Cancer Connection

Our mission is to improve the quality of life
for individuals and families affected by cancer. We envision a world where no one faces a cancer diagnosis alone.

Description:
Volunteers with Cancer Connection know how it feels to hear the words, "You have cancer." We are all cancer survivors or family members who have cared for a loved one diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer Connection is partnered with St. David’s Community Health Foundation to provide emotional support to those receiving cancer treatment in various St. David’s and Seton hospitals in the Austin area.

In addition to hospital service, Cancer Connection also needs volunteers to participate in oncology center visitation program and one-on-one matching program with newly diagnosed cancer patients and caregivers. To join our growing network of cancer survivors and loved ones, please apply online at http://www.thecancerconnection.org or contact us at (512) 342-0233.

History:
Cancer Connection began with a cancer diagnosis. Karen Greif, our co-founder, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. By the time she finished surgery and chemotherapy, she and her husband Bill knew they wanted to do something to help others facing those life-changing words: "You have cancer". In 2004, Karen left her pastorate at Hope Presbyterian Church joining Bill and friend Jane Louis to form Cancer Connection, a volunteer based cancer support network. At the heart of the ministry lies the goal of bringing companionship, encouragement and hope to persons living with cancer and to family members seeking to support them.

In partnership with local faith communities and other cancer related organizations, Cancer Connection recruits and trains volunteers who each have had a cancer diagnosis or have cared for a loved one with cancer. After extensive training, Cancer Connection volunteers are matched by referrals according to cancer diagnosis, age, gender and family situation. The volunteers offer free, one-on-one emotional support to cancer patients and their families. The service is unique in that the relationship between the volunteer and the individual is based on a shared experience. Hope for the person with cancer or the loved one is personified by the volunteer who makes contact and is able to say, "I had the same type of cancer as you have or I was in a similar situation with a loved one as you are in. I am a survivor, living a full life now and I am here for you."

Since we believe a cancer diagnosis inevitably introduces questions about life and death, we train our volunteers to be open and responsive to the spiritual components of the disease. Cancer Connection is an interfaith organization and inclusive of all faith traditions. We values the richness of religious diversity. Because we believe that faith can be a powerful weapon in the cancer battle, we seek to nurture each person's own individual faith resources.

Receiving news of a cancer diagnosis can uncover feelings of fear, isolation, anger and disbelief. Many begin to question whether they'll ever live a rich and full life again. The good news is that there is hope and no one has to experience the cancer journey alone. Cancer Connection is here to help.

Contact people:

Roni Ann Kendall, Volunteer Coordinator, (512) 342-0233, (email) Caroline Cummins, Outreach Coordinator, (512) 342-0233, (email)

Address:

3710 Cedar Street Box 11 Austin, TX 78705 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.thecancerconnection.org

Last updated on April 6, 2009