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You are invited to a space for healing

SUPPORT GROUP IN SPANISH FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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Cancer is a common disease. In Colorado, approximately 1 in 2 men and 2 in 5 women will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Colorado. Around 25,000 Colorado residents are diagnosed each year, and about 7,600 dies from cancer annually. Given this reality, it is crucial to have spaces for emotional support and guidance for those battling this disease and their families.

In this regard, a group of volunteer leaders created the Latino Cancer Task Force (LCTF) under the Colorado Cancer Coalition (CCC). The LCTF group has taken the initiative to offer a Support Group for Cancer Patients and their Families, providing an invaluable support network for those who need it most. The group is open to residents throughout Colorado who lack access to resources or support. Their meetings take place virtually once a month on the last Monday of each month.

These sessions, led by facilitators and a therapist, last for an hour and a half and are available free of charge to individuals throughout Colorado. Additionally, information is provided about bilingual therapists with experience in oncology for those who require support in Spanish. The sessions also include an educational component.

“In addition to group meetings, individual therapy is offered to participants who require it. Patients who qualify and are undergoing cancer treatment may also be eligible for financial assistance grants. This is thanks to the support of the Ray of Hope Foundation, which supports patients and their families, making a significant impact on our Latino community,” emphasized Patricia Galetto, the group’s co-leader.

Benefits of the support group

“We are witnessing the benefits of the support group. It’s about coming together and sharing experiences, but also being able to talk to a professional therapist. These meetings are a space for healing and discussing these important issues as a family,” said Patricia Granados , one of the facilitators of the group. Granados is a cancer survivor and understands the need for support during this stage.

Granados emphasized the importance of emotional support in this situation and how the group has changed her life by providing a confidential space where she can share her feelings and experiences with people who have gone through similar situations.

The virtual support group provides a safe space where participants can express their emotions and receive the necessary support. Alejandra Reyes, a therapist in the group, explained that her mission is to provide emotional support to patients, survivors, and caregivers. She mentioned the importance of mental health in the process of dealing with cancer and how the group provides them with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

Reyes highlighted that the group not only offers emotional support but also provides educational information and an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives, which can be therapeutic in itself.