Wellness House offers 'Navigating Survivorship' Feb. 3
For those affected by cancer, transitioning from active treatment to post-treatment can be daunting and often confusing.
In an effort to teach cancer patients about being a self-advocate and becoming knowledgeable about cancer and its treatments, Wellness House, a cancer support center at 131 N. County Line Road in Hinsdale, is presenting a program, "Navigating Survivorship: Becoming Your Own Advocate."
This lecture, conducted by Clinical Nurse Specialist Karen Kinahan, MS, RN, APN, from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University's STAR (Survivors Taking Action and Responsibility) Program, is slated for Thursday, Feb. 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The program's presenter, Karen Kinahan, works closely with cancer survivors on late effects and survivorship issues at the Lurie Cancer Center and Children's Memorial Hospital, focusing on their unique medical and psychological needs.
“Our objective is to teach cancer patients about the importance of becoming their own advocates and taking charge of their quality of life following treatment,” explains Karen. “This presentation is designed to help survivors navigate the challenges they face as they make the transition from active treatment to post-treatment care.”
A great portion of this lecture is based off the 2005 report, “From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition,” written by the Committee on Cancer Survivorship: Improving Care and Quality of Life and the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council. From this report, Karen will highlight the significance of survivorship care plan development. Other main points that the report emphasizes, and of which Karen will present to patients, include medical and psychosocial consequences of cancer and its treatment as well as quality health care for cancer survivors and identifying strategies to achieve it.
Local resident Gary Grieger from Lombard is a well-known face to Wellness House who plans to attend the Navigating Survivorship presentation.
According to Grieger, who emphasizes that his hardest challenges have been faced after treatment, “For a long period of time, people did not focus on survivorship after treatment considering everyone is fine once they complete their cancer treatment process” He asserts, however, “the challenge is still there.” While cancer treatments can be physically and emotionally intense, Gary stresses the importance of cancer patients and survivors banding together in their fight through attending support group sessions and lectures, all of which Wellness House provides.
Gary was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago, and today he proves to be stronger than ever. “Cancer cannot stop me from doing what is important today.” He adds enthusiastically, “I've learned to live each day like I'm on vacation!”
"Navigating Survivorship: Becoming Your Own Advocate" will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3 at Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Road in Hinsdale. There will be a Q & A session following the program.
For information or to attend this event, please visit www.wellnesshouse.org or call (630) 323-5150.
For more information regarding Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University's STAR Program, please visit their website.
Wellness House provides information, support, and a community to help families living with cancer. Founded in 1990 by a committed group of community leaders, Wellness House serves as a vital complement to medical treatment for anyone experiencing the effects of cancer by providing a comprehensive array of programs at no cost to participants. For more information regarding Wellness House, please visit their website at www.wellnesshouse.org.