THRIVE is the Cancer Center’s new, patient-centered survivorship program.
(Baton Rouge, La.) A groundbreaking report from the Institute of Medicine makes it clear that survivorship programs are not just a luxury for those completing cancer treatments, but vital services for post-cancer patients. Because of this emerging standard of care, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center now offers THRIVE. This new program is free and designed to address the comprehensive social, emotional and spiritual needs of cancer survivors.
“By combining research-based complementary therapies with traditional cancer care, THRIVE aims to treat the whole person, encompassing mind, body and spirit,” said Francinne Lawrence, survivorship coordinator. She further explained that the program offers health and wellness coaching, yoga, art therapy, nutritional education, Pilates, water aerobics and more to help survivors move beyond their disease to wellness.
With the assistance of a health and wellness coach and access to an oncology nurse, the objective is for THRIVE participants to find the motivation and tools to reach their physical and emotional health goals, which can include: losing weight, eating better, quitting tobacco use, lowering stress, returning to work, managing financial concerns, sleeping better and/or enjoying more quality time with friends and family.
“Unlike some wellness programs that place heavy demands and have strict rules to follow, THRIVE coaches help survivors reach their personals goals and identify their own personal strengths and abilities to achieve those goals,” explained Lawrence. THRIVE provides one-on-one coaching sessions in person and by phone.
Underscoring the importance of survivorship services, the Commission on Cancer (CoC) is setting a standard mandating that its accredited cancer centers must provide a survivorship care plan for at least 10 percent of patients by 2015, ramping up annually to 100 percent by 2019. As a longtime CoC-accredited program, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center is aiming to surpass the established timeline.
As part of the overall program, THRIVE also includes monthly workshops that address common physical and emotional concerns of cancer survivors, family members and caregivers. The first workshop takes place Feb. 27, 12-1 p.m. in the lecture hall of Our Lady of the Lake’s Heart & Vascular Institute. Reservations are encouraged, however walk-ins are welcome.
All THRIVE programs are provided at no cost, thanks to the generosity of the community. For more information, please visit www.mbpolol.org/THRIVE or call (225) 215-1391.