frequently asked questions
Q:
Who uses The Wellness Community?
A: Adults with cancer and their loved-ones who want
to enhance the quality of their life and learn how to better
meet the challenges of this illness. People come to learn
more about their disease, find friendship, caring and hope
in a supportive community with other cancer participants.
Q: What does it cost to participate?
A: Absolutely Nothing! The Wellness Community is a
nonprofit organization, and does not charge for any of its
services. It is supported by tax-deductible contributions
from individuals, corporations foundations, service organizations
and fundraising events.
Q: Are there other Wellness Communities?
A: The Wellness Community - South Bay Cities is part
of a national organization, consisting of 22 facilities.
All offer a uniform program following a national quality standard,
which is considered to be the gold standard of
psychosocial support.
However, each Community is financially independent and operates
with it's own Board of Directors. Our national office is in
Washington, D.C. Phone toll free (888) 793-WELL.
Click here for a complete list of other
Wellness Communities
Q: Is there research to support what you do?
A: All the programs at The Wellness Community are based
on mind-body research which shows that how you think and feel
can have an effect on the immune system. A Stanford study
conducted by Dr. David Spiegel, involving women with advanced
breast cancer, and a UCLA study of melanoma patients by Drs.
Fawzy & Fawzy both suggest that members of support groups
have an improved quality of life and a significantly better
survival rate.
http://pstlab.stanford.edu/main.html
You can also
click here for a Power Point presentation of
"Evidence-based Research" by Mitch Golant, National Vice
President, Research & Development
"Support groups can clearly improve the quality of life.
We were able to show reduced mood disturbance. Patients were
less phobic, had better coping responses and reduced pain.
In a psychological sense, groups work." Dr. Spiegel in
Lancet.
Q: Are medical services or advice available at The
Wellness Community?
A: The Wellness Community does not have a medical staff,
and we do not offer medical services, advice or referrals.
However, we provide regular educational forums, workshops
and lectures with cancer experts and other health care professionals.
Individuals seek their own treatment, and learn about resources
from networking with one another.
Q: Is The Wellness Community program an alternative
to medical treatment?
A: No. The program is an adjunct to the treatment
prescribed by a patient's healthcare team, and is not a substitute
for medical care. No one is turned away from our services,
whether they are receiving treatment or not.
Updated on
January 1, 2007
Fax: 310-372-2094
E-Mail:
info@wellnessandcancer.org
OUR MISSION is to help people affected by cancer enhance their health and well-being through participation in a professional program of emotional support, education, and hope - all completely free of charge.
The Wellness Community
South Bay Cities
109 West Torrance Boulevard
Redondo Beach, California 90277
Phone: 310-376-3550
Fax: 310-372-2094
E-Mail:
info@wellnessandcancer.org
© 1998-2008 The Wellness Community -
South Bay Cities, All Rights Reserved