Cancer Support Group to begin in Decorah

People who have cancer and their caregivers now have a support group closer to home that they can attend. Winneshiek Medical Center and the Gundersen Lutheran – Decorah Clinic are co-sponsoring a Cancer Support Group in Decorah that will be offered on the fourth Tuesday of every month beginning on August 24.

The support group gives participants an opportunity to share their concerns with others who have similar experiences and to design ways to cope with the challenges that arise from a cancer diagnosis. Guest speakers include professionals in the field of cancer management. In addition, videotapes, printed materials, and class discussions provide up-to-date information for patients, family, and friends.

The program is a component of the American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Network – a free, comprehensive resource to help patients and their caregivers manage the impact of cancer on their lives through up-to-date cancer information and referrals to Society programs and other community resources. Anyone may attend regardless of provider or county of residence.

The August 24 program will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the upper level of the Gundersen Lutheran – Decorah Clinic. The topic will be "Learning more about cancer and taking time for support" and will be presented by Elizabeth Kane, LMSW, social worker, Gundersen Lutheran – Decorah Clinic; and Deb Tekippe, RN, BSN, assistant OR and Same Day Nurse Manager, Winneshiek Medical Center.

There is no cost to attend and no pre-registration is necessary.
For more information contact Elizabeth Kane at 563-387-5507 or Karen Nielsen at 563-387-3046.


Members of the support group planning committee include, from left:  Chris Rathburn, RN, Elizabeth Lippert Kane, LMSW, WMC Chief Nursing Officer Linda Klimesh, RN, BSN, Patty Casterton, Karen Nielsen, LMSW, Deb Tekippe, RN, Gundersen Lutheran Clinic Director Trudy Belay, RN, Donna Gilbert, RN, and Kathy McNeal, RN. Not pictured is Carmen Krivachek, RT.