Press Release
2008-05-23
New Telephone Support Group Available for Brain Tumor Patients
Free Service Provided by American Brain Tumor Association and CancerCare
CHICAGO--The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), in collaboration with CancerCare, is launching a new, free telephone support group service for individuals currently receiving treatment for a malignant or benign brain tumor.
"We know that patients benefit tremendously from sharing information and experiences related to their care," said ABTA Executive Director Naomi Berkowitz. "ABTA is thrilled to be able to support this service with the help and expertise of CancerCare."
"Psychosocial support to meet the whole needs of a person going through treatment is gaining more attention in the medical community for the difference it makes in a patient's experience," said Diane Blum, MSW, executive director of CancerCare. "We are so pleased to be partnering with ABTA on this telephone support group, which will give people in treatment for brain tumors an opportunity not just to receive support, but to share what they've learned with others."
Eligible participants will receive a toll-free phone number to access the hourly discussion group, which will take place once a week, for 12 weeks, beginning June 1. The session will be moderated by a CancerCare oncology social worker, who will set and enforce ground rules, and keep discussions on track based on the particular questions or issues at hand. Patients will be asked to identify themselves with a first name before speaking.
The number of support group participants is limited; however, future groups will be added based on participation interest.
For more information on the support group, please contact Tonya Potts at CancerCare at 1-800-813-HOPE (4673), ext. 8039.
About the ABTA
The ABTA is a national nonprofit organization that strives to eliminate brain tumors through research, while meeting the support and education needs of individuals living with a brain tumor, as well as their families and caretakers. Founded in 1973, ABTA offers more than 40 educational publications, as well as monthly e-communications and social work resources. To access ABTA's free publications and resources, visit www.abta.org (for comprehensive care and support resources, www.abta.org/index.cfm?contentid=48), send an e-mail to info@abta.org, or call 800-886-2282.