“This is truly a place of healing.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“Whether you’re a person with cancer or the loved one of someone living with this disease, Cancer Wellness House is your house. Behind these doors you’ll find a place of comfort, information, and support. Cancer Wellness House is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults affected by cancer by providing compassion, understanding, support, and encouragement.”
- Cancer Wellness House Volunteer & Cancer Survivor
“I came here lonely and isolated but now I’m feeling better.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
"The Cancer Wellness House taught me that it is healthy to have Hope: Hope in my treatment, hope in my next day, and hope in my ability to get to the end of my treatments. No matter what happened, I was shown by others who had been through cancer how important it is to my own emotional wellbeing not to always believe the worst, but to instead make each day a chance to appreciate the joys and wonders of life. I might not have realized how to use the power of positive thinking without the wisdom and lessons from the staff and volunteers at the Cancer Wellness House. Because of them, I made it through each day, each month, and each year of treatment until I could return to my normal life again. Thank you Cancer Wellness House"
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“Everyone goes through cancer in a different way. The Cancer Wellness House and their Program Touchstones allow people to get what they each feel is important to them during cancer treatment and beyond.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“You can join others at events and get-togethers throughout the year. It’s an important way to relate to one another even after your cancer experience is over.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“I have great support at home, but I know that this gets old for my husband. I almost feel it’s a relief for him for me to come here and gain support from someone else besides him.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“Talking relieves the pressure and you start trusting that what’s said here, stays here.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“It’s a great service all around. It’s wonderful for everybody.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“Yoga and meditation are not just physical, but mental. The breathing calms me during trying situations.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“A cancer diagnosis can shake you to the core. Your belief system is either fragile or strengthened by the cancer experience. The spirituality touchstone programs embrace both extremes. It’s a safe place to explore your emotions.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“Individuals can choose many areas of interest to participate in. Adults, children, patients, loved ones, and anyone else who is experiencing, or has experienced cancer, can begin their journey to wellness here through free programs and understanding volunteers. The Cancer Wellness House is your house.”
- Cancer Wellness House Volunteer
“It’s a place of healing. Not just physical, but emotional. Your quality of life improves and you also heal spirituality.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“I come once a week and it helps end my week on a peaceful note.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“You can cry, you can laugh, be solemn; it encompasses all that.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“I feel loved here.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“I’ve established deep friendships with the ladies in my support group. We’ve bonded as sisters and I’ve grown a lot from that.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“Every day I see people improving their lives. It’s a privilege and honor to be involved and to make a difference.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“I came here with my wife who had cancer and she passed away. Eventually I got involved in the bereavement program. I found I needed it.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
“I’m a social worker and I’m supposed to know all the answers. But after my dad died of cancer, I found I didn’t have any answers. The house is a safe place for me to come. I don’t have to be strong. People here support me.”
- Cancer Wellness House Member
CANCER WELLNESS HOUSE TOUCHSTONES
“Cancer Wellness House services respond to the needs and interests of our members. Divided into six general categories or touchstones, these services offer an opportunity for members to begin their quest for wellness.
The first of the six touchstones is Advocacy. Under this touchstone, members can get involved in events that help increase understanding and awareness of cancer. Through this awareness, members ultimately participate in helping improve cancer treatment as well as gain an increased knowledge of the availability of resources. Involvement can include participation in cancer issues on a national level as well as local cancer awareness events, such as Survivors of the Summit.
The second touchstone is Camaraderie. Events such as picnics and seasonal parties bring together individuals who are experiencing similar situations with cancer. Whether individuals are experiencing cancer themselves, or have friends or family currently facing cancer, or have loved ones that have past on, the Cancer Wellness House offers a tight social network that aids in helping individuals connect with others, thus decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness and adding to individuals’ overall wellness.
The third touchstone is Education. At the Cancer Wellness House, individuals can access important information, as well as resources to help aid individuals in making better informed decisions, thus creating a feeling of being more in control to achieve personal wellness. The education touchstone provides books, research, and seminars... It helps people make appropriate decisions.
The Emotional Support touchstone offers members a unique opportunity to express themselves among other members with similar circumstances. Licensed clinicians facilitate groups for children and adults of all ages experiencing cancer. The Cancer Wellness House also offer special group sessions for family members of those with cancer and also offers bereavement groups for those in need.
Physical Well-Being is the touchstone for members who desire to learn techniques that add to improve physical and mental health. Classes in Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, Guided Imagery, and Massage are led by qualified instructors.
The final Touchstone is Spirituality. Under this touchstone, members can explore their belief system in a non-denominational forum.”
- Cancer Wellness House Staff
