@cancersupportglv.org for
and Lehigh Valley Health Network refer their Lehigh Valley are diagnosed with cancer more information.