Cancer Survivors Build Connection, Confidence and Hope
Survivorship 101 Creates Community Beyond the Classroom
A nine-week class led to friendships and ongoing support for this group after taking Survivorship 101. Although the class is over, they still meet monthly, keep in touch through group texts and support one another in meaningful ways.
Deb Zimmer, breast cancer survivor, said the class helped her focus on herself without guilt.
This course gave me tools to help me, not only at the time I took the class but ongoing. Now once a week I try to do something for myself, and I don’t feel selfish about it.
— Deb Zimmer, breast cancer survivor
She added, “I’m glad to be in this group.” It’s made me recognize other people’s needs more and notice little things.”
Survivorship 101 is a free, nine-week class offered at the April Sampson Cancer Center, ideal for people who have completed active cancer treatment. Led by a specially trained team using curriculum from A Time to Heal Cancer Foundation, the class helps survivors adjust to life after cancer. Research shows the program can reduce depression and anxiety while increasing hope, resilience and quality of life.
Stephanie Martinez, a multiple myeloma survivor and CAR-T cell therapy recipient, shared how lonely treatment can be.
Cancer treatment was so solitary. It’s nice to be around people who understand. It teaches you how to live again, that cancer doesn’t define you.
— Stephanie Martinez, multiple myeloma survivor
Her husband, Hollis Patterson, a pastor and youth basketball coach, also found value in the group and reached out to classmates to stay in touch. “Some people came in shy but learned to open up and trust one another,” he said. “We weren’t created to be alone.” He added that the class helped him better understand his wife’s experience. “The group gave me insight into what my wife was going through, and it’s still helpful to me. It’s a good class.”
Facilitators saw these connections grow each week. “When we talk about ‘finding your tribe,’ they definitely found theirs,” said Teresa King, APRN, who continues to follow up with participants on the goals they set.
If you have cancer or are a caregiver for someone with cancer, consider attending Survivorship 101. Whether it’s something just for you during the nine-week class or it leads to ongoing connections, this class can help build community, confidence and hope.
To view the next session and register for the free class, visit BryanHealth.org/Survivorship101.
