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The
Faces of Hope
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“I knew it was going to be the biggest battle of my life. But I thank the good Lord I had a friend to share it with.” Olga West, CanCare volunteer |
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CanCare
volunteers Viola Chan, breast cancer survivor since 1994 and
Olga West, breast cancer survivor since 1992
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| Being understood
by someone who has lived with cancer can give Hope for living. While
friends and family members can be caring and compassionate, no one
can truly understand the challenges of having cancer like someone
who has been there. CanCare volunteers have experienced cancer
and provide one-on-one, long-term emotional support to cancer patients
and their families. CanCare volunteers are matched with individuals
according to type of cancer, treatment method, age, gender and family
situation. This unique relationship, strengthened through compassion
and respect, allows the patient to talk openly, share concerns and
express fears without hurting or overburdening loved ones. To become a CanCare volunteer, you must be a survivor of cancer with a minimum of six months past active cancer treatment or a family member of a survivor. CanCare volunteers must attend an intensive 17-hour training program designed to prepare volunteers to help their referrals cope with the physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual aspects of their cancer experience. During this training, volunteers share their own |
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cancer experience with other cancer survivors and family members. They sharpen their listening skills through role-playing to help others talk about their experience. Volunteers also learn about both local and national resources available to those experiencing cancer. The training is interactive and led by a professional psychologist. Other training leaders include oncologists, clergy, community cancer support organizations, experienced volunteers and CanCare’s professional staff. CanCare provides continuing education programs for volunteers. To learn more about the volunteer program, you may call the CanCare
office at 713.461.0028 or toll free at 1.888.461.0028, send an
e-mail to info@cancare.org or complete the Get Involved form. Meet a Cancer Survivor
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©
Copyright 2006, CanCare, Inc.
9575 Katy Freeway, Suite 428, Houston, Texas 77024
713.461.0028 or 1.888.461.0028, Fax 713.461.0704
CanCare, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.