Deep down, sometimes the diagnosis is anticipated. Other times, it comes as a total surprise when a patient hears the word, “cancer.” No matter how the patient learns they have some form of the disease, it’s not long before gaps in getting through the whole treatment process begin to show.
Physicians and oncology departments help patients navigate a maze of medical treatment options. But until earlier this year, and the formation of The Bridge, ancillary services to help cancer patients move through daily life challenges that can accompany the various types of cancer treatments were non-existent in Estes Park.
Now that the group is organized as a 501(c)3, accepting clients and working with service providers, The Bridge of Estes will host an open house and partnership event from 5:30 to 7:30 on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Bank of Estes to help increase the collaboration between local businesses and the organization to increase participation in the program.
The open house will focus on introducing The Bridge and its mission to local business owners and community leaders who can offer services such as massage therapy, meal delivery, wellness programs, and home maintenance to cancer patients. It also will provide an opportunity to network with others who provide assistance.
Those thinking of attending the open house should let The Bridge know by registering through the organization’s website.
“A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the body. It affects every aspect of a patient’s life. We’re here to help patients – both women and men – navigate those other challenges, from wellness services to patient support, and more,” said Lisa Hohensee, who serves as the organization’s executive director.
According to Maureen McCann, one of the co-organizers of The Bridge, local businesses play a vital role in helping cancer patients access the services they need by providing discounts, sponsoring patient programs, or volunteering. These partnerships will make a direct impact on the lives of our clients. The Estes Park program is modeled after the voucher program used by the “Hope Lives” program in Loveland.
“Our vision is to create an Estes Valley where no one faces cancer alone.” The Bridge of Estes webpage
The Estes Park program is open to anyone with any type of cancer who is in active therapy while the Loveland program focuses only on women with breast cancer. Here, clients can receive $50 vouchers that can be used for products or services such gas, message therapy, and maintenance. The Bridge currently has one client enrolled in its program.
The Bridge organizers, who include Jean Tasker and Nicke Gassman, partner with businesses and service providers interested in helping cancer patients during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Additionally, financial support is always welcome as donations help support service providers. Clients present their coupon for services rendered and the provider sends the voucher to The Bridge for reimbursement. Some service providers discount their bills to The Bridge while others have guaranteed they’ll not charge anything.
“By partnering with local businesses, we can ensure our clients receive holistic support that addresses their unique needs without having to travel,” something that was necessary prior to formation of The Bridge. said Hohensee.
The Bridge of Estes is a 501(c)(3) sponsored organization of Crossroads Ministry of Estes. It held its first fundraiser, Shred of Hope, a paper shredding event in June in cooperation with the Bank of Estes. The organization was also selected to receive donations from One Hundred Women Who Care at its September meeting held last week at Seven Keys Lodge.
For more information, or to partner with the Bridge of Estes contact McCann at 970-219-0188 or maureen@thebridgeofestes.org.