Tri-City School Districts and the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center Team Up

The LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva and Tri-City education leaders met at LivingWell on July 19, 2010 to initiate discussions on how they can work together to help support families facing cancer. LivingWell founding Board member JoAnne Hansen and Board Vice- Chair Bob Hubbard led Tri-City Superintendents, Principals, Directors of Communication and a Chief of Staff on tour of Living Well Cancer Resource Center located in Geneva. LivingWell Social Worker, Gretchen Epperly, and Program Director, Jill Smallwood provided a presentation which outlined ways that school social workers and other education professionals can provide support to students going through cancer treatment, as well those who have family members going through cancer.

“As students face a cancer diagnosis for themselves or their family members, there are many signs that a student may need additional support, such as acting out, becoming isolated, missing school, etc. If the teacher or social worker can refer the student to appropriate resources, the intervention may help the student, as well as the student’s family, to develop useful coping strategies,” said Epperly.

LivingWell provides over 30 programs and services free of charge to cancer survivors and their families. Twenty-five percent of the 8162 individuals that LivingWell has served to date have been under the age of 18. The services include education; support and counseling; wellness; and family programs.

Special Event Coordinator Susan Mielke followed with a talk on how the students could support LivingWell. An invitation was offered to all administrators to join LivingWell’s 2011 Bridge Walk. The purpose of Bridge Walk is to help raise awareness and funding to support the 30+ free programs and services LivingWell provides to families and individuals facing a cancer diagnosis.

“We understand how busy our guests are and we are thrilled they took the time to join us and learn about our mission and how we can work together to enrich our community,” said Susan Mielke.

LivingWell’s 2011 Bridge Walk is scheduled for Saturday May 14, 2011. If you would like information on how to support the Bridge Walk or learn more about LivingWell, please call 630-262-1111 or email Susan Mielke at smielke@ livingwellcrc.org.