Buffum Fund Community Cancer Support Programs

Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center at Fletcher Allen

Vermont Cancer Center

American Cancer Society                                                                    

The Hematology/Oncology Clinic and the Breast Care Center offer family support services to patients and family members who are dealing with a cancer experience. 

There are two licensed psychologists, a dietitian, and a social worker who are members of the Cancer Patient Support Program at Fletcher Allen Health Care who offer educational and emotional support to patients and families individually and/or in groups. The CPSP web site  has more information about the services they provide. 

The support groups below are funded in part by Fletcher Allen Health Care and the Cancer Patient Support Program.

Specific programs include:   

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Buffum Fund Community Cancer Support Programs

The fund was created in 2004 through a generous $1.5 million contribution from former cancer patient Victoria Buffum, who passed away in 2002.  Its goal is to support programs designed to enhance the experience of Fletcher Allen patients diagnosed with a blood disease or cancer. 

Description	Contact Information
An Educational and Treatment Program for Hematology Patients at Risk for or Suffering from Post Thrombotic Syndrome  A new comprehensive program for patients with deep vein thrombosis or established post-thrombotic syndrome.	Chris Holmes, MD, PhD 802-847-8400
A Pilot Exercise Intervention for Patient Receiving Treatment for Hematologic Malignancy  A small trial of a limited number of patients that will provide an opportunity to determine if physical therapy, nursing and medical services can coordinate care to provide a safe effective exercise intervention.	Kim Dittus, MD, PhD        802-847-8400
Building a Comprehensive Cacner Survivorship Program Nearly 10 million people in the US today are cancer survivors. The goal of this program is to build that type of comprehensive post treatment care here that would be dedicated to the long term care of people that have been treated for hematologic disease or cancer. We hope to build a cadre of Nurse Practitioners with the skills to support these people as they progress back to wellness. We aim to help people do more than just survive their cancer, but really individually work with each person and help them truly thrive after treatment and live up to thei1r full healthy potential.	Drs. Patriciai O'Brien & Kim Dittus 802-656-5423
. Cancer Patient Support Program Emergency Fund A fund that helps to pay for services not covered by any other program—everything from childcare during treatment sessions, co-pays, medications, transportation to treatment, and respite assistance	Stephanie Fraser, MSW Referrals from social workers and health care providers accepted by calling 802-847-3234
'Getting Back to Healthy’ Cancer Patient Support Group A support group to serve adult women who are at risk for, diagnosed with, or are survivors of breast cancer.  The program will provide education, discussion and support to allow for achievement and maintenance of a healthy weight through positive lifestyle changes.	Jennifer May, RD, CD Location:   Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, Main Pavilion, Level 3 Time: 1:00 PM -  2:00 PM When: Wednesday (every other) Contact Jennifer for the next meeting date             802-847-4649
Healing Yoga  A program that incorporates meditation, movement through the yoga postures, breathing techniques, group support, deep relaxation, and a non-judgmental philosophy of interacting with self and others.	Theora Ward, MEd, RN, CKYT Healing Yoga classes run continuously through the year. However, there will be no classes between August 25 and Sept. 4 or between Oct 20 and Dec. 8. The schedule is as follows: Tuesdays  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM            and 5:15 PM - 7:00 PM Thursdays  9:00 PM - 11:00 PM We meet at Fletcher Allen Helath Care's Ambulatory Care Center on the 4th floor of the East Pavilion at the end of the hall past Children's Special Services and Obstetrics. Call Theora at 482-5455 for registration and more information.
Helping Hands: A Program of Therapeutic, Seated Massage	Currently, massage is available to outpatients on Tuesday, Wednesday,  and Thursday mornings, 9:00 AM.-12:00 PM, and to inpatients on Friday mornings. For more information, please contact massage therapists: Cindy Schaefer  802-877-6242
Young Survivor's Support Group he Young Survivors Support Group will provide a series of 24 meetings, half involving only the young cancer survivor, and the others, a social event that include family, friends and partners.	Location: Frymoyer Community Health   Resource Center Fletcher  Allen Health Care, ACC, Level 3  Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM When:  2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month Call for information: Kathy McBeth, MA   802-847-5717
'Person to Person’ Cancer Patient Support Program A mentoring and support program for newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers.	Kathy McBeth, MA 802-847-5715

 

Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center at Fletcher Allen 

The Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center offers many resources for cancer patients and their loved ones. The Center can assist with accessing accurate and reliable information on diagnosis, treatment and coping, as well as the latest research and clinical trials. Books and journals are available as well as internet access for conducting online research.
Location: Level 3, Main Pavilion, Ambulatory Care Center, Medical Center Campus, Fletcher Allen
Hours: Monday-Friday, open at 9 AM
Contact: Call 802-847-8821 or e-mail resourcecenter@vtmednet.org

Visit the Vermont Cancer Center website for a partial listing of cancer support groups around Vermont. Please call the contact number for the latest information about meeting locations. 

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American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society offers many free support resources for cancer patients, including those listed below. Please call for information, emotional support, or help managing day-to-day at 1-800-ACS-2345  (1-800-227-2345) or visit www.cancer.org for a complete listing of resources.

Look good, Feel Better
This is a free program to help women to deal with the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment and a step toward renewed self-esteem and emotional recovery.

Reach to Recovery 
A program designed to offer information and emotional support to breast cancer patients through one-to-one visits or phone calls. Patients will be matched with volunteers who are breast cancer survivors and can offer assurance, comfort, information and a chance to talk.

Road to Recovery
Using volunteer drivers, Road to Recovery can help you get to and from your cancer treatment when in need.

Prostate Cancer Groups
Call the number above for more information on prostate cancer support groups offered by the American Cancer Society. One-on-one visits with a volunteer who is a prostate cancer survivor can also be arranged if needed.

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The photos are of The Newton Family Healing Garden outside the Hematology/Oncology Clinic