(Editor’s Note: On a regular basis, we invite healthcare professionals and family caregivers to write a guest blog. We asked Ashley Varner, MSW, MBA, senior director/caregiving programs for Cancer Support Community to share information about Cancer Caregiver Day, November 16.)
When a person you care about is diagnosed with cancer, you, your family, and your friends may be thrown into a state of disbelief. It is a difficult and emotional time for all. It is common for the focus to quickly become “the patient.” However, there is no doubt that with the discovery of the disease, your life has changed too.
At the Cancer Support Community (formerly The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club Worldwide) we understand the enormous challenges and stress that cancer caregivers face each and every day.
In recognition of these often unacknowledged efforts, Cancer Support Community is thrilled to announce our support of the first-ever Cancer Caregivers Awareness Day on Monday, November 16. This third Monday in November is a day to recognize the often heroic efforts of family members and others who care about someone with cancer. Cancer Caregiver Awareness Day is being celebrated in conjunction with Caregiver Awareness month– a nationally recognized month that draws attention to the role of family caregivers.
Earlier this year, The Wellness Community launched the C.A.R.E. (Cancer Advocate Resources and Education) Campaign, providing necessary information and support specifically for breast cancer caregivers. The campaign incorporates several new and ongoing resources, just for caregivers:
- A book for caregivers of women with breast cancer. This FREE publication offers practical advice and useful tips for caregivers at all stages in the breast cancer journey (Contact Regan@thewellnesscommunity.org for a FREE copy).
- A workshop, CAREing and COPEing, that is being offered across the country to help caregivers and people with breast cancer learn to problem solve around the issues that often come up during a journey with cancer.
- Online and face-to-face support groups for cancer caregivers, including breast cancer caregivers, across the U.S. and internationally.
- A Public Service Announcement featuring Desperate Housewives star, Ricardo Antonio Chavira (Carlos).
For more information about Cancer Caregiver Awareness Day, the C.A.R.E. Campaign, or to find a Cancer Support Community affiliate near you, visit www.cancersupportcommunity.org.
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The CARE Campaign for breast cancer caregivers is made possible through a generous grant from the Breast Cancer Fund of National Philanthropic Trust.
Tags: breast cancer, cancer caregiver
