I have had several opportunities to visit our Affiliate host for the weekly walks, Bay Area Cancer Connections. They give wonderful support in so many ways, and each one of them are heartwarming amazing people. I am sharing a little bit about what they are all about so that you too can understand and hopefully take advantage of what they offer.
Bay Area Cancer Connections (BCC) is a community-based organization that provides comprehensive, personalized services in an atmosphere of warmth and compassion to those affected by breast or ovarian cancer. BCC is unique in its ability to tailor its services to each individual client, offering a combination of high-quality medical information, practical help, and emotional support to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. BCC seeks to fill the gaps in services that exist between what clients need and what is available elsewhere in their community. For 24 years, BCC’s services have been a complement to the medical care that patients receive from their physicians, from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, and well into life after cancer. In order to provide unfettered access to these support programs, all of BCC’s services are offered free of charge.
The folks at Bay Area Cancer Connections see the need to support family caregivers as well. They realize the support that each of you gives is so essential for the patients. Regardless of who you are caring for, many family caregivers lives can be hectic and overwhelming all while processing many emotions, so taking time out to breathe may not be on the top of your ‘to-do’ list. But trust me from personal experience, it needs to be. There is power in taking care of yourself to better care for your loved one.
If you are in the Palo Alto area and can join us, here’s a link for more information and to sign up for the weekly WALKS. This is an hour long, easy walk giving you the opportunity to connect with other family caregivers. The ability to be with others that understand your journey first hand can be some of the most valuable support you can have. If you are unable to, take some time to get out for a short walk, grab a cup of coffee, do something to give yourself a few minutes to breathe.
Regardless of whether you are currently a family caregiver or have been, don’t forget the importance of caring for yourself. You’re pretty amazing for all that you have and will do in the lives of others.
I wish you peace.
Cyndi