Mesothelioma Organization Provides Support for Patients and Families
Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) June 29, 2015 -- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has launched a six week mesothelioma discussion group series as part of its support program. This discussion series is part of the Meso Foundation’s larger program that provides online and telephonic support groups and other support services to those affected by mesothelioma.
The six week discussion series is tailored to mesothelioma patients as a means to discuss the challenges, issues, and concerns related to living with this cancer post-active treatment.
“The series was born out of an understanding that the patient community was not getting the full level of support needed after treatment. With this program, we hope to change that,” said Jill Zajac, Patient Support and Program Assistant at the Meso Foundation.
Discussion topics covered during the six week series include emotional, social and metal health post-treatment; nutrition and physical activity post-treatment; intimacy and body image post-treatment; pain management post-treatment; transitioning back to a routine; and next steps and recommendations for future groups.
Through its support program, the Meso Foundation also offers online support groups, which enable participants to connect via an immediate, always-on platform. Groups are private and participants are screened before they are allowed to join. The online platform allows participants to interact on their own time and at their own pace with other people in similar situations.
In addition to the online support groups offered, the Meso Foundation hosts four monthly telephonic support groups. Hosting the group on a conference call, participants are able to interact on a more personal level and choose how they participate. Whether they want to tell their story or simply listen to others is up to them. The current schedule of telephonic support groups is detailed below.
The support group for patients, Warrior Voices, hosted by Sandy Robb, meets on the second Monday of every month at 7pm EST. Upcoming dates for this group are July 13, Aug. 10, Sept 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14.
The caregiver support group, hosted by Lora Mosca, meets on the third Monday of every month at 7pm EST. Upcoming dates for this group are July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 , and Dec. 21.
The Spousal Loss group, hosted by Miriam Ratner and Judith Hicks, meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 9pm EST. Upcoming dates for this group are July 7, Aug.4, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1.
The Mesothelioma Christian Prayer Group, hosted by Rev. Eric Linthicum and Ginger Horton, meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 9pm EST. Currently, this group is on hold until September. Prayer requests are accepted through prayer.request(at)curemeso(dot)org.
The Meso Foundation also offers the Meso-Connect program. This peer-to-peer support program connects those affected by this cancer directly with other individuals in a similar situation, allowing for one-on-one support.
To learn more about the support program and services offered by the Meso Foundation, contact Jill Zajac at jzajac(at)curemeso(dot)org
Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the lung, abdomen, or heart known to be caused by exposure to asbestos. With the life expectancy of less than one year after diagnosis, medical experts consider it one of the most aggressive and deadly of all cancers. An estimated one-third of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed while serving in the Navy or working in shipyards. Currently, few treatment options exist. There is no cure.
ABOUT THE MESOTHELIOMA APPLIED RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Meso Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma and easing the suffering caused by this cancer. The Meso Foundation actively seeks philanthropic support to fund mesothelioma research; provide patient support services and education; and advocate Congress for increased federal funding for mesothelioma research. The Meso Foundation is the only non-government funder of peer-reviewed scientific research to develop life-saving treatments for this extremely aggressive cancer. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $8.7 million to research. More information is available at http://www.curemeso.org.
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Maja Belamaric, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, http://www.curemeso.org, +1 (703) 879-3822, [email protected]
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