Cancer Lifeline Support Groups & Classes | |
A Note from the Executive Director | |
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Change, change, change…
Some days it seems the only constants in this life are the inconsistencies caused by change! Recently, we’ve had to say goodbye to several long-serving and extraordinarily dedicated Board Directors who made their marks and supported Cancer Lifeline’s growth and stability and helped so many along the way.
Our Bylaws governing Cancer Lifeline include term limits for our Board Directors and this year will be filled with folks transitioning off and with many fresh beginnings as the latest group of Board Directors endeavor to fill those positions.
Dr. Susan Baumgaertel concluded serving her six years at the end of February after a stellar run that included an impactful term as the President of the Board of Directors. After several years on the team, Annie Zilius followed in Susan’s footsteps as Board President and guided our team through a strategic planning process for the coming years. Bobby Gentry, served the longest on the leadership team in the capacity of Board Treasurer with a steadfast resolve & determination that was always full of encouragement. We recognize that our leadership team devotes more time than most and the staff and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of these amazing humans for sharing so much of their time and expertise with the organization. We are better for it!
We are excited to welcome our newest members to the Board team; Sherilyn Segrest, Eric Lefteroff and Liz White!
Our staff continues to be exceptional-and I was happy to cede my space in the February newsletter so you could hear directly from Veronica Dalton and Shavon Yingling who, as women of color, wrote about their personal perspectives of our work in honor of Black History month. We are proud to see our BIPOC support group grow in attendance, but of course, the great work they highlighted needs to continue year-round. At Cancer Lifeline, we are proud to serve ALL people affected by cancer and I hope you’ll do your part to refer anyone you know dealing with this disease to our programs so that we can make good on our promise to improve their quality of life.
Before I sign off for another month, I wanted to bring your attention to our biggest upcoming project- our annual Fundraising with Friends fundraising campaign that runs from April 1-30. We hope you’ll be patient with our email and social media messaging as it is crucial to our success. This Spring fundraiser is incredibly important to the functioning of Cancer Lifeline, and all monies raised go to support our telephone Lifeline, our Lifeline Chat, and several of our support groups including the BIPOC support group, the Ovarian cancer support group, and so many more. This campaign also supports our newest service, free mental health counseling, which has steadily grown each year and has been serving more families and young children each month. If you are interested in helping us spread the word and raise funds, please reach out to me, joseph@cancerlifeline.org or Deserie, our Development & Communications Manager at deserie@cancerlifeline.org
Wishing you a happy and healthy Spring!
With love and gratitude,
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Joseph Yurgevich
Executive Director
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Monthly Blog: The Courage to be Imperfect | |
 | Life breaks us some days, making the work of being human hard. I often think about the connection between perfection and attitudes about health. Many strive for perfection knowing it’s never attainable. Why try? They work to master something is not possible. Do they forget that wisdom is made of hard-learned experiences? An invasive illness can break the body, mind, and spirit. Illness can exhaust days, weeks, and lives. With cancer, we manage as best we can. Illness is a time when we hopefully accept our humanness. On an uncertain journey with serious illness, I see two different directions of beliefs. One direction seeks meaning about how an illness may redirect and enhance a person. Rather than seeing themselves as broken down, the “wisdom-seekers” gather curiosity. They reexamine their life choices and attitudes. Even through anger, sadness, and fear and sometimes even alongside an incurable illness. Their center is to make some kind of meaning. They savor what they still have, not what they don’t. Even during months or years of discomfort. The other direction carries a heavy load of blame and shame. This group believes they did something wrong to deserve this disease. They stay stuck in a rut of hopelessness and guilt. Behavioral choices do impact health. Sometimes choices are deeply rooted in trauma or an absence of something and can be complicated to change. However, staying stuck in a rut of guilt does not allow healing in. Read More. | |
Get to know Board Member Easter Ho | |
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What sparked your interest in joining Cancer Lifeline’s Board of Directors?
I first learned of Cancer Lifeline (CL) through a friend who was telling me how fulfilling and fun it was facilitating a class for Cancer Lifeline. I remember reading about Cancer Lifeline afterwards and the mission statement spoke to me. At the time, the Board of Directors were recruiting and asked me to join in addition to volunteering as a facilitator. I didn’t hesitate and have enjoyed serving on the Board.
How long have you been volunteering with Cancer Lifeline as a Board Member and what is your role?
I started volunteering for CL in 2019 and also joined the Board that year. As of 2022 I’ve
been serving as the Board Secretary.
What do you find most fulfilling about serving on the Board of Directors?
The most fulfilling part of serving on the BOD is being in a room of passionate
individuals with the same goal of furthering Cancer Lifelines' mission and meeting patients and donors. I treasure the relationships I form and the stories I learn.
How has your life been affected by cancer? I was attracted to CL because of the mission. I believe that no cancer patient should go through this journey alone. I work as a naturopathic doctor specializing in supportive and integrative cancer care. I’m happy to be able to talk about Cancer Lifeline to all of my patients.
What do you see as the biggest needs cancer patients and caregivers have?
Mental health support and an active and supportive social circle are the most important
needs in a cancer patient and their caregivers.
Please tell us about your “Day Job”
In my day job I work as a naturopathic doctor specializing in supportive and integrative cancer care. I see patients at two cancer centers in Seattle. I help patients go through cancer treatment by managing treatment related side effects.
Tell us something about yourself that you’d like to share in general.
I love to travel! I enjoy dressing up and having fun with style. In my downtime, you can find me out at a new restaurant, exercising, or reading- lately about perfumery.
Join our exceptional board! We continuously welcome new members. Learn more here.
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Get to know Volunteer Jamie | |
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Jamie has been volunteering on the Lifeline and moderating some of our zoom classes for about 2 years, but her connection with Cancer Lifeline didn’t start there, as she was a program coordinator at Cancer Lifeline about 20 years ago!
Even though no two people walk the same exact path while going through cancer, Jamie notes that the one thing that is consistent is fear, questions and the unknown terrain that surrounds receiving such a life-altering diagnosis. Through her experience supporting friends, family, Lifeline callers, class attendees, and most recently her Mom during their cancer journeys, it’s clear that even though we have an incredible selection of treatment facilities in the area, the need for support, including educational, financial and emotional, is still so very much needed.
“Although Cancer Lifeline has had staff changes since I worked there, the overall mission and support that Cancer Lifeline offers has stayed true to the vision that Gloria Gutkowski had back in 1973!”
Fun fact about Jamie: She and her family absolutely love spending time on the water. They enjoy sailing the San Juan Islands and stand up paddle boarding around the waters of the Puget Sound. Though she adores traveling, and most recently went to Italy with her family, some of her favorite moments are just the “regular, non-planned and random” times spent with family and friends!
Interested in becoming a volunteer with us? Learn more about opportunities here.
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A Client's Story: Meet Tom | |
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I was on a layover in Tampa Florida when I noticed feeling a sore throat coming on. There were 2 more layovers to complete my trip and my throat progressively worsened. When I arrived back home in Seattle I went to an urgent care for a “Z” pack as I was certain I had strep throat. What I would soon discover, after a series of appointments and scans, was that I had stage 3 Lymphoma.
Surgery and Chemotherapy removed the cancer, but the treatment had a lasting negative impact on my brain. The mental anguish of not having a functioning normal state of mind, was hard to process and accept. This led me to the difficult decision to retire as an airplane pilot. This was such a big part of my life and identity, it was a really hard transition in my life.
At one appointment with my oncologist I had extra time and began reading a cork board flyer about Cancer Lifeline Zoom meetings. I found a support group that I still attend regularly. What was missing in my treatment for the cancer was that it didn't address my mental health. What I wish I had known when I was diagnosed was that this cancer battle plan has lifesaving as well as lifelong side effects. I wish I had been made aware of the mental health issues that can arise during treatment and recovery. Cancer Lifeline classes and support groups were exactly what I needed to begin to unpack what had happened to me and reinvent myself with goals for my future.
"The Saturday Meditation classes are my favorite. The instructor Linda has a calming way of teaching and sincerely cares for those of us struggling with our mental and emotional health related to our cancer experience.
Interested in sharing your story with others impacted by cancer? Click Here.
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Program Spotlight: 3 Part Survivorship Writing Series | |
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March 26, April 2 & April 9, 11-12:30
"I believe in writing, and I love sharing that belief to help others see and experience its power", instructor Gail shares. By offering writing prompts, I am able to lift people out of whatever reservations they have about the practice…with the full comfort that, if they choose to write about something other than the prompt, that’s A-okay! We write what we need to write.
Writing can change the way we think. It encourages us to listen to “what lies beyond consciousness,” as Oliver Sacks put it. When we write, we venture down the rickety steps into our innermost selves and see our words reflected back to us, from the page or screen, so that we can have yet another opportunity to see and shape our thoughts and feelings.
The workshop series is designed around a topic or theme, but the intention is to make it flexible so that participants can write about whatever it is they want to write about. They may choose cancer as their focus, or they may write about something entirely different.
Each session involves discussion about the topic, a brief lesson about the craft of writing, and several writing prompts. We also set aside time for sharing, because sharing our experience of writing with others—whether it feels therapeutic, fun, or even difficult--can sometimes be just as beneficial as the act itself. And being there to offer support for one another is fundamental to our own well-being. Good things happen when people come together in a safe space, but sharing is always optional. Also, no writing experience is necessary! Participants just need to show up with a pen and paper or device for writing and, if possible, an open heart. Attend as many as you can. Learn more & register today by clicking here
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Get Ready for Fundraising with Friends April 1-30 | |
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April 1-30 is Fundraising with Friends, Cancer Lifeline’s annual spring fundraiser and we need your support!
Contributions made to Fundraising with Friends sustain Cancer Lifeline programs while ensuring they remain free and accessible to anyone in need. Donations directly support our Telephone and Online Chat Lifeline, support group meetings, mental health counseling, and classes in nutrition, exercise, personal expression, and stress reduction.
By supporting Cancer Lifeline, you help to make life better for thousands of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers! Stay tuned for details on how to contribute, starting April 1st, delivered straight to your inbox! Together, we can improve the quality of life for anyone facing the challenges of cancer.
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Sponsor Spotlight: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center | |
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We thank Fred Hutch for their invaluable support and commitment to Cancer Lifeline. Fred Hutch Cancer Center unites innovative research and compassionate care
to prevent and eliminate cancer and infectious disease. They are driven by the urgency
of their patients, the hope of community and passion for discovery to pursue scientific breakthroughs and healthier lives for every person in every community!
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Our Sponsors Make It Possible
Cancer Lifeline is grateful for the leadership and support of the following sponsors:
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We began our formal hospital partnership with Overlake Medical Center in September of 2017, but our relationship reaches back to 2004 when Cancer Lifeline had office space in Bellevue. We are grateful for Overlake's ongoing support of our events. | |
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Cancer Lifeline thanks myMDadvocate and Dr. Susan Baumgaertel for her ongoing support. myMDadvocate is a virtual consultation service serving patients as an advocate, guide, advisor, coach, resource, consultant, collaborator, educator, navigator, and partner.
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The Commerce Bank of Washington has enriched local businesses with highly personalized banking from local, experienced bankers dedicated to long-term relationships. We are grateful for the ongoing partnership which began in 1995.
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Cancer Lifeline thanks wealth advisor, D A Davidson as an event sponsor. Our thanks to Advisory Board Member Jane Caron for her leadership.
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We thank Genentech as one of our sponsors. While this biotechnology corporation is committed to advancing science for the greater good, they are also committed to supporting our local cancer community.
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Mercer joins Cancer Lifeline again year as a 2024 sponsor thanks to the stewardship of Board Director Elizabeth Zech. | |
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Seagen focuses on accelerating breakthroughs to transform cancer care and impact in patients lives for 25 years. We appreciate their support and passion for helping those living with cancer. | |
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We have counted on ROI Technology Inc. to keep us safe, secure and active on the internet since 2015. Cancer Lifeline salutes ROI Technology for their ongoing support of our events in 2024. | |
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One of Cancer Lifeline's hospital partners, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has locations in both downtown Seattle and Federal Way. Cancer Lifeline is grateful for Virginia Mason's sponsorship of our events.
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Reaching as far back as 2006, Pathstone
(formerly Cornerstone Advisors) has been a steadfast sponsor of Cancer Lifeline's events.
Our thanks for their continued support
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One Dog Media helps businesses with website design that reinforce brand identity, e-commerce solutions, graphic design and more. We thank Lisa Oliver, in-kind sponsor, for this important work that allows us to reach and stay connected with the people we serve.
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As we expand our services to serve cancer patients and their families in Pierce County, Cancer Lifeline is grateful for our collaboration with Northwest Medical Specialties and for
their support.
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Inquiries regarding opportunities to sponsor events and programs can be directed
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