New support program for cancer patients

Sonoma Valley’s first cancer support program will open next month, offering patients a range of complementary therapies to help ease the symptoms usually associated with conventional cancer treatments.

The new program, named Cancer Support Sonoma, is operated by the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation in partnership with the North Bay Cancer Alliance. It will be located within Sonoma Valley Hospital, and begin welcoming patients on March 13.

In addition, being in a supportive atmosphere with others who are on the same cancer journey can provide a great deal of comfort and lift their spirits,” she said.  “Our program will do both – provide healing therapies, and do so in a supportive, healing environment.”

Foundation Executive Director Selma Blanusa said the program fills an important need in the Sonoma Valley. “We realized that there was no place for cancer patients in our community to turn for support and therapy,” she said. “Cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, are very hard on a patient. We want to create a place for healing here in Sonoma, one that offers a way to restore both the body and spirit, and help those being treated for cancer to get back to more fully living their lives.”

Cancer Support Sonoma will be located in a private suite of rooms on the Hospital’s third floor, which has been redecorated to create a soothing environment. Patients will have access to a number of complementary therapies, including acupuncture, massage therapy, Jin Shin Jyutsu (a form of acupressure), naturopathic medical consultations, nutrition counseling, guided imagery and meditation, Feldenkrais, and music/sound healing.

All therapy providers selected for the program have experience working with cancer patients. Patients also will have the guidance of a Patient Navigator to assist them in choosing among the therapies offered and to provide support and resources as needed.

The program will cover its costs through donations and grants, including a sliding scale donation recommended for patients.

Blanusa said that services will be made as accessible as possible in order to serve all who need them, and no one will be turned away because of inability to pay.

The program will be funded through the Hospital Foundation, which will oversee day-to-day operations. Foundation Board Chair, Marcia Levy, is “thrilled to make this program and services available in Sonoma and is so appreciative of the support we have received both from North Bay Cancer Alliance and from community.”

Sonoma Valley Hospital is supporting the program by providing space within the Hospital, but is not providing funds for salaries or overhead.

A $200,000 grant has been provided by the North Bay Cancer Alliance which, in conjunction with UCSF Collaborative Research Network, will conduct a study to measure the effectiveness of program elements.  “We were looking for a local research project and the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation presented a compelling opportunity with this program,” said Kent Corley, NBCA Executive Director.

“Our grant will help develop and refine a comprehensive, integrative cancer healing program and evaluate how it can improve the quality of life in cancer patients in active treatment and survivors who have completed treatment,” Corley said.

The research will allow the program to adjust services and increase its effectiveness over time, Blanusa said. She noted that this aspect of the program will also enable the Foundation to seek other grants that offset program costs and contribute to its sustainability. Patients who choose to participate in the research will receive three treatments at no cost.

The program was developed with guidance from Amy Shaw, MD, and Anand Dhruva, MD. Dr. Shaw is Director of the Primary Care Oncology and Survivorship program for Annadel Medical Group. Dr. Dhruva is an Oncologist at the UCSF Osher Center, who will continue to serve as a consultant to the program.

Koppel has 23 years experience in health care, much of that in the field of Integrative Medicine. She helped to create and operate two successful Integrative Health programs in the region, and currently serves as Program Director for the Health Navigator Certificate Program at Sonoma State University.

The Foundation invites Sonoma Valley patients undergoing cancer treatment to participate in the program. For more information, contact Pam Koppel or Julia Cervone at 707.935.5244, or by email at [email protected]. The Foundation is looking for volunteers to assist with the program, and anyone interested can contact Pam or Julia.

The North Bay Cancer Alliance, based in Santa Rosa, is an independent community-based and operated nonprofit founded in 2005 whose principal function is helping North Bay residents take on cancer with financial, medical, and informational solutions.