sa国际传媒

Partnering for Health is a personalized program geared to offer support and education for people who are undergoing or have completed cancer treatment.

Offered by InspireHealth, a not-for-profit, the program differs from others because it equips and empowers young adults and adults with cancer to be partners in their own healing.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not a set program designed by experts,鈥� said Rachel Mark, clinical director for InspireHealth Victoria. 鈥淩ather, it is individualized and patient-centred, allowing the client to choose the areas they feel are important to them on the road to recovery.鈥�

The organization, with a clinical team of eight and 30 volunteer facilitators, offers support services in the areas of exercise, nutrition, stress management and self-care. The concept is that participants can explore the different elements to choose areas of concern or improvement.

鈥淲e provide support in all areas, even emotional support for them and their entire network,鈥� said Mark. 鈥淥ur counsellors sit down with them to determine a plan together.鈥�

The organization has three regional offices; the Victoria location opened in 2011. Every year, they see as many as 500 new patients 鈥� young adults (18 to 39 years) and adults.

Through workshops, participants can connect with others having similar cancer experiences.

Mark stressed that they especially want to reach young adults with cancer.

鈥淎lthough this group is a small percentage of the total, this generation have an unique set of needs and it is really important to connect with them,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ith the average age when cancer strikes being much older, it is important for this group to be able to connect with each other for support.鈥�

They are especially important not only because of the distinct types of cancer being diagnosed, but because of the lasting impact that a diagnosis at a young age can have on quality of life and life expectancy.

鈥淭hey may have questions about fertility and future financial independence, topics less important to older demographics,鈥� said Mark, who has been with the organization for five years.

InspireHealth鈥檚 programs are covered 60聽per cent by the sa国际传媒 Ministry of Health. The remaining funds are realized through grants from organizations such as the Victoria Foundation and individual donations. Every year in March, the organization holds Rain Walk, its major fundraiser.

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