A place to feel nurtured, revitalized and protected. A sanctuary where you can strengthen and fortify yourself for the challenges ahead. The Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center will be just such a place.
Made possible through a generous $2 million gift from the Sheri & Les Biller Family Foundation, the Biller Resource Center will bring together faculty, staff and volunteers from a variety of disciplines to help patients and their families cope with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Biller Resource Center team members join science with humanity. They strive to offer the nation's most complete and integrated array of support services, from psychology to palliative care.
The Biller Resource Center's doors are scheduled to open in May 2008. The center will be located near the entrance of the Main Medical Building, just off the central corridor to the Geri and Richard Brawerman Ambulatory Care Center. Some of the center's programs already are available throughout City of Hope, while others will be expanded upon the center's opening.
Services
City of Hope support services currently include these offerings:
Patient navigators, specially trained, understanding staff members who knowledgeably help each patient access City of Hope services.
Patient Education, including a library of publications, as well as workshops on topics such as nutrition and managing side effects of cancer treatment.
Support for emotional, social and psychological well-being of patients, as well as counseling for patients who need assistance. Patient advocates who help patients and their families if they feel their physical, emotional or spiritual needs are not being met.
Support groups at City of Hope for patients with specific types of cancer or specific needs, as well as links to other support groups in the community.
Patient peer pals who provide one-on-one, patient-to-patient support. Volunteer Patient Peer Pals are current or former patients who understand the cancer experience.
Spiritual care provided by dedicated staff from a variety of faiths.
End-of-life and bereavement support, assistance for those dealing with grief and loss.
Nutrition education and counseling from dietitians trained in the needs of people with cancer and other serious illnesses.
The Child Life Program, a suite of services to support children and teens through their hospital experience, reducing their stress and helping them deal with illness.
Healing arts programs encompassing music, writing and other creative outlets.
Pet visitation, which uses trained dogs to lift patients’ spirits and help them manage stress.
The Positive Image Center, a place to turn for help with appearance and self-image during illness.
Customized patient Web sites, called CarePages, to keep friends and families updated on patients’ progress and share photos and good wishes.
Community Resources A directory of cancer- related support groups for patients, caregivers and family/friends in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura Counties.
Other Services