Guest Column | Cancer Support Community: Finding comfort and belonging on my cancer journey
By BETH CHILDRESS
news@breezenewspapers.com
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, having a village of support around you means everything. For some, that support comes through family and friends, and for others, it is doctors and care teams who become a second family. Often, even with a support system, the journey can still feel lonely because those who have not experienced cancer have a difficult time relating.
Treatments and surgeries help the body heal, but it’s connection, understanding and community that helps the spirit recover. No matter where you are on your journey — newly diagnosed, in treatment or years into remission — every patient and survivor deserve a place to feel seen, supported and understood.
Lee Health has created that space. The Lee Health Cancer Institute in Fort Myers is home to the region’s first Cancer Support Community, a welcoming space offering emotional, social and practical support for patients, survivors, families and caregivers.
How Cancer Support Community fosters support and connection
As the only program of its kind between Sarasota and Miami, Cancer Support Community provides free, personalized programming for anyone impacted by the disease. From diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and grief, this space helps foster connection, strength and healing.
And I would know. I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2019 and have been in treatment ever since.
Throughout my journey, despite a wonderful, loving support system, I have often felt very alone. Over the past six years, I have received treatment at three different cancer centers in South Florida, and no program like Cancer Care Community existed. When I was introduced to the program in August here at Lee Health, I instantly felt a sense of belonging. Just being surrounded by people who truly understand makes all the difference.
I’ve found more than just support. I’ve found comfort, understanding and friendship. Everyone just gets it. This community has helped me find strength on the hard days and reminded me that even in the middle of battling cancer, there can still be hope, moments of levity and connection.
How Cancer Support Community supports its members
All programs are led by a team of licensed professionals, including clinical social workers, exercise specialists, physical therapists and oncology dietitians. Their collaborative, whole-person approach makes all the difference, supporting not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well.
Cancer Support Community is located on the fourth floor of the Lee Health Cancer Institute at 8931 Colonial Center Drive, Fort Myers.
The services offered include:
• Education on cancer-related topics to help patients and loved ones feel informed and empowered
• Personalized counseling for anyone affected by cancer, providing a safe space to share feelings and find guidance
• Healthy lifestyle workshops led by experts, focusing on nutrition, movement and overall well-being
• Practical support and resources, including help with treatment decisions, referrals and staying connected to care
• Survivorship programs to support life after treatment, helping patients thrive and maintain wellness
For even greater convenience, much of the programming is offered virtually, in addition to in-person sessions, so those traveling and unable to meet in-person can still feel connected.
I try to attend as often as I can. It gives me something to look forward to, and the friendships I’ve made along the way are such a gift.
What types of classes and groups are available?
I also try to participate in as many classes and groups as possible.
From heart-pumping classes like Dance Fit Fusion, Chair Magic, Exercise after Surgery, and Pilates to more calming options like Breath and Meditation, Gentle Yoga and Chair Yoga, Lymphatic Flow, Sound Bowls, Qigong and Art Class, there is something for every interest, energy level and stage of the journey.
Additionally, there are social activities including Coffee and Conversation Meetups, a Book Club, mahjongg and card games, and bracelet making, as well as education classes on different cancer-related topics, multiple support groups and counseling services.
No matter where you are on your journey, these classes and groups provide chances to connect, move, unwind and feel part of a supportive community. There really is something for everyone.
Just showing up with likeminded people who truly understand makes a world of difference, especially when it’s located right in your own community.
Interacting with my peers has given me a sense of belonging I didn’t have before, and I am so grateful for that.
For more information or to sign up for any groups or classes, please visit leehealth.org or call 239-343-9310.
Beth Childress is a Lee Health Cancer Support Community member.