Your Role as a Minister
Who better than you knows how cancer has impacted your congregation? And, who better than you could enhance the quality of life of your congregation members facing cancer by facilitating access to health care, information, resources and psychosocial services? In collaboration with the American Cancer Society, you can help guide cancer patients and their families through the cancer experience.
These talking points can be used in a message to cancer patients or caregivers from the minister, parish nurse, parish care outreach or health ministry member.
- Hearing a diagnosis of cancer is very devastating not only for you, but also your family. All of us at [name of church, community) will be thinking of you and your family and we offer our support in whatever way possible. There are several resources available through the American Cancer Society for you and your family as you experience this difficult time.
- The American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345) is available to you and your family members 24 hours a day, seven days a week – even on holidays. They can answer questions for you about treatment possibilities, physical results of treatments, medications, financial challenges, and much more. They can also connect you with local resources and programs right here in our community to help through this time.
- Another resource is the American Cancer Society’s Web site – www.cancer.org. The Web site offers detailed information on every type of cancer as well as how to cope with a cancer diagnosis, the latest cancer news, ways to connect with cancer patients and caregivers, and links to other resources. If you’d like to connect with other cancer patients and survivors, you can also sign up for the Cancer Survivors Network (SM) from the Web site. The Network features discussion forums, individual stories, and personal Web pages – all created by cancer patients, survivors and their families.
So many advancements have been developed in the treatment of cancer and in the quality of life for cancer patients. Be sure to take advantage of the resources available to support your congregation members.
For more information about Partnering For Life, contact Craig Fritz at 202-483-2600 x123.
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