Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Community Healthcare - (Page 41)

NO ORDINARY FAMILY eaching beyond the illness f all the people who support individuals through cancer, it’s itself, one of the hardest things often family members who play the biggest roles, especially if about cancer is that you’re conthe disease lingers. stantly reminded of it, Stump“Cancer is looked at now as a chronic illness instead of as an Sutliff says. That’s why it’s so acute illness because it can change over time,” Stump-Sutliff important for cancer patients and caregivers says. “You can live with cancer for 10 to 15 years and go through various treatto get a break from it all. ment cycles. But people outside your family get used to it just being part of “As a friend, you’re the ideal person to your life and the offers of help can fall away.” allow them to think about other things, and Fortunately for Bill and his wife, they have a caring and supportive family, to be their bridge to the future. Be there for including Judy’s siblings and cousins as well as their own four adult children, them, whether it’s keeping a standing dinner who call every day. But they are just as grateful for the support they receive date or just a weekly phone call,” she says. from others. When Judy has a week off from treatment, they try to hop on a Bill Soccorsy, who has cared for his wife, plane and visit one of their kids, and one special friend always insists on shutJudy, during her battle with pancreatic cancer, tling them to and from the airport for every journey. counts himself especially lucky for the friends As Judy’s primary caregiver, Bill sees his mission as keeping her life as stressthey both have who keep them grounded. free as possible so she can use her energy to ﬁght cancer. As the couple mount “We’ve had dinner every Tuesday night this courageous battle, Bill says they will always be grateful for the friends and for the past year with the same couple. family who have supported them—each “in their own small way.” And Judy has a friend who hasn’t missed a single chemo appointment,” Bill says. “The cards, phone calls and well wishes have come continuously for the past 19 months. I can’t imagine feelThe Cancer Resource Centre in Munster—a Community Cancer Research Foundation program— ing more supported.” is a place where individuals fighting cancer can find free services that educate, support But Stump-Sutliff also and uplift. Program facilitator Nancy Feldman, MSW, LSW, CSW, understands the need offers words of encouragefor patients to have extra guidance and reassurance after a diagnosis. ment for friends struggling The Centre helps those going through chemotherapy and radiation better prepare for with their ability to play a the experience, Feldman says. supportive role. “It’s OK if With an Anderson Foundation grant, Feldman says they’ve put together care bags containit’s your best friend and you ing items that promote a more positive, comfortable treatment experience—a calendar to can’t be there for them. Not everyone can. Just be the track appointments, lip balm, a notebook, bottled water—little things that can make a big best friend you can be, whatdifference, she says. During the past 10 years, the Anderson Foundation has contributed more ever that means for you.” than $100,000 toward cancer care in our communities. R SUPERFRIEND O Care Package PHOTOGRAPHS BY GEORGE CHAMBERLAIN/VEER AND VEER Vim & Vigor · SUMM ER 2011 41

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Community Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Community Healthcare
Contents
Community Message
When Stroke Strikes, Seconds Count
Rays of Hope Fight Cancer
Girl Talk
Say What?
Action Plan
Like This? Try That!
Being George Clooney
A Day in the Life of Your Heart
Unexpected Heroes
Get in Gear
A Real Lifesaver
A Real Lifesaver
Spotlight on Community Hospital
Spotlight on St. Catherine Hospital
Spotlight on St. Mary Medical Center
A Safer Hospital Stay

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Community Healthcare