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survivorship and patient services Reach to Recovery Grant Initiative kicks off Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in women in the United States. In Michigan and Indiana, there are 11,750 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year. When someone first finds out they have breast cancer, they may feel overwhelmed, vulnerable, and alone. The American Cancer Society offers the Reach to Recovery program to men and women facing breast cancer or facing the possible diagnosis of breast cancer.
The Great Lakes Division has received funding to create a Reach to Recovery Grant Initiative that kicked off this fall to increase awareness of the Reach to Recovery program and to increase medical professional direct referrals. The media campaign for the grant initiative will consist of print ads and radio spots for Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Detroit, Flint, and Southwest Michigan. The initiative will target the underserved population who are dealing with breast cancer to ensure they are receiving the information and support they need throughout their breast cancer experience. Reach to Recovery volunteers are positive role models who can provide an outlet for patients to express anxieties and concerns, helping them feel more confident and able to cope. "Reach to Recovery gives people reassurance that they aren’t alone," said Les Algren, Reach to Recovery volunteer coordinator for Michigan. "Often times we are able to give them little tips on getting through the shock of the diagnosis, as well as during treatment. We understand the emotions because we have learned from our own cancer experience, and often we see relief on the face of the patients we visit." Volunteers provide patients with information and give patients and family members an opportunity to express feelings, talk about fears and concerns, and ask questions of someone who is impartial and objective.
"Although family and friends may be able to help, there are many times when they’re not available or may not understand what someone is going through," said Deb Dillingham, director of quality of life, American Cancer Society. "Talking with a specially trained Reach to Recovery volunteer, who is also a survivor and been through similar experiences, can give a measure of comfort and an opportunity for emotional grounding and informed decision-making." Pictured: Reach to Recovery Grant Initiative print advertisement | |
For more than 30 years, the Reach to Recovery program has helped people cope with their breast cancer experience. Through the program, trained volunteers, who are also breast cancer survivors, meet with people who are facing breast cancer to increase their quality of life by providing one-on-one information and support. |
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