You are here: Home > Local Resources > Cancer Support Cmc
Cancer Support and Information at Cayuga Medical Center
Being diagnosed with cancer can be an overwhelming experience. There is so
much that needs to be done and you’re trying to understand what cancer
is and how it might affect your life.
Cayuga Medical Center’s Cancer Support and Information Program is here
to help.
We can also help because we’re cancer survivors. We understand what you’re
going through.
Eligibility: The program is available to men and women with
any type of cancer as well and those who care about them. There is no charge
for this service.
We can help patients and their loved ones by:
- Identifying potential sources of financial assistance
- Finding a local support group
- Identifying transportation resources
- Suggesting where wigs and turbans and breast prostheses can be purchased
- Finding local and national organizations for specific types of cancer
- Suggesting useful websites of organizations serving persons with all types of cancer
- Finding cancer information in foreign languages
- Providing information about clinical trials
- Answering general questions about cancer and cancer treatment
- Listening in a non-judgmental and unhurried manner
- Sharing the experience in a column called Cancer Connections in the Ithaca Journal.
Help for those with special needs
We’re especially happy to spend extra time with people who could use special attention. For example:
- People who don’t have family in the area
- People whose native language is not English
- People with limited financial resources
- People who might otherwise benefit from one-to-one help
Second Wednesdays
Second Wednesdays is a regular get-together for people affected by cancer held the second Wednesday of each month in the Bonnie Howell Education Center at Cayuga Medical Center from 4:30 – 6:00 pm. People with any type of cancer and at any stage of treatment or recovery are welcome as are their family and friends.
Although not designed as formal support groups, these get-togethers provide
an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations and to learn about
topics of mutual interest.
Registration is not required. For more information, please contact Bob Riter
at 277-0960 or at bob@crcfl.net.
Guide to Cancer Support Services in Tompkins County
Cayuga Medical Center Cancer Physicians
Who coordinates the Cancer Support and Information Program?
Bob Riter (on left)
Bob Riter is the coordinator. He’s a ten year survivor of breast cancer and has been the associate director of the Cancer Resource Center (formerly known as the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance) since 2000. He’s based in the Department of Radiation Medicine at Cayuga Medical Center on Friday mornings (274-4060), in the offices of Dr. Garbo and Dr. Bael on Tuesday afternoons, and can be contacted at his office other days (277-0960). His e-mail: bob@crcfl.net.
To print out a brochure about the program, click here.
The program is a collaborative effort of Cayuga Medical Center, Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, and Hospicare and Palliative Care Services. Funding was provided through a grant from the New York State Department of Health.
Return to table of contents of Cancer Support Services in Tompkins County.