Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.
JEANETTE BILLINGS
Staff Writer
billings@lbknews.com
One the greatest tragedies of life can be the diagnosis of cancer for you or someone you love. There is a place that offers hope for those who feel stranded and alone in this personal and epic life battle, a place that offers balance, acknowledges the challenges and works to bring awareness about the disease and comfort to those affected – the Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast, formerly know as the Wellness Community.
Euripides, a writer of Greek tragedies from 480 to 406 B.C., said this, “The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can do that, and live that way, you are really a wise man.”
That quote sums up what CSCFS does for individuals and families dealing with cancer — the organization allows you to live, learn, express and experience in an environment of understanding and compassion.
I was invited Monday to a luncheon at the Lakewood Ranch home of the organization, at 5481 Communications Parkway in Sarasota. I have to be honest; I knew nothing of the organization or their facility prior to my invitation. Probably because I don’t have cancer and no one in my immediate family has cancer…right now.
In 2001 my father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and cancer of the esophagus, jaw, etc. I lived in Naples then and my father received his treatment in Gainesville at University of Florida’s College of Medicine.
He is 10-years cancer free. I do believe that almost everyone I meet has been affected in one way or another by cancer, perhaps not personally, but through family members, friends and acquaintances. Finding support during a battle with cancer can sometimes be as difficult as finding a treatment. Where do you turn, who do you trust?
The word cancer alone conjures up images of death to many who hear it. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. About one-half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Today, millions of people are living with cancer or have had cancer. The operative word being “living.” The growth in our knowledge of cancer biology has led to remarkable progress in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. Scientists have learned more about cancer in the last two decades than has been learned in all the centuries preceding.
That being said, often times, what is missing from a diagnosis and treatment plan are the mental and psychological aspects of the disease. CSC Florida Suncoast offers support for those affected by cancer. The way by which they offer help and hope is as varied as the multitude of cancers affecting people. They can educate, assist in managing emotional health, teach you how to be an active patient and partner with your healthcare team, assist in finding support, assist with quality of life concerns, manage the side effects of treatment, offer support and encouragement for caregivers, exercise programs, nutrition guidance and even laughter. They provide all of this in the tranquil and peaceful facility, as well as across Manatee and Sarasota counties through their partnerships within the areas they serve.
New to the area, Program Director Andrea Feldmar is so enthusiastic about the organization that it is infectious. Her biggest concern is getting the word out to the community about the services offered — she wants people to take advantage of CSC’s resources, services and facility.
I attended a luncheon prepared by their community partners at the Manatee Technical Institutes culinary school. Future area chefs prepare meals for guests, community leaders and cancer patients, as well as their families.
Later that day I followed Feldmar to Longboat where she is a support group facilitator on Mondays. I listened in while four Longboaters, led by Feldmar, got about the business of their group. I assumed there would be a lot of handholding and sadness — boy, was I wrong. The group was encouraging, supportive, extremely well educated and informed. One thing that all group members expressed was their wish that more people in the community knew about their weekly meetings and would take part.
On hand that day were Joyce Hage diagnosed in 2007 with cancer; Margot Robinson, diagnosed in 1977; Virgina Spitler who has attended for eight years as a caregiver who lost her husband, Downs Spitler to cancer (he was the former Rector of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal on Longboat), and Howard Rochlin, diagnosed in 1985 and again in 2005.
“This place gives me a sense of connection. I can vet, get feedback, hear advice and share my experiences. Many of us go to the same oncologist, and we can discuss our progress,” said Hage.
“I think some people might not come because they don’t want to hear other people’s problems, so I offer to counsel them in their homes and participate that way,”said Rochlin.
The genesis of the organization
In 1982 Dr. Harold Benjamin created an organization to provide psychological and emotional support to people impacted by cancer following his wife’s experience with breast cancer. He called it the Wellness Community.
In 1991 entertainment icons Gene Wilder, Joanna Bull, Joel Siegal, Mandy Patinkin and other friends started Gilda’s Club (referring to Gilda Radner) to provide emotional and social support to people impacted by cancer following the death of Gilda Radner from ovarian cancer.
In 2009 the Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club joined forces to create an international Cancer Support Community. What makes the organization unique is that all services are free to all people affected by cancer, including families and caregivers of those with cancer. The organization if fully funded by private donations and is an independent 501c3 corporation. The organization’s mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community.
Learn more by visiting the facility, visiting its Web site at www.cancersupportsuncoast.org or attending a newcomer orientation, an informal meeting that occurs from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Call the center at (941) 921-5539.
