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In honor of National Social Work month, we celebrate CancerCare’s oncology social workers who provide the core support of our organization’s direct programs and services to individuals affected by a cancer diagnosis.

This winter has been a little warmer for those affected by cancer due to the Winter Warmth Program, one of the initiatives provided by CancerCare for Kids. Now in its 6th season, the program sent care packages containing winter accessories, including a donation of socks by BOMBAS, to nearly 200 children and teenagers from 76 families in the tri-state area.

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, deciding on a treatment plan is a top priority. For many, especially those with solid tumors, common next steps may be surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. For certain types of cancer, including blood cancers, doctors may decide that watchful waiting is the best course of action.

CancerCare social worker Charlotte Ference, LMSW, recently joined GRYT Health to talk about dealing with cancer on an emotional level. During her presentation, Charlotte shared stressors likely faced during certain stages of a cancer journey and coping mechanisms that can help to work through those stressors. This article outlines these stages, covering the stressors and coping strategies discussed during the program.

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Though all cancers have their own set of concerns, this blog post by social worker Paige Soleimani, MSW, LMSW, explains the particular challenges faced by those coping with brain tumors and their caregivers. Paige Soleimani is an oncology social worker who works closely with anyone affected by brain cancer at CancerCare .

Learn about the importance of providing newly diagnosed lung cancer patients and their loved ones with simple, clear patient-sensitive language about their diagnosis and treatment options.

For people affected by cancer, the holiday season can be a complicated time of year. Oncology social worker Leeann Medina-Martinez, LMSW, offers her insight on staying connected and creating new traditions during a year unlike any other.

Being a caregiver can be a full time job, and caregivers often put their own needs or feelings aside while providing physical and emotional care for their loved one. In times of stress, it can be helpful to remember that taking care of yourself is an important part of being a caregiver. In recognition of National Family Caregiver Awareness Month, Alyson Erardy, an oncology social worker and moderator of our young adult caregiver online support group, explores the Caregiver’s Bill of Rights and how it can help caregivers while supporting a loved one in need.

CancerCare’s Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp is an annual highlight for our clients, their families and our staff. As the spring progressed, it became clear that gathering at Memorytown USA in Mount Pocono, PA, would not be possible due to the risk of COVID-19. Undeterred, we kept in touch with our campers over the summer and held a virtual activity earlier this month to help them connect with other families and honor their loved ones.

Our social workers are what set CancerCare apart from other support organizations, and each year during National Social Work Month, we highlight the people behind our clinical programs and services.