Pink Tour of Friends: Cancer Patient Services

Wow you all know how to make a girl feel important. This week, my last week of chemo, has been an emotional week. But one thing has remained constant, my friends have been so supportive. And something I am proud of... I have a lot of friends! As some of you may know, I have been very involved in the "breast cancer community" before my diagnosis. After starting to volunteer as a way of showing support for Lori I felt I had found purpose in helping be part of something more. The people in the "pink bubble sisterhood" were my kind of people. Part of that journey led me to CPS (Cancer Patient Services of Hancock County). I spent a few years teaching a program for them at the Arme's Cancer Care Center where I am now receiving my treatments! Small world right? So today I begin a series I am calling "Pink Tour of Friends" and who better to kick off my friends tour than them! Meet my friends at Cancer Patient Services of Hancock County….

Cancer Patient Services started in 1946 (yes 75 years ago, how cool is that!?). In my opinion it is an offspring of the American Cancer Society and United Way with a direct mission. Their mission is to provide compassionate support to Hancock County cancer patients and families through their journey. They are located in Findlay, Ohio inside The Family Center and they work to serve all residents of Hancock county along their cancer journey. They are the people who remind us patients and co-survivors to choose joy everyday. Isn't that a beautiful passion?

Something I learned super quickly is that it really does take a special earthly angel to work in any part of the oncology scene. Prior to being diagnosed I had always wondered if my life would lead me to work in the nonprofit world someday, filling that purpose in my passion. After my own diagnosis I began to reflect on that. I don't know if I could do it… I don't know if I could get up and face the "sadness" everyday. I have found new appreciation in how these amazing humans choose joy everyday and not only hold that light for themselves but that they spread that light and joy to all of us who sometimes need a little extra! So thank you CPS for being joyful and spreading that joy everyday! Here are some of the ways my family has found joy because of them.

Healing Arts Program

My girl's personal favorite. Every month there is an offering of art kits for home delivery. They normally go with the season or holiday that month. They arrive with a fresh set of brushes and a step by step guide for those who need a little extra guidance. I have used this service to provide one on one time with each of my kids during this weird season of our lives. It gives us a 30-45 minute time slot where it's me and that daughter to slow down, watch the paint dry and talk. I have also found some quiet moments with myself to be creative and find pleasure in sometimes beautiful works of art. They also offer Zoom classes with topics like stress relief and meditation. I have not had the opportunity to participate in those yet but I know I will when time allows.

Mental Health

I have already shared my story on being lucky with finding a good pre-cancer therapist. That doesn't happen for everyone! For us we needed help finding someone for Ali to talk to. CPS has a list of area providers that see patients of CPS for an agreed upon amount of time at no fee. They are informed therapists and counselors who have experience helping survivors, thrivers, and co-survivors with all the hardships cancer brings to the table. Even if you're at the beginning, end, or smack dab in the middle, there is no time like the present! Mental health is just as important as physical health and plays a key factor in your survivorship. Be kind to yourself and use this service!

Financial Support

Insert that cheesy smiley face emoji here. Cancer doesn't care who you are and what your financial situation is. And as someone who is pretty great with a budget and finances, medical bills are confusing and in hot supply. Not only does CPS help you financially with copays and out of pockets they also have a staff member who will help you look at each itemized bill and confirm you are being charged accordingly. God send! I am blessed with good insurance and many resources around me but the most helpful and least judgemental financial conversations I have had have been with CPS's team. For that any person can be grateful!

To see if you or someone you are close to qualifies for any of these services please reach out the CPS team. Find them online at cancerpatientservices.org or call the office at 419-423-0286 So what if you are not needing these services? Join In! Donate. It's just that simple. Some of you reading this have the financial means to write a check and not skip a beat. Some of us have more time to give. You do you! Please give in whatever way you have the means. My advice is to find your passion and be passionate about it! If we all could spend a little more time and give a little more money towards what we feel passionate for, I think one day at a time we could make the world a better place! Xoxo

*Please note because of the ongoing Covid pandemic, some of CPS's services are being ran differently and anything is subject to change based on their current local protocols*