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lifeline: Have questions? Turn to the American Cancer Society
By
ANITA MILLER - News Editor
Source: sanmarcosrecord.com/articles/2004/12/21/news/news3.txt
Posted: Tuesday, Dec 21, 2004 - 04:20:35 pm CST
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In
San Marcos, like many other areas of Texas, the American Cancer Society remains
the chief lifeline for those who have been diagnosed for the disease - although
the organization plays a lesser role in screening individuals that might detect
cancer in its early and more treatable stages.
"We are basically a referral service for screening," explained Christi
McAnelly, ACS field representative for the local area. In fact, she says, the
organization is "Onstar almost. People are able to push a button and we're
able to help from there."
That said, the ACS does provide a wealth of services at no cost to cancer
patients, thanks to diligent fundraising activities held on an annual basis.
And although it has yet to come to fruition, McAnelly said one of her plans for
the new year is to build cancer awareness in the Hispanic community.
"We
are able to provide durable medical equipment, covering the amount that's not
paid by private insurance on things like hospital beds, wheel chairs, walkers
and shower seats," she said, as well as other items specifically needed by
victims of certain cancers, for example comfort pillows for breast cancer
patients.
The AMC also facilitates programs that get cancer patients and cancer survivors
together, provide transportation to out-of-town medical treatments and help
women who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy acquire wigs, scarves and
makeup tips. All those services are free of charge to the patients.
"Our Road to Recovery program arranges for patients in San Marcos to get
transportation to and from their treatment facilities," McAnelly said.
"Our Reach to Recovery program basically pairs up breast cancer survivors
with patients so they can have that one-on-one more personal touch. It's support
counseling, a face to face visit for that patient with someone who's gone
through what they're going through."
The AMC no longer directly provides cancer screenings due to liability issues,
but does disseminate information about community screenings when they occur.
"For example during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is October, we
find out what programs are going to be operating in the community. When people
call our 800 number we can say this organization is providing mammography at a
low cost, that type of thing."
The organization also "can partner with people doing the programs and
provide our information and educational materials. For all our patients,
services are available at the touch of a button. The 800 number is 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. Patients can talk to a live person who will tell them
what is available in their community."
AMC doesn't provide direct financial assistance but can refer patients to
agencies that may be able to help with utilities, medications and the like.
"We also assist patients in finding clinical trials, something that has
just happened within the last year and a half that is real beneficial, real
exciting."
There is also a guest room program in major cities that provides a low cost stay
at a hotel room while treatment is underway.
McAnelly said a focus on the Hispanic community is "definitely in the
works" at the local level because of the large Hispanic population.
"We have brochures and educational materials that are in Spanish and we are
wanting to pair up with a doctor in San Marcos and actually go out into the
community, possibly to churches, to give cancer awareness talks."
The AMC accepts donations at any time of year but relies heavily on annual
fundraisers including the Relay for Life held each spring at Bobcat Stadium and
the annual fall Cattle Baron's ball. "They provide funds not only for
patient services here in the community but also funding for research and
advocacy," McAnelly said.
Other local resources include support groups for those already undergoing
treatment. Laura Mason of Central Texas Medical Center said the local Breast
Cancer Support Group has "a great group" and has been in existence
almost 10 years.
However, another group designed for cancer patients and their families is less
well attended. "It's kind of low right now and we are trying to find a way
to beef it up." She said the group gets a lot of calls "but when it
comes right down to it," people don't show up.
To contact Mason about local support groups, call 396-8000. The AMC's toll-free
number is (800) 422-6237.
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