BANGOR -- More than 7,000 Maine residents are living with cancer every day. Because of advances in medical research, more treatment options are available. But there are times when navigating the health care system feels like being lost in the woods without a map or compass to guide you. It does not need to be that way.
Volunteer Patient Navigators in rural Maine are trained to help newly diagnosed cancer patients find their way through the health care system. Navigators can help cancer patients and their families find resources for transportation or daycare, help identify resources, be a supportive listener, acknowledge cultural differences to both doctors and patients, and provide information and literature in obtaining treatment and referrals. Recently, the Society received a generous planned gift from Maine residents Otis and Ruth Albee of Rockland. Mr. Albee set up a trust to benefit his wife; at the end of her life, over $200,000 was given to the American Cancer Society to benefit Maine cancer patients. These funds will be used to expand this innovative volunteer program in rural Maine communities.
The American Cancer Society is pleased to bring the Volunteer Patient Navigation program to Northern Penobscot County. Joan Burke of Plymouth learned about the program in 2006 after receiving a cancer diagnosis. She found that all the Society people she spoke with were able to calm her panic while being compassionate and understanding. When she came out of treatment, she became a volunteer not only to "pay it forward", but also to give back and make others aware of the program so they can benefit. "This program is important," Burke says. "Some people need others to be proactive on their behalf and this program helps people establish themselves and find the strength to fight."
The American Cancer Society will offer a three-part volunteer training for people who are interested in becoming Volunteer Patient Navigators on consecutive Wednesdays, March 12, 19, and 26 at the Region 3 Northern Penobscot Technical Center in Lincoln. All the trainings are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers must be over 21 years of age, have knowledge of or willingness to learn cancer-related resources, and be willing to dedicate five to ten hours a month for a six-month commitment. To register for these sessions or to learn more about the program, please contact Michelle Perkins at 207-433-7615 or email her at Michelle.Perkins@cancer.org.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. Call 1-800-ACS-2345, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year for cancer information, connections to local resources, or simply to talk with a caring person when you or a family member needs strength and encouragement.
