Copelink Blog

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, deciding on a treatment plan is a top priority. For many, especially those with solid tumors, common next steps may be surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. For certain types of cancer, including blood cancers, doctors may decide that watchful waiting is the best course of action.

CancerCare is committed to sharing news related to COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic to help those living with cancer stay informed. Read more about the FDA’s recent approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the CDC’s recommendation for immunocompromised individuals.

With almost 90 years of combined cancer advocacy experience, CancerCare and Triage Cancer are proud to launch Magnolia Purpose in Planning^™, in partnership with Eisai Inc., to connect people affected by cancer to practical financial and legal resources.

In June 2020, CancerCare launched its newest service: a free telephone case management program to help clients overcome barriers to care. This program was designed in direct response to the needs of people living with cancer. During such an overwhelming time, it’s easy to get “stuck” at certain points during the cancer experience, not knowing who to turn to for guidance. It has been especially useful for those managing with a cancer diagnosis while also coping with additional stress, safety concerns and other factors related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Krakow family’s history with CancerCare began in the early 1990s. Jonathan Krakow was diagnosed with brain cancer and joined a young adult patient support group facilitated by Kathy Nugent, CancerCare’s Director of Regional Programs. “He was an amazing young man who provided such a spark of life to the group,” Kathy fondly recalls

Earlier this month, 11 families met virtually for an all-remote version of our annual Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp. The camp, which is open to families with children and teens who have recently lost a loved one to cancer, is usually held at a rural setting in the Pocono Mountains where visitors can ride horses, roast s’mores and enjoy a change of scenery. Though our families were unable to be physically together this year, our dedicated staff and volunteers planned seven hours of programming over the course of the weekend for parents and children to connect, remember their loved ones and find support.

CancerCare social worker Charlotte Ference, LMSW, recently joined GRYT Health to talk about dealing with cancer on an emotional level. During her presentation, Charlotte shared stressors likely faced during certain stages of a cancer journey and coping mechanisms that can help to work through those stressors. This article outlines these stages, covering the stressors and coping strategies discussed during the program.

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Though all cancers have their own set of concerns, this blog post by social worker Paige Soleimani, MSW, LMSW, explains the particular challenges faced by those coping with brain tumors and their caregivers. Paige Soleimani is an oncology social worker who works closely with anyone affected by brain cancer at CancerCare .

CancerCare was thrilled to host the 2021 National Gala virtually on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. The event was the first fully virtual gala hosted by the organization, following last year’s successful online auction.

April is National Volunteer Month, and one of our most exciting new programs wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers: CancerCare’s Pen Pal Program! The Pen Pal Program is offered in partnership with Caring About Seniors and connects older adults with volunteer letter-writers to reduce feelings of isolation through the pandemic and beyond.