Cancer Support Centers
(708) 798-9171
www.CancerSupportCenter.org

HOMEWOOD:
JenniferS.FallickCancerSupportCenter
2028 Elm Road,Homewood,IL60430
(708) 798-9171

MOKENA:
The Cancer Support Center
19250 Everett Lane,Mokena,IL60448
(708) 798-9171

TOPIC: FREE CANCER SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES OF PATIENTS, CHILDREN, CAREGIVERS, BEREAVED, FRIENDS, ETC.)

The mission of The Cancer Support Center is to provide FREE, comprehensive resources to help improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer.

Our slogan is: The Cancer Support Center – A place of help, hope and healing in the Chicago Southland. (We have locations in Mokena andHomewood.)

General Info:

Since 1994, The Cancer Support Center has provided the Chicago Southland with FREE programs of support and encouragement for anyone affected by cancer. All ages of patients, children, caregivers, friends and loved ones are welcome to benefit from support and networking groups, individual and family counseling, nutrition & yoga classes, meditation and creative therapy sessions, guest speakers about the latest advances in the field of oncology, relaxation experiences including Reiki, massage and healing touch. We also offer free wigs, breast prosthetics and mastectomy bras, a full lending library and resource center for additional local services. Each week, more than 300 services are provided, and all of this is made possible by donations from the community. With locations in Mokena andHomewood, our professional staff is ready to help anyone affected by cancer.

FAQ:

I was just diagnosed with cancer. Where do I turn, and what should I do?

First, take a deep breath. We’re here to help you find your way. Second, call or visit The Cancer Support Center and let our professional staff help you prepare a list of questions for your healthcare team so you are well-informed about your options and what to expect in the days and weeks ahead. The staff can also help connect you with local resources and assist you in finding ways for your friends and family to assist you (and take care of themselves) through this. Third, you may want to try a support group, meditation or light yoga session at The Cancer Support Center to experience the connection to others who share a relationship to cancer. Everything is FREE of charge, for ANYONE affected by cancer, so please come and benefit. NOTE: We leave the medical aspect of cancer to those who do it best: your healthcare team. We are not medical professionals; we work with the medical community to provide support and strategies to help people affected by cancer improve their quality of life during (and beyond) the cancer experience. We often encourage people living with cancer to get a second or third opinion if they are conflicted about choosing a particular treatment, but those are decisions best made between the patient, his/her family and the healthcare team.

What if I lose my hair? What if I can’t pay my bills? Can you help with that?

The Cancer Support Center DOES provide FREE wigs in a variety of styles, colors and textures. Stop by either location (inHomewoodor Mokena) to try on a few, and take one home. This is your time to do whatever it takes to feel your best, so don’t be shy. If you’ve always wanted to be a blonde or a redhead, come find the wig that’s right for you! Regarding your financial assistance question, The Cancer Support Center provides links to other local organizations that help with a variety of services: home health, housecleaning, financial support, medical equipment, etc. Call or stop by and we’ll be happy to find just what you’re looking for.

One of my friends was diagnosed, and I’m not sure how to support her through this. Can I come get some tips?

YES! TheCancerSupportCenter’s professional staff specializes in the field of psycho-oncology, the study of the cancer experience. With one person’s diagnosis, any number of people may be directly or indirectly affected. It’s natural to want to help, and we are here for all ages of cancer patients, as well as all ages of their friends, loved ones, family, etc. Our counselors, social workers and psychologists will talk with you about ways to support the person who is living with cancer, as well as healthy communication strategies for those with cancer to have their voice heard. We consider ANYONE affected by cancer as a survivor, since you’re all going through it together. Our staff welcomes the opportunity to work with you at your pace. If you’re not interested in individual counseling or group support settings, that’s okay! Come check out a book or a meditation CD, or, attend a nutrition class to learn healthy eating tips. Exercise more your style? Come for a gentle yoga or tai chi class. If you like to knit or crochet, we have a class for that, too. And children are always welcome at our Family Fun Nights, children’s groups and more. We are here for ANYONE affected by cancer.

I don’t want anyone to know I have cancer. Will you tell my employer, physician or family if I come to The Cancer Support Center?

Never! You have a legal right to your health information privacy. TheCancerSupportCenterupholds the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism. The only way people will know if you attend programs at The Cancer Support Center is if you tell them. All participants, staff, volunteers and donors are expected to keep private the details of who benefits from The Cancer Support Center. There are, however, those who are comfortable sharing their experiences, and they may be featured in our publications or outreach materials. There is no pressure to share anything you’re not comfortable with – in public or in support group sessions—; we’re here to reduce stress and anxiety, not cause more of it. Additionally, we do not share our database information/mailing lists with anyone. Your information is safe and secure with us.

I survived cancer several years ago, but every time I go for a check-up, I feel myself getting anxious. A few years ago, my dad died of cancer, so I think I’m just extra-sensitive about this. I’m usually calm, but it might help to stop in and talk with someone when that anxiety creeps up. Can I do that at The Cancer Support Center?

YES! We are here for anyone affected by cancer for as long as they need us — including those who have survived cancer, have a loved one or friend with cancer, and anyone who has lost someone to cancer. We know everyone’s story is a little different, and people process through their cancer experience (or a loved one’s cancer experience) in different ways and at different times. Be gentle with yourself, and try to remain open to your emotions. Our professional staff is here, and encourages you to come in for whatever services may be most helpful for you. We provide bereavement programs for all ages, and would be happy to talk with you to determine what’s best for you and your family.