Chenango Health Network

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Chenango Health Network Offers Support to Cancer Survivors in Chenango County

From the time of diagnosis and for the balance of life, a person diagnosed with cancer is a survivor. Survivors are people who may have been diagnosed last week or 20 years ago. It can be anyone with any history of cancer. Cancer survivors may be receiving treatment, may be considered cured or in remission, may be trying to control the disease or its side effects, or may be receiving end-of-life care.

Cancer Support Services, a Chenango Health Network program gives cancer survivors, caregivers and their families assistance and encouragement to deal with the many issues resulting from a diagnosis of cancer. Cancer survivors and their families frequently have questions about where to look for information about their cancer; treatment options; making informed decisions; coping with emotional and psychological effects of cancer; how to talk about cancer with family and friends; where to look for medical institutions; what’s available in their community for help with future planning.

The Community-Based Cancer Wellness and Support Center at CHN helps Chenango County residents gain knowledge about diagnosis and treatment and learn about local resources. A guidebook for surviving cancer with physical, emotional, and practical information about cancer survivorship is on hand and computer assistance to access the web for research using a Cancer Support Services’ computer is available, or individuals can refer to a website list to do research from their home. The Wellness and Support Center houses an up-to-date library of books, magazines, pamphlets, CDs and DVDs about cancer and related topics.

One-on-one support by phone or face-to-face is offered by a trained staff person or someone can be linked with a local volunteer who has already undergone a similar experience. Volunteers participate in a CHN training program before they can give encouragement as cancer survivors or caregivers. If you are a cancer survivor or a caregiver and would like to volunteer to help your neighbor, give our office a call.

Assistance is available to enroll in New York State sponsored insurance programs and pharmaceutical manufacturers prescription assistance programs. There is help to research information about cancer treatment clinical trials. Soon professionals will speak to groups on cancer treatment and related topics.

All calls and visits to Chenango Health Network’s Cancer Support Services receive personal attention and the best, most current information possible. Services are strictly confidential and at no charge. This program was made possible through the New York State Office of Rural Health and a grant from The Community Foundation for South Central New York. Chenango Health Network is a non-profit rural health network which serves residents of Chenango County through various programs. For more information about any of the programs offered call 337-4128 or go to www.chenangohealth.org.

Back to Progress 2008 Listing