For Immediate Release: September 12, 2007

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464 ext. 44306

St John's and American Cancer Society partner in opening of Cancer Resource Center

St. John’s Hospital in Springfield has partnered with the American Cancer Society to open a Cancer Resource Center. On September 13 at 9:30 a.m., a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house will be held to celebrate the opening of the Cancer Resource Center, which is located adjacent to St. John’s Cancer Institute in the Pavilion.

The center will make cancer education and complimentary services readily available to patients, families and area residents.

“Dealing with cancer is overwhelming even for the most courageous patients and families, but it doesn’t have to be so difficult,” Sara Gleckler, Senior Patient Services Representative.  “The new resource center is our commitment to help cancer patients navigate through the maze of information and services that are set up to help them, but that too few patients are aware of or are able to access.”

Through the center, area residents will have access to cancer information, education, support services, transportation and other resources.  A Web-based and telephoned-based Patient Navigation Services system also is available to assist cancer patients and their families in addressing a wide range of needs.

“Both St. John’s Hospital and the American Cancer Society have a common interest in improving the quality of life for cancer patients,” said Matt Schneider, Director of St. John’s Cancer Institute.  “We are extremely pleased to be collaborating with the American Cancer Society for the benefit of patients in our community.”
Among the complimentary services:  Road to Recovery, a program that provides cancer patients with transportation to and from treatments; Look Good…Feel Better, which focuses on the inner and outer beauty of women going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments; and Reach to Recovery, matching breast cancer survivors with newly diagnosed patients to provide constant encouragement and support; and a Wig Bank that provides free wigs, turbans and hats to cancer patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.

“Patient Navigation Services fills a critical void in cancer care and social services by acting as a full-service navigator to anyone touched by cancer,” said Debra Karch, Vice President of Field Operations for the American Cancer Society, Illinois Division. “We can connect cancer patients and their loved ones to national, state and local resources at any point in the cancer experience.”

In addition to offering access to these patient services, the new resource center also will enable patients to sit down with an American Cancer Society liaison and discuss diagnoses, treatment options and financial services.  There is no charge to patients.

“It is St John’s Hospital’s mission to treat the whole person,” said Schneider.  “The establishment of the Cancer Resource Center is another resource in meeting that commitment.”

The Cancer Resource Center will be staffed by American Cancer Society representatives on Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the St. John’s Hospital Cancer Resource Center, call 217-523-4503.