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When someone you know is diagnosed with cancer, words do not
come easy.
What do you say to someone with cancer?
What should you not say or do?
What assistance can you offer?
How can you ease the stress on family members?
One day, three friends decided to answer those questions.
... Diane Cullinan Oberhelman described how she struggled to help family
and friends cope with her cancer in 1995
… Joy Erlichman Miller, Ph.D., explained the emotional pain of families
she sees in her psychotherapy practice every day
… Monica Vest Wheeler examined the ways compelling stories about
coping with cancer could be shared.
We united to focus on the millions of cancer survivors and their loved ones who struggle with the emotional side of this insidious disease.
We had to help cancer survivors and their loved ones cope together, so we created a practical handbook on strengthening the bond between cancer survivors, family and friends.
Combined with Diane’s personal insight, Joy’s extensive therapy and book writing background, and Monica's experience as an interviewer, author and graphic designer, we set out to create the ultimate guide to make that journey a little easier for everyone.
We asked hundreds of survivors and family members what helped them physically and emotionally, what hurt them and what they wish someone had said or done.
They know the truth. They lived it. The answers from more than 250 individuals were brutally honest, profound, eye-opening, and yet, so simple.
Why this book is so important now:
With an estimated 1.3 million new cases of cancer diagnosed and a half-million deaths annually in the United States, survivors and their loved ones need all the tools, words and courage they can find to confront all the complex emotions that cancer ignites. Imagine all the emotional issues cancer survivors and their loved ones face every day in one volume as shown in a few of the topics from the book …
Unfortunately, many individuals and families “shut down” when confronted with the reality of cancer because it threatens the very core of their reality, their daily lives, the life of their loved one …
“In your shock and fear, you can turn to this book for steadying. In your denial,
you need to read here for the reality check you must accept. In your determined quest
for answers, start your research here. In your need for comfort, it is offered here.”
Daughter-in-law of cancer survivor
Cancer is more than a physical attack on the body.
It can also devastate the emotional well-being of your survivors. Research has proven that they need more than the outstanding treatment for their physical needs. Make a greater impact on the healing of all your survivors and their families at the same time with this unique book. Be the ultimate leader in total cancer treatment in your community with a minimal investment per survivor.
“I have had the book and read parts of it from time to time, hoping I would never need it
but realizing what a help it would be if I did … wishing I had access to a book like this
when my son was diagnosed and passed away.”
Mother of a cancer survivor
A lot of people have trouble asking for help.
It’s part of our human nature to take care of ourselves. Some cancer centers have social workers or counselors for survivors. Most do not.
Even those oncology units that offer such therapy, it’s often impossible to meet every survivor or family, let alone the needs of each. And oftentimes, individuals hesitate to ask the questions that nag at their very soul … finding the courage and energy for the fight and to say and do the right thing.
It is our sincere hope that the availability of this book at the time of diagnosis will ease the transition and pain.
“Our aim is to distribute the book, Cancer: Here’s How YOU Can Help ME Cope and Survive,
to weekly support group members who are currently living with the diagnosis and receiving
treatment. We believe this book is a useful tool that both informs and fosters clear communication
regarding those practical ways friends and loved ones may support someone living the cancer experience.”
A community-based cancer support center in Missouri
We hate cancer … not only for what it does to the body, but the pain it inflicts on the emotional side of our complex human equation.
The healing process is not only the physical … but the emotional as well.
We’ve heard our book described in many ways … “security blanket” … “journal” … “24-hour therapist” … “quiet friend.”
We’re so committed to this book, this life mission, that we’re donating net proceeds to cancer programs that promote emotional healing. We’ve witnessed the positive power of this book at all stages of the cancer crisis. We’ve worked with foundations and private donors to purchase books for new oncology survivors. It’s that important.
“It’s not only a wonderful tool for cancer survivors and their friends/family, but also a
helpful guide for many other situations in life where communication breakdowns may occur.
This book is a life tool. While reading you discover the power of giving, touch, compassion,
and most of all … the power of love.”
Cancer survivor
Survivors and families are inundated with information about treatment, procedures and resources.
This book is designed to be something they can open that first night … a week later … a month later … any time they’re ready, day or night. It’s the security blanket when they need it … filled with perforated pages for easy removal on off-white, non-glare paper to make it easier on the eyes.
It’s a friendly resource book overflowing with easy-to-grasp insight and words of inspiration that will get them through the most difficult days.
"To hear that it was stage IV lung cancer has been like getting hit with a bomb.
I had tried to give Bill the book three weeks ago, but he wasn’t ready. I had been
carrying it with me in my bag ever since, and after a rough weekend, I offered it to
him again. He started to read it that night. I didn’t ask what he thought, but when we
went to his doctor, Bill told the doctor about the book and how he should give it to
survivors newly diagnosed. He could see himself, and he could see that how he is
feeling and thinking and being scared and how other people may do really dumb things,
etc., is all normal. Bill asked me where he could get some more copies.”
Girlfriend of cancer survivor
Cancer can strike in any family at any time. It’s so trite, but true: Everyone’s in this battle together. That’s the way life is, helping each other … the way it’s supposed to be.
* Call 1-877-COPING-0 for tax-exempt orders or for special bulk pricing (quantities of 10 or more required)
