Small things mean a lot
Small things can make a big difference for women whose lives have been changed because of cancer.
The Butler Breast and Women’s Cancer Support Group has been working with women for more than 25 years to help relieve some of the stress and burden that can make fighting cancer even more difficult.
“Cancer is a life-changing event. It not only changes your life it changes the lives of the people around you — family and friends,” said Cheryl Schaefer, the volunteer coordinator of the support group.
Between 15 and 30 women in all stages of cancer as well as survivors attend the support group’s informal meetings held from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Butler Health System’s Crossroads Campus.
At the support group meetings, women share feelings and talk about the challenges cancer has created for them and their families. Schaefer said she is always open to suggestions for speakers who are invited every other month.
“If you have to come a little late or leave a little early that’s OK. Peoples schedules are crazy — they have families, appointments, kids activities. Life goes on whether we’re sick or not,” Schaefer said. “We center on the patient and the patient’s needs.”
Some women who attend have been newly diagnosed and have not begun treatment. Others are undergoing or have completed treatment. Some are cancer free and some have had recurrences. Women in advanced stages of cancer and who suffered metastasis also attend.
“We’re a very informal group that shares a common threat of the diagnosis of cancer. We invite them to share their feelings with the other members. We ask for their opinions. Our group is a combination of newly diagnosed patients and patients that share their survivorship,” Schaefer said.
Speakers range from medical professionals who discuss treatments, financial advisers who talk about life insurance and annuities, and attorneys who discuss wills and powers of attorney.
People and groups donate money that Schaefer uses to buy gas and gift cards for members. The money also is used to pay for baby-sitting and insurance copayments, she said.
“Gift cards, even small ones, from restaurants patients can use for food after treatment so they don’t have to worry about preparing meals. Husbands try, but they have to work. It’s overwhelming for husbands,” Schaefer said. “Small things make a big difference.”
She organizes the annual Women’s Health and Wellness Fair, which is being held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Clearview Mall, in addition to running the support group.
“I work alone. I don’t get paid. It’s done strictly from the heart. I’ve had breast cancer twice. I’ve had thyroid cancer and uterine cancer. I know what its like to be in their shoes,” Schaefer said.
Most people aren’t aware of the challenges cancer patients face until the disease strikes a family member or friend, she said.
“People don’t realize all the needs you have when you have cancer. Little things like a hot meal from neighbors or friends mean the world to them. People think they want to be left alone. That’s not true,” she said.
“It’s nice when people step up and say ‘I can do this.’”
