APOS Newsletter Article
Cancer Companions Made Over 1 Million Touchpoints in 2023: Now Determined to Overcome the Void of Spiritual Cancer Care
"There are some incredible ministries doing great work and Cancer Companions is one of them." — Matthew West, Christian Music Artist
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. Today, Cancer Companions has prepared these hope-filled gifts for cancer patients and their loved ones:
Hope Filled Messages
Inside the Cancer Journey - Receive a free daily devotional to your phone or email written by those inside cancer for those inside cancer.
Cancer Bible Studies - Receive a free download of booklets Seeing God in Your Cancer Journey and Finding Hope in Your Cancer Journey.
Hope Filled Prayers
Cancer Prayer Requests - Allow our nationwide cancer prayer team to bring the power of prayer into your cancer difficulties by complete a prayer request form.
Cancer Prayer Videos - View videos covering 30 prayer topics from chemotherapy to fatigue to cancers like lung and breast.
Hope Filled Talks
Cancer Prayer Partner - Enjoy a weekly call from a trained volunteer just to touch base and take your prayer requests.
Cancer Bible Study Group - Online and in person meetings with others who “get it” to share and discuss a scripture-based cancer Bible Study.
Why is there a Spiritual Cancer Care Void?
The void of spiritual cancer care comes from the neglect of cancer patients through the traditional ways Americans receive spiritual care- pastors, chaplains and loved ones.
· Pastors - Due to the lack of manpower on church staffs, pastors need to prioritize their visitations to those who are hospitalized and unable to attend church on Sunday. During the months or years of treatments, Cancer patients rarely fit into either category. Cancer treatment is predominately outpatient with “Bad” cancer days being intermittent allowing church attendance.
· Chaplains - Hospital Chaplains typically are charged to serve inpatient units leaving outpatient patients in facilities such as chemotherapy units and radiation units drastically under served.
· Loved ones - Americans have placed a stigma on asking for help or even receiving help which too often creates a barrier to receiving the spiritual care they need. When help is accepted, loved ones are rarely equipped to provide the consistent, spiritual care patients need. This is especially true since cancer patient’s loved ones need to receive spiritual care themselves.
With the Christian faith as their foundation, Cancer Companions empowers patients to find meaning and purpose during a challenging time. This focus on spiritual well-being complements traditional medical treatments, offering a valuable resource for those seeking additional strength and support on their cancer journey.
"I'm not sure I would have been as optimistic as I went through treatment if not been in Cancer Companions." — Cancer Companions Participant
