Mercy's Thrive Program: www.mercycare.org/thrive
Get past just surviving cancer - start thriving!
Cancer and the process of fighting it can have many effects on the body. Mercy developed Thrive to empower patients with the tools to deal with the burdens of this devastating disease.
Get more than just treatment. Come full circle on your road to recovery with another component of Mercy's comprehensive cancer services.
Gems of Hope: gemsofhope.com
Gems of Hope Inc. is a nonprofit organization that offers gifts of jewelry mounted on inspirational cards to cancer patients. The patients are invited, along with family and friends, to attend workshops to create these works of art for others. Gems of Hope provides unique opportunities for patients to connect with others. Exposure to inspirational quotes and access to a resource library become the true gems that patients can carry through their treatment and beyond.
CancerReallySucks.org
Cancer Really Sucks is a website designed for teenagers by teenagers who have loved ones facing cancer. This could be family members or friends diagnosed with cancer. With a mission to help teens deal with questions and emotions of cancer, the Cancer Really Sucks website provides strategies to cope. Teens are able to post stories about their situations & questions on the Message Board link, speak with other teens through a monthly live chat and find strategies to cope under the "How to Deal" link.
What About Us?
A fun, free three-session program designed to help children ages 5-12 cope with a loved ones cancer diagnosis. Each child will meet other children facing similar circumstances and will receive a free yoga kit and a Becky and the Worry Cup book and cup. The sessions are led by licensed social workers and a trained yoga instructor. Parents are invited to browse resource materials for their children as the children are in their session. Call the Gems of Hope office for more information 393-9681.
ESPECIALLY FOR YOU® SUPPORT GROUP
After-breast cancer support group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Mercy Medical Center. For more information, call 365-HOPE (4673) or (800) 642-6329.
KIDS COUNT, TOO!
Five-week series about cancer and coping skills for children (ages 5-12 years) who have a family member or friend with cancer. Contact Mercy Regional Cancer Center at (319) 221-8771 for the next meeting date.
Community Resources
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
The following programs are offered: I Can Cope; Look Good Feel Better; Early Support; Reach to Recovery; Road to Recovery. For more
information, call (319) 365-5241.
ESPECIALLY FOR YOU FUNDS
If the inability to pay is preventing you or someone you know from having breast care, Especially for You funds are available. Call (319) 398-6821.
MERCY HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Offers a variety of durable medical equipment, including compression sleeves and bandages. Call (319) 363-1308.
MERCY FITNESS CENTER
Helps participants work toward a healthier lifestyle, with fitness classes and health education programs, including yoga, Pilates and tai chi classes. Call (319) 221-8877.
Breast Health Web sites
MERCY MEDICAL CENTER
www.mercycare.org
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
www.cancer.org (Nationwide, community based voluntary health organization.)
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
www.cancer.gov (Federal government’s principal agency for cancer research and training.)
CANCER CARE
www.cancercare.org (National non-profit organization whose mission is to provide
free, professional help to people with cancer.)
NATIONAL LYMPHEDEMA NETWORK
www.lymphnet.org (Non-profit organization that provides education and guidance to
lymphedema patients, health care professionals and the general public.)
NATIONAL COALITION FOR CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
www.cansearch.org (Patient-led advocacy organization working on behalf of people
with all types of cancer, and their families.)
NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATIONS
www.nabco.org
Reading resources
The following are book examples available to check out by calling Mercy Regional Cancer Center at (319) 221-8771:
AFTER CANCER: A GUIDE TO YOUR NEW LIFE - by WendySchlessel Harpham, M.D.
CHOICES - by Marion Morra and Eve Potts
DR. SUSAN LOVE’S BREAST BOOK - by Susan M. Love, M.D.,with Karen Lindsey
HELPING YOUR MATE FACE BREAST CANCER: Tips for Becomingan Effective Support Partner for the One YouLove During the Breast Cancer Experience -
by Judy C. Kneece, R.N., OCN
HOLDING TIGHT, LETTING GO, LIVING WITH METASTATIC BREAST CANCER - by Musa Mayer
DR. ROSENFELD’S GUIDE TO ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE:
What Works, What Doesn’t and What’s Right for You - by Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D.
TO DANCE WITH THE DEVIL:
The New War on Breast Cancer - by Karen Stabiner
Current copies of books chosen by “Gems of Hope,” a local advocacy group, are
available at Mercy Women’s Center or Mercy Regional Cancer Center.
