Partnership Provides Important Support Services to Patients

Elgin, Ill. – Helping patients steer through the vast amount of cancer information and patient services has been made easier through a partnership between Sherman Hospital and the American Cancer Society (ACS). The partnership allows Sherman cancer patients to receive a variety of free support services and educational information during visits at the new, state-of-the-art Sherman Hospital Cancer Care Center.

“Our partnership with the American Cancer Society will increase patient access to important cancer support services and programs at Sherman and in the community,” says Beth Hayden, Manager, Oncology Services at Sherman Health. “With this patient-centered approach to cancer care, we hope to reduce stress and make patients feel more at ease during the road to recovery.”

Free services and programs are available to all Sherman Health cancer patients in the new the Cancer Care Center. These services include:

American Cancer Society Wig Boutique

In partnership with the Sherman Hospital Auxiliary, the ACS provides free wigs, hats, turbans, and scarves to patients, along with complimentary fitting and styling by trained ACS beauty volunteers. Wig styling takes place in the “Sunrise Life Center”, located in the Cancer Care Center.

American Cancer Society Volunteer Navigators

In partnership with the Volunteer Department at Sherman Hospital, volunteer navigators connect patients and families with important cancer education and resources.

American Cancer Society Patient Resource Center

A room designed for cancer patients, caregivers and their families that is equipped with a lending library and computers, and stocked with information on all cancers types and local support services.

Road to Recovery

Trained ACS volunteers donate the use of their own vehicles to drive cancer patients (and their family members) to and from treatment and doctors appointments.

Look Good…Feel Better program

ACS-trained Cosmetologists teach beauty techniques to female cancer patients. Each patient receives a complimentary makeup kit valued at over $200.

Support for Recovery & Reach to Recovery

These “peer-to-peer” support programs match newly-diagnosed patients with trained volunteer survivors of the same cancer type.

Personal Health Manager

These important folders are provided to every patient free of charge, and help patients keep track of their medical information, support services, appointments and everything in between.

“We are eager to educate and assist Sherman’s cancer patients and look forward to a long and vital relationship,” says Lauren Johnson, Health Initiatives Manager, American Cancer Society.

ACS representatives play an active role on Sherman Hospital’s Cancer Care committee by sharing new information with key clinical and support staff, including details about programs and support services for patients.

The Sherman Cancer Care Center can be reached at 224-783-8746. For more information, visit shermanhealth.com