SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL CARE

Most people don’t know much about cancer until they have to, when they are faced with the diagnosis for themselves or for a loved one. It’s an experience that involves more than the body--the mind, emotions and spirit are affected as well through the demands of coping with this serious illness. Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can often make you feel as if you’re climbing a mountain. June E. Nylen Cancer Center recognizes that cancer patients and their families need a “whole person” approach to help them up the mountain and down the other side, and that includes emotional and spiritual care.

To achieve these aims, we offer hope, inspiration and survival skills by providing emotional and non-denominational spiritual support designed to strengthen your emotional resilience. There is a powerful connection between spirituality and healing, and the definition of “spirituality” is unique to each human being. It can be a sense of meaning in life, prayer, reading and contemplation, a sense of closeness to a higher being, interactions with others, and experiences that reflect spiritual interaction or awareness.

The goal of Pastoral Care is to be present to whatever needs our patients and families have. We are here to help in the tough times, to celebrate the positives, and to help patients and families in ways and methods that feel right for each individual.

Here are some examples of programs and services that are available to you:

• Pastoral comfort and support
• Patient growth and support groups that focus on healing, faith and life
• Assistance with the development of advanced directives and/or living wills
• Individual or group prayer
• Family consultations
• Grief and bereavement counseling and referral
• Support with end-of-life issues and decisions
• Telephone consultations with patients / family members

We encourage you to meet Sister Janet Schumacher, our Spiritual Care Coordinator and Chaplain.