Local event honors those who support cancer patients
By Maria Lindsay
GREEN — Cancer patients survive the ordeals of the deadly disease with the loving support of family and friends.
In fact, according to Doris Feddersen,
a retired social worker and founder of the Cancer Support
Group of Summit County, support has a significant impact
on the quality of life for cancer patients. That impact
of support on cancer patients is the main reason she
started the local cancer support group, which meets
the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 6 to
7:30 p.m. at Greensburg United Methodist Church, 2161
Greensburg Road.
And it’s the reason she
has organized “A Celebration of Life,” which
will take place April 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the church.
“Without support, life
would be a whole lot worse,” said Feddersen, who
is a breast cancer survivor.
Roger and Judy Martin, who have
been residents of Green for five years, have a personal
understanding of both sides of the issue. They have
in turn provided support and been the recipients
of support during a cancer diagnosis.
Judy had breast cancer 16 years ago
and Roger was diagnosed with prostate cancer four years
ago.
“I had a more positive
attitude because of their help,” Judy said of
the support she received from family and friends.
“It meant everything to
me to have my wife by my side,” Roger said of
his experience.
Just a few years later, Roger
helped to establish the Man-to-Man Prostate
Cancer Support Group in Green,
which meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.
at Greensburg United Methodist Church. He also volunteers
at Akron General Medical Center.
“It is important to talk to
other men who have gone through prostate cancer,”
Roger said. “Support is key to making it through
cancer.”
A Celebration of Life will include
a service focusing on thanking friends and family who
have provided support by
taking the time to make meals, offer words of encouragement,
drive patients to receive treatments and help out with
family obligations.
A tree will be planted during the
event “to symbolize the life these people have given
to us,” according to Feddersen.
Also, local author Susan Wells,
author of “Spiritual Boot Camp,” will speak
about the effects of spirituality on cancer patients.
The Celebration of Life
also will include presentations designed to help cancer
patients through a diagnosis and treatment, such as
informational booths set up by area hospitals, alternative
treatment centers and support organizations, a candle-lighting
ceremony, a therapist offering free messages and representatives
from the Relay For Life in Green.
Clowns and music will present an
“upbeat” time for participants, according
to Feddersen.
For more information, call Feddersen
at (330) 899-1654.
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