No one understands the dreams and concerns of a cancer patient in quite the same way as another cancer patient does. The Hope Network Peer Support Program will soon offer City of Hope patients and caregivers the chance to connect with these knowledgeable men and women.
 The Hope Network is the latest patient-focused program from supportive-care staff. (Photo by Walter Urie Photography) |
The Hope Network aims to provide City of Hope patients and caregivers with emotional, practical, social and spiritual support by connecting them with a compassionate peer volunteer whose similar experiences, diagnosis or treatment help him or her uniquely understand the patient’s or caregiver’s situation.
The Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center and the Department of Supportive Care Medicine will launch a pilot version of the Hope Network among breast cancer patients and those who care for them. Organizers are currently recruiting for peer volunteers.
Anyone who has breast cancer experience — either as a patient or caregiver — and is interested in helping others along the breast cancer journey may contact Sheila Hammer, M.S.W., at 626-256-4673, ext. 63479, or shammer@coh.org for more information.
Biller Patient and Family Resource Center staff members plan to expand the program to all City of Hope patients.