Laura's Letter

As I contemplated what I wanted to say in this edition of the Foundation’s Newsletter, I couldn’t help but draw upon what I was personally experiencing. After a freak accident in August, I found myself in a cast with a broken foot. And to make matters worse, it was a nonweight bearing cast on my driver’s foot! Needless to say, my normal, daily activities have had to be significantly curtailed, if not suspended all together. I have been forced to rely on the goodness of family and friends for transportation, groceries and otherwise commonplace tasks I have never thought twice about doing myself. I couldn’t even get myself a cup of coffee!.

The reality of being incapacitated made me think about how our cancer patients must feel.They too did not choose to be sick and incapacitated. There may be heartache and guilt that may accompany having to rely on others for things they have always done for themselves. The reality of giving up all or some independence is a tough pill to swallow for many.And it certainly can prove to be difficult on family and caretakers too.

The article to the right of this piece introduces 10 ways to help prevent Caregiver Burnout. I hope that you and your family will be able to find one or two take-away points that might be helpful for your own personal
situation.

So, as you or your family member travels this journey called Cancer, please remember that the Foundation is available to help patients and their caregivers with rides, resources, supportive services and guidance. Our wonderful Beacon of Hope Volunteers
are here daily in the hallway and Infusion Room to help provide comfort, coffee and companionship.

Please stop by or call the Foundation Office for more information or for assistance.

Sincerely,
Laura Stevenson-Flom, LMT
Executive Director,The ECHO Cancer Foundation

More Thank Yous!

A group of students from The Integrated Day Charter School, in Norwich recently presented The Foundation with a wonderful surprise, a check for $172.71!

Ben, Joel, Megan, Owen, Danny, Kara, Gauresh, Tyler,Vicky,Tegan, assisted by their Advisors, did a service learning project. They decided on a bake sale and raised money by selling cookies, brownies, muddy buddies and cup cones.They reported that,“It was a success! Everyone liked them.”
Their donation will be used to provide supportive services, guidance and education to cancer patients and their caregivers and to make sure no one lacks care or comfort while living with cancer.

We commend these very special students and we appreciate the time, effort and thought they put into such a meaningful community service project.

Lymphedema Support Group
for Breast Cancer Patients

Next Meeting: December 7th (Meets quarterly– 1st Tuesday of that month) 4:00 - 5:30 pm Backus Outpatient Care Center Conference Room 1

Please come for an informational session and to share stories and experiences with others in similar situations.

This program is FREE, but registration is requested by calling (860) 823-6317. Refreshments will be provided.

The 2011 meetings currently scheduled for: March 1, June 7, September 6 & December 6

Sponsored by The ECHO Cancer Foundation and Backus Rehabilitation Services

Thank you... Abby... Amy...Justin... Shannon.

Abby, Amy, Justin, and Shannon brought their own sparkling personalities and individual areas of expertise to their summer internships with the ECHO Cancer Foundation. Their responsibilities ranged from keeping the ever-busy coffeepots full to visiting with patients.They also worked in the Foundation Office, helping to reorganize patient information and educational items to make it easier to access, doing mailings and even computer work.We even have an active Mission Fish account, the non-profit portion of eBay, loaded with several donated items that will benefit the Foundation when sold!

For those of you who had the good fortune to meet these young people, I know you will agree, we had a great group this summer and we hope to see their special smiles again during school breaks.