The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2008 more than 1,500 Americans died each day from cancer and Ouachita students have been given an opportunity to reach out to those who care for cancer patients through a program called Cancer Caregivers.
Senior Ruth Bryan, a Christian studies major, is a licensed minister and the pastoral intern at First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia (FBCA). She plays a prominent role in a new program called Cancer Caregivers. Other program leaders include church member Tim Rayner, who is the official head of the organization, and pastor Dr. Lee McGlone.
Each of these leaders has been affected by cancer personally and feels a burden to reach out to others who experience similar trials. Though the group is affiliated with FBCA, it is non-denominational and welcomes anyone in need of emotional support or information.
“I provide ministerial support,” Bryan said. “My mother passed away from kidney cancer when I was eight, so this group is very special for me.”
Cancer Caregivers provides the unique mission of reaching out not specifically to patients but especially to those who give time and devotion to supporting patients.
“A cancer caregiver is normally a friend or relative who helps a cancer patient with everything from hospital visits to cleaning the house,” Bryan said. “Many times cancer patients are so weak from treatment that they are unable to perform even the simplest tasks. So, they have to rely on their caregivers. It is very easy for a caregiver to become physically and emotionally exhausted. Our group hopes to help provide them support and encouragement.”
Rayner, a cancer survivor who now cares for his wife who has cancer, first introduced the Cancer Caregivers idea.
“[Cancer Caregivers] was initiated by one of our [church] members, Tim Rayner, whose wife was diagnosed last year with cancer,” McGlone said. “Tim also was afflicted with cancer a couple of years ago and seems now to be doing well. These two have experienced all the questions imaginable from emotions to the variety of treatments available. Tim wants to help others plow through the questions and options through a group experience.”
Questions and struggles will be addressed with a variety of resources, which Rayner will arrange and provide.
“Cancer Caregivers provides education to its members through the use of outside resources such as guest speakers, articles and each other’s experiences,” Bryan said.
Though the leaders are already well equipped, there are plans to expand the support network.
“We are also hoping to pull in chaplains from various hospitals and other organizations around to provide more ministerial support in the future,” Bryan said.
The first group meeting was on Jan. 25. The group meets the last Monday of every month at 6:45 p.m. in the lunchroom of Baptist Health Arkadelphia. Meetings are open to people who have faced cancer in any manner.
“Anyone wishing to be a part of the group should simply show up to the meetings,” Bryan said. “There are no dues or fees. This is simply a time for people to share their experiences and benefit from the knowledge of outside resources. Any student who has been affected by cancer is encouraged to come and participate.”
Anyone seeking more information is also invited to consult the Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community.
“We know that students, faculty and staff members have to deal with this issue,” said Ian Cosh, director of Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community. “And that being a caregiver to someone with cancer is an important supporting role that must be played. The Elrod Center will continue to promote the program and make individuals aware of it as a resource.”
By Hannah Holmes, Signal Writer
