Cancer Fighters Thrive

SUMMER 2015

Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.

Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/507057

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20 C A NCER FIGH T ER S THRI V E | sUMMER 20 15 C A NCERFIGHTER S THRI V E .COM about their experiences and fnd support. Sheila says that Jill, an active Cancer Fighter Ambassador, came up with the idea of launching a private Facebook group for CTCA patients, caregivers and employees to provide an outlet for those facing cancer to connect and express themselves. The group, CTCA Zion Friends, now has nearly 700 members. "The group has become a clubhouse where people can share their hearts, their fears, their grief or their ques- tions," says Sheila. CTCA Zion Friends is a private and closed group on Facebook, but if someone is interested in joining, he or she can simply submit a request and will be approved by one of the group's members. "I think it's important that people on this cancer ride share their jour- ney," Sheila explains. "It is very healing to try to help others who are going through what we're going through. We are all in the same boat." The group is lively and extremely active, with multiple people posting every day. New CTCA patients come to the group to ask questions and meet fellow patients. Current patients share experiences, worries and triumphs. Survivors offer love, prayers and en- couragement. Caregivers also actively participate in the group, sharing their own unique experiences and offering support to those who need it. "Everyone is so supportive," Sheila raves. "It has turned into something really powerful and exceptional." "When I learn something, sharing it with someone else whom it might help is just wonderful," explains Sheila. "It has been emotionally really good for me to know that I'm helping people. Helping others has helped me too." Finding Power and Positivity Through Words Glisson explains that writing can sometimes be more powerful than simply talking about feelings out loud. "People are not always as honest about their emotions, especially when talking to friends and family who champion them to stay strong and positive. It's hard to allow yourself to say 'I'm not feeling very strong in this moment' or 'I'm scared.' But when you can get it out on paper, you don't have to edit yourself or worry about how it's going to impact another person's emotion." Writing also allows patients to put their worries down on paper to make room for more peace and positivity. "Writing gives a patient the opportunity to look past what's happening in the present and look forward to a future where cancer isn't the prominent thing in their life," concludes Glisson. References 1. Parker-Pope, T. (2015, January 19). Writing Your Way to Happiness (blog). New York Times. Retrieved March 22, 2015, from http://well.blogs. nytimes.com/2015/01/19/writing-your-way-to- happiness/?_r= 0 2. Pennebaker, J. W. (2004). Writing to heal: A guid- ed journal for recovering from trauma and emotional upheaval. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger. JESSICA LAWLOR is a freelance writer and public relations professional in the Philadelphia area. She blogs at JessicaLawlor.com about getting gutsy—stepping outside your comfort zone to reach your goals.

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