A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating for both the patient and his or her family. Family roles may suddenly change. Underlying problems may come to the forefront. Support groups can offer an outlet for these worries and can help aid in treatment.
Reach to Recovery is a one-on-one support program for breast cancer patients. Volunteers are at least one-year post treatment and are trained by the American Cancer Society. These volunteers provide support to breast cancer patients throughout treatment.
The Look Good...Feel Better program is a community-based, free, national service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Volunteer beauty professionals lead small groups, usually consisting of six to 10 women, through practical, hands-on experience. Women learn about makeup techniques, skincare, nail care, and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans, and scarves. Each group program participant receives a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop.
I Can Cope is an educational program for people facing cancer - either personally, or as a friend or family caregiver. Participants in this program receive tips and information on many cancer-related topics. The sessions help dispel cancer myths by presenting straightforward facts. The insights participants gain in these classes will help maximize quality of life throughout the cancer experience. Living with cancer can be one of the greatest challenges a person can face in the course of a lifetime. I Can Cope offers help - in the form of reliable information, peer support, and practical coping skills - so that you can meet this challenge.
These three programs are funded by the American Cancer Society and offered locally at the Mahr Cancer Center. Also offered are a General Cancer Support Group and the Becky West Breast Cancer Support Group.
The Mahr Center offers use of wigs free of cost to patients. The wigs are supplied to the Mahr Center from various donors and students at the Madisonville Beauty College volunteer time washing and styling the wigs.
