Providence Regional Cancer System offers new ways to connect with information, resources

Go virtual: Classes, support groups now meet online

With large in-person meetings impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Providence Regional Cancer System (PRCS) has gone virtual to help keep patients connected to resources and each other.

“Cancer 101: Basics and Beyond” – PRCS’s evening presentation, which allows patients and caregivers to meet members of the oncology team and learn about the services that are available to them throughout their cancer journey, had its first virtual session March 30.

Cobie Whitten, PhD, psycho-oncology consultant with Providence, has led Cancer 101 locally for more than a decade.

“Patients often feel overwhelmed at the time of diagnosis and at other transition points during treatment and beyond. Bouncing from appointment to appointment can feel like you are a ball in a pinball machine,” explains Cobie. “Our multi-disciplinary team works with you and your loved ones to provide information, resources and support.”

Mae Kessler is an outpatient cancer counselor. She helps facilitate virtual support groups such as “Enhancing Life through the Cancer Journey” and “Living with Cancer.” She says while some patients and families are waiting for in-person sessions to return to the group, others have found the chance to meet virtually invaluable.

“Life can be so isolating right now that people have said they really needed this,” Kessler said. “People are really in need of contact and are glad they can continue to have access to others going through a similar journey.”

If you or anyone in your life is being impacted by a cancer diagnosis and would like support, the “Living with Cancer Support Group” is welcoming new members and meets virtually every first and third Wednesday of the month. You do not have to be a Providence patient to attend. To find out more or to register contact Kessler at 360-912-9041 or mae.kessler@providence.org

For more information about other resources available through the Providence Regional Cancer System, contact the social services office at 360-493-7960.