Akron Life October 2022

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

provided by American Cancer Society

SUPPORT SYSTEM American Cancer Society programs help patients through their cancer journeys. M ore than 73,000 people will be diagnosed with

cancer this year in Ohio. For many of these individuals, there are obstacles to overcome before they can even begin their cancer fights. For instance, reliable transportation is a critical part of successful cancer treatment, yet it’s one of the most common challenges for patients. In fact, transportation is the second most cited need of cancer patients after financial assistance, and it can be one of the biggest roadblocks to cancer care. That’s why the American Cancer Society offers transportation support in two ways. The first is through Road to Recovery, a program that matches people needing can cer treatment with volunteer drivers. The other is through transportation grants pro vided to health systems to meet the unique needs of people in their communities. Here in Ohio, American Cancer Society transportation grants have provided more than 18,000 rides for 1,400 cancer patients since 2021. Another frequent barrier patients face is the cost of traveling for treatment when their best hope for effective treatment may be far from home. Not having to worry about where to stay or how to pay for lodging allows them to focus on getting better. So far in 2022, the Cleveland Hope Lodge has provided more than 3,200 nights of lodg ing for cancer patients and their caregivers. Justin is a recent guest of the Cleveland Hope Lodge. “We live over two hours away from the treatment center, and I became

too sick to travel that far,” he shares. “Hope Lodge is making it possible for me to complete my treatments successfully.” In addition to lodging and rides to treatment, the American Cancer Society also provides support for the emotional aspects of dealing with a cancer diagnosis. A free 24/7 helpline provides answers and support, while Reach To Recovery connects people facing breast cancer — from diagnosis through survivorship — with trained volunteers who are breast cancer survivors themselves.

Each of these services and programs, free to patients, is made possible through events like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Northeast Ohio. Come out Saturday, Oct. 1, at FirstEnergy Stadium or Sunday, Oct. 16, at Kent State University Stark campus in support of those facing breast cancer by signing up today at makingstrideswalk.org.

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