Paris Community Hospital

Cancer...It strikes people and sometimes, they don't know where to turn next.  In today's Healthy Living, we'll travel to Paris Community Hospital's Family Medical Center and introduce you to a special group of people called the "Cancer Friendship Group" that are learning to lean on each other in their pain…and celebrating with each other in their successes when they beat the disease!

Carolyn Sutton from Paris Community Hospital explains.  “The good part, I think about this group is that all of the people in this have experienced cancer in some way, it has touched them.  Or sometimes we have caregivers coming in to support their person as well.  And I think they call it "Friendship" because people really become close.  They know that this is a confidential group.  They know that their information is not going to be shared on the street.  That's something that everyone is really comfortable with.  And I think everyone in the group is very compassionate.  They're very loving.  The main focus of the group is to provide hope and support to folks that are hurting, not just physically, but emotionally.”

Betty Porter, a cancer survivor and active participant in the group adds, “The first time I, myself, had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  I had had a lumpectomy.  I had gone through chemo and radiation.  And everything seemed pretty good.  I guess I just needed some moral support to go ahead and think that it was going to be OK.  You feel very comfortable and look forward to coming.  Because sometimes the people in the group help you and other times you feel like you've helped them. 

“I guess I'd like to say to people, don't think that the diagnosis of cancer is the end, because it is not.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Don't be afraid to talk about it.  Because it is not the end anymore.  Sometimes it is just a new beginning.”

“Paris Community Hospital Family Medical Center.  (217) 465-2606, extension 290 and they will get Carolyn Sutton.”