October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this Sunday is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Denver, one of the nation's largest one-day breast cancer walks. You may not be aware that Jewish Family Service has two programs that support people battling cancer.

The first program is Another Pair of Hands, which helps individuals faced with the challenge of cancer. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, women with breast cancer can be assisted, at a lower cost, by homemakers who help with light housekeeping and meal preparation, allowing clients to focus their energy on getting better.

For two hours every week or two, homemakers provide light housekeeping and light meal preparation that helps alleviate the stresses associated with everyday chores. In addition, the care manager does a face-to-face assessment with the client to determine their needs and provides ongoing support and referral services to other resources available in the community.

For more information, please contact Yvonne Sylvan at (303) 597.5000 x339.

The second program for people with cancer is provided by the Rafael Spiritual Healing Center. The Healing Center provides spiritual and psychological support for those dealing with death, grief, chronic illness, or profound life changes. In collaboration with Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, the Healing Center is conducting a study on the impact of spiritual interventions on couples during post-treatment.

The purpose of this study is to assess whether a spirituality group program can reduce distressing cancer-related symptoms and strengthen spiritual coping resources among couples in post-cancer treatment follow-up. This pilot study proposes to conduct two 4-week couples’ spirituality pilot groups. Providing support to couples within a group setting may well normalize your experience, enhance relationship satisfaction, and improve adjustment to post-treatment life. This support group is unique in that it combines medical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of healing.

The first group is beginning next week. For more information, please contact Cynthia Heller, (303) 597.5000 x392.