Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Parrish Medical Center - (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 feelEven if you don’t know someone with cancer, there are still plenty of individuals who could ing more supported.” use your help. Kimberly Stump-Sutliff, R.N., an American Cancer Society spokeswoman, But Stump-Sutliff also suggests three ways to give or get involved. offers words of encourage1. Provide transportation. Volunteer with the ACS’ Road to Recovery program and ment for friends struggling provide transportation for patients to their appointments. “It’s huge to have help like this, with their ability to play a just in dealing with the logistics of cancer treatment,” Stump-Sutliff says. supportive role. “It’s OK if 2. Help out with shelter. ACS’ Hope Lodges provide free lodging for individuals who it’s your best friend and you must travel away from home for their cancer care. “People can go and volunteer their time, can’t be there for them. Not everyone can. Just be the cleaning, cooking meals or just hanging out with patients,” Stump-Sutliff says. best friend you can be, what3. Give blood. For those unsure of how to help, this is your in. “There’s such an enormous ever that means for you.” need for it, and it’s not that hard to do,” Stump-Sutliff says. “And you can tell your friend or R SUPERFRIEND O Don’t Wait to Be Superman PHOTOGRAPHS BY GEORGE CHAMBERLAIN/VEER AND VEER loved one, ‘I went and gave a unit of blood today, and I was thinking of you when I did it.’ ” Vim & Vigor · SUMM ER 2011 41

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
What’s New?
Navigating the Healthcare Waters
Girl Talk
Say What?
Action Plan
Like This? Try That!
On the Cover
A Day in the Life of Your Heart
Unexpected Heroes
Get in Gear
A Real Lifesaver
Extras, Extras
Community Health
Thriving With Diabetes
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Parrish Medical Center