Survivorship
Survivorship is an important part of the cancer journey and focuses on the health and life of a person with cancer post treatment until the end of life. It covers the physical, psychosocial, and economic issues of cancer, beyond the diagnosis and treatment phases. Survivorship includes issues related to the ability to get health care and follow-up treatment, late effects of treatment, second cancers, and quality of life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also considered part of the survivorship experience. The survivorship programs offered by the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Center give cancer patients in our region tools to help with transitioning to the survivorship phase of their journey and to have a happy, healthy future.
Cooking Matters to Families with Cancer
The NWGRCC partners with Summit Quest to offer cooking classes to kids and their families. Cooking Matters™ empowers families at risk of hunger with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make healthy and affordable meals. With the help of volunteer culinary and nutrition experts, participants learn how to select nutritious and low-cost ingredients and prepare them in ways that provide the best nourishment possible to their families. Many times in families where cancer is present, financial resources are difficult and the traditional caregiver is often too tired or sick to prepare meals on their own. Cooking Matters™ teaches children how to work together with their families in the kitchen, empowering them in their own journey of cancer survivorship.
One of the main areas of emphasis of the program is learning about cancer fighting foods and the role of nutrition in cancer prevention. Many of the children served by Summit Quest realize that having a parent with cancer raises their own cancer risk. Teaching children how to make healthy choices gives them a sense of control over their own future. Participants are given two cookbooks provided by the American Cancer Society, Kid’s First Cookbook and What to Eat During Cancer Treatment.
For more information about participating in Cooking Matters, please call Summit Quest at (706) 857-8820.
Survivor Wellness Program
The Northwest Regional Cancer Coalition partners with hospitals, cancer centers, and other organizations in the region to provide a survivor wellness program to help cancer patients and survivors to get FIT for life after cancer! The program is designed to meet the individual needs of the cancer patient/survivor and improve their quality of life by helping them regain the strength and fitness they need to enjoy life with their families. Participants meet individually with a personal trainer to complete an strength and conditioning program as well as learn about various forms of group exercise and healthy living activities. The following are partners in our program and can be reached individually for more information.
YMCA Rome- LiveStrong Program
Redmond Regional Medical Center- Oncology Rehab and Survivor Fitness
AdventHealth Gordon- Survivor Fitness and Nutrition
Hamilton Medical Center (Bradley Wellness Center)- Oncology Rehab and Survivor Fitness
You may also call Erin Hernandez at 706-291-9198 for a referral.