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From the issue: April 2009 Quarterly
 Where can you find answers about cancer,even when the resources seem out of reach? The American Cancer Society and Stevens Hospital in Edmonds, recognize the need for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers to have access to free and up-to-date information on cancer. The two organizations are providing that information, and support, through its local American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Center. It is located on the second floor of the Stevens Oncology Center, on the east side of the Stevens Hospital campus.
Since the centers formal launch in July of 2008, its well-trained, volunteer staff has worked closely with Stevens Hospital. The goal is to provide patients with free, comprehensive cancer information, patient assistance programs, emotional support, and if necessary referrals to other community resources offering day-to-day guidance and assistance.
"Finding out you have cancer can be one of the scariest moments in life. Patients often don't know what resources are available to them, or who to ask to find them. That's where we come in," said Carolyn, a Cancer Resource Center volunteer.
One of the American Cancer Society programs offered within Stevens Hospital is Look Good...Feel Better.The Look Good...Feel Better program is a communitybased, free, national service that teaches people in active cancer treatment, techniques to deal with the appearance related side effects of treatment. Women receive a free makeover,including tips on skin care,nail care,and makeup.
"The American Cancer Society provided me with the resources I needed to fight back against cancer, with courage and hope.I encourage every reader who may need it,to make use of these wonderful and very helpful services.They certainly improved my life," said Karen, a patient at Stevens Hospital.
In addition to Look Good...Feel Better, the volunteers in the Cancer Resource Center are available to help with lodging and transportation assistance,support groups for patients and their family members, help finding answers to financial and insurance questions, as well as referrals for prescription drug assistance.
Another great resource for patients is access to wigs, hats, and scarves. "We want to make sure patients feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside," said Jerri Wood, Snohomish County Quality of Life Relationship Manager.
The partnership between the American Cancer Society and Stevens Hospital provides patients with the best of what both organizations have to offer. No matter what you need, or need to ask, help is only a phone call or click away.
Anyone seeking general information, or information on volunteering, is encouraged to call Medy Eballar, Manager Volunteer Services at Stevens Hospital 425-640-4341, or Jerri Wood, American Cancer Society Staff person at 425-322-1114, or toll free 1-800-ACS-2345. The Cancer Resource Center is located at 21605 76th Ave.W. Edmonds.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering, and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. For more information, you can visit their website anytime at,www.cancer.org
For more information you can contact shauna.mcbride@cancer.org or 206-674-4130
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