A new support group for individuals affected by cancer is forming, and you are invited to come to the first informal meeting. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, next to Hy-Vee in Bethany.
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The group is being formed to create a supportive environment for oncology patients, family members and survivors. It is not gender or age specific or for any particular type of cancer; it is for whoever has a need. It’s for anyone who is within traveling distance; there are no borders.
Julie Wieland-Cornelison of Bethany discovered during her own cancer journey there is only one support group locally and it’s for a specific type of cancer and for residents of a specific community.
Getting support not only helps with day to day quality of life, but there is evidence it increases chances of survival.
“People have been very giving and supportive of me, and this is one way to pay-it-forward,” Julie says. “I expressed an interest in starting a support group, then was contacted by Joyce and Sue after they heard about what I had said and wanted to participate. Together we’re getting the ball rolling.”
The three starting the group are Julie, 660-373-0176; Susan Terhune of Jamesport, 660-358-2116; and Joyce Cain of Ridgeway, 660-654-3114. They have advertised in Gallatin, Albany, Princeton, Bethany, Jamesport, Gilman City, Eagleville, Ridgeway, Jamesport and Jameson.
People will be encouraged to provide feedback at the meeting.
“Folks can come and contribute their vision of what the support group should be about,” says Julie. “They can tell us what kind of group they would like to have.”
She emphasizes this is not a fundraising group; but beyond emotional support, they hope to be able to provide practical help.
“If you need a ride to Kansas City and there’s no one available, where do you turn? We need to come up with resources for people,” Julie says. “Health insurance questions — how do you utilize whatever insurance you have — that kind of thing.”
They will try to line up professionals as guest speakers to talk about a variety of issues: medical, physical therapy, and other related fields.
Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, a year ago this May. She has had surgery, been given chemo, and is still receiving treatment.
“Early on in my journey with cancer, I knew nothing and had no one to ask for help,” she says. “I could have really used some advice, someone who’s been there and done that. Not knowing is horrible. Not knowing what’s next, how bad is it; it’s a big deal.”
Julie is willing to share her story, in hopes others will feel inspired to share theirs.
“The meetings will be informal,” she says. “Our first meeting will be a fact-finding, need-finding meeting.”