{"id":3192,"date":"2018-07-23T17:29:47","date_gmt":"2018-07-23T17:29:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.cancerhopenetwork.org\/?p=3192"},"modified":"2023-11-16T11:33:37","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T16:33:37","slug":"chn-partners-with-cancer-support-community-glv-to-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cancerhopenetwork.org\/blog\/chn-partners-with-cancer-support-community-glv-to-train\/","title":{"rendered":"Cancer Hope Network partners with Cancer Support Community GLV to train new class of volunteers.","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Cancer Hope Network (CHN) staff recently traveled to Cancer Support Community of Greater Lehigh Valley<\/a> (CSCGLV) to host a joint Member Connections training. The Member Connections program began in 2015 and trains cancer survivors to provide support to others facing cancer.<\/p>\n

The day began as volunteers shared their stories, discussing challenges like recurring or metastasizing cancers, working and caring for children through treatment or facing life with lymphedema. They talked about treatments \u2013 including acupuncture, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplants, robotic surgeries and participating in clinical trials.<\/p>\n

Request a free & confidential cancer support match<\/a><\/h4>\n

Then, came the pet discussions \u2013 including tales of foster cats, a giant German shepherd and a grumpy cat named George.<\/p>\n

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\u201cEach Support Volunteer we train is unique \u2013 some are funny or quirky or have wildly interesting hobbies. Nearly all have faced a wide range of challenges in life \u2013 some cancer related, some not,\u201d said Cynthia Gutierrez-Bernstein, CHN\u2019s Director of Programs. \u201cWhile many matches begin with a shared diagnosis or similar treatments, we also help cancer patients and caregivers connect based on personality or lifestyle circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

The survivor volunteers share practical advice and lessons they\u2019ve learned since their own diagnoses. \u201cMy surgeon didn\u2019t have time to answer all of my questions, so I asked if there was a resident or medical student I could talk to,\u201d recalled Mary Ellen.<\/p>\n

Linda, a breast cancer survivor who has been a Member Connections volunteer since 2015, encourages patients to visit hospitals and treatment centers they\u2019re considering. \u201cSee how you feel when you walk in,\u201d she advises. \u201cYou have to be comfortable where you are. You wouldn\u2019t buy a house or an apartment without a visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCancer Support Community is pleased to partner with CHN,\u201d said Jen Sinclair Program Director for CSCGLV.\u00a0 \u201cOur collaboration helps people move through their cancer experience with information, encouragement and confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n\u201cCSC is doing amazing work to help patients, survivors and caregivers in the Greater Lehigh Valley,\u201d Gutierrez-Bernstein continued. \u201cTogether, we will ensure that no one faces cancer alone.\u201d
\nWe are pleased to welcome the following volunteers to the CHN\/CSC-GLV family:<\/p>\n