Wellness group forms network for cancer survivors, caretakers

The following article was submitted by the Wellness Community.

The Wellness Community invites the public to a Cancer Resiliency Networking Summit for all West Valley organizations, businesses and individuals interested in joining together to create an informal network of "Wellness Hubs" for cancer survivors and caretakers.

This half-day event, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday , kicks off the next phase of TWC's innovative initiative to forge a West Valley Cancer Community Alliance comprised of a diverse collection of community organizations to provide psychosocial support - "the other half of cancer care" - to those living with cancer. The event is free and includes a complimentary networking breakfast.

These services, which serve as a complement to clinical cancer treatment, are now recognized as playing a vital role in improving cancer outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers. The project is funded by a multiyear grant from St. Luke's Health Initiative (SLHI) to TWC.

"We're bringing together both traditional and nontraditional providers, including churches, community centers, fitness centers, yoga/dance studios, libraries, schools, businesses such as beauty salons and others that benefit people affected by cancer and their caregivers," said Catherine Keedy, who is coordinating the SLHI project for TWC.

"We're going to tap the wealth of resources within the West Valley to weave a rich tapestry of community-based services that approach cancer prevention, treatment and recovery in a complete and coordinated way."

"The services - which could range from makeup classes for women undergoing chemotherapy or arts and crafts classes for caretakers to full-fledged oncology education programs - are only limited by the resources and imaginations of the participants," Keedy said.

The Litchfield Park native has a personal stake in this project. In 2005, her life changed forever when her son Christopher, now 18, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. In November 2007, she ended her 20-year career in banking and enrolled in the non-profit and leadership program at Arizona State University.

She will work in close partnership with TWC and each of the participating businesses, organizations and individuals to create and build the West Valley Cancer Community Alliance.

For more information, please contact The Wellness Community at 602-712-1006 or visit www.twccaz.org.