“I’ve found lots of support, encouragement, education, hope and many friends,” said Gerda Bubestinger.
The always-free services, which include educational workshops, support groups, resources and referrals, social and healthy lifestyle programs, would help ease the cancer journey by empowering participants, increasing their feelings of hope and connection and ultimately improving their quality of life.
Because Cancer Support Community was based in Phoenix, however, the vast majority of people accessing the non-profit’s programs were in Maricopa County. That’s changed dramatically over the past three years. Part of it was because of the pandemic, which prompted Cancer Support Community Arizona to pivot to streaming all of its programs online.
“There was still a community; it was now meeting on Zoom,” said Cancer Support Community Arizona CEO Debbie DiCarlo. “In fact, we found that attendance grew quite a lot during the pandemic because people throughout the state could now easily take part.”
The online option was so popular that even after Cancer Support Community started hosting in-person events again last year, most programs continue to be offered on Zoom as well.
“I participate virtually so I don’t have to drive a long distance,” said participant Sandy Basse. “My sister, who is one of my caregivers, lives in Washington state and we can participate together virtually. It is such a blessing to have this resource available to us.”
Another part of the non-profit’s expansion to other parts of the state was the opening in October 2021 of Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. In addition to the types of programs offered in Phoenix, the Northern Arizona campus also features a wig salon, the state’s only source of free wigs for cancer patients north of Phoenix.
“The wig salon is for anyone impacted by cancer, they don’t have to be from Flagstaff, they can come in from anywhere to get a free wig,” said Executive Director Cindy Payne. Although the wig salon’s scheduled hours are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Payne said that out-of-towners visiting Flagstaff on other days can schedule an appointment to be fit for a wig any time the office is open.
In the 18 months that Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona has been open, it has reached out beyond the greater Flagstaff area. In-person support groups for patients and caregivers meet in Cottonwood and Sedona, while a Native American support group meets in Tuba City and on Zoom and men across Northern Arizona gather together weekly on Zoom for a Men’s Only support group.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to expand where we can provide these vital services throughout the state,” said Payne. “It’s a matter of having a relationship with an organization in a city or town that’s willing to host us in a central location where people can meet together.”
Whether in person or virtual, all Cancer Support Community programs are evidence-based and evaluated for efficacy in helping cancer patients or loved ones. In any given month, those programs can range from hypnotherapy for pain management, to exercise sessions that help prevent cancer-related fatigue, to workshops discussing how essential oils can help ease the side effects of cancer treatment.
Even the group’s fundraisers are a form of therapeutic support. Take, for example, the inaugural Paws-4-Hope celebration, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 15, at Bushmaster Park in Flagstaff. It was chosen not only because a dog-centered day at the park promises to be fun, said Payne, but because of the proven therapeutic benefits of dogs.
“National Institutes of Health studies show that even small interactions with dogs cause the human brain to produce oxytocin, the ‘cuddle chemical,’” she said. “Oxytocin increases feelings of relaxation and trust and empathy while reducing stress and anxiety. Who doesn’t need more of that?”
For some of the participants, the most important word in the organization’s name is “community” and the knowledge that they will not be alone in their cancer journey.
“I’ve found lots of support, encouragement, education, hope and many friends,” said Gerda Bubestinger. “I’ve attended classes like Strength and Balance, Yoga and Tai Chi on a regular basis since 2015. With the pandemic, Cancer Support Community Arizona generously offered virtual classes, which I’m really thankful for. Now I’m enjoying the classes in the convenience of my home. This saves the environment, and me time and money.” QCBN
By Cindy May, QCBN
To learn more about Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona and its wide range of in-person and virtual programs, visit cscaz.org or call 928-236-2333.
Courtesy Photo: The Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona wig salon is the only source of free wigs for cancer patients north of Phoenix.
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