MRS. KATHEKE MBITHI WE CAN Summit on Breast & Cervical Cancer Advocacy Protea Hotel Courtyard Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Sept 11 th -13 th 2014

MY STORY

THE ROLE OF SUPPORT GROUPS: Pros & Cons

What is a support group? It is a group of people with common experiences or concerns who provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice. (Oxford Dictionary)

THE BENEFITS  Human beings are social by nature. We feel and look good when surrounded by other people.  Support group provide a practical assistance, emotional support, a sense of belonging and realistic information relating to the normal course of the illness.  One gets comfort and strength through a support group by sharing experiences and feelings with

Cont…  Others who are facing or have faced common challenges and this creates a stronger bond between the members. One learns coping skills.  Sharing helps reduce stress, fear and anxiety and helps promote healing.  Support groups can improve /and or enhance the quality of life for survivors to overcome

Feelings of loneliness and helplessness.  There is a strong link between support group members and greater tolerance of cancer treatment.  Discussing problems in a group setting may make it easier for a person to discuss with friends and family. This encourages family involvement and speed up the recovery process.

 If we talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary.  Support group members share what has worked or not worked for them. Sharing stories make them realize that whatever questions or reactions they might have are quite normal.

Sometimes it is so difficult to talk with your loved one about your feelings, because you both have so much going on. Support groups teach one on how to manage personal relationships with spouse, partner, caregiver, siblings, children and friends.

Cont…  As a member of a support group, gather as much information as possible: Knowledge is Power. KNOWLEDGE HEALS KNOWLEDGE HEALS… IGNORANCE DETROYS IGNORANCE DETROYS

ON A LIGHTER NOTE “ Whoever thought up the word mammogram? Every time I hear it, I think I am supposed to put my breast in an envelope and send to someone ” ….Jan King

GUESS WHAT??? THERE IS NO COST TO JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP

TYPES OF SUPPORT GROUPS  Some support groups provide information and education. For example, what to expect with chemo and tips on how to cope with treatment.  Others focus on providing emotional support. This kind encourages members to share their feelings. ***both play a role in the recovery process following diagnosis and treatment.

Cont..  There is also the Complimentary Therapy support. This can be either yoga, meditation, reiki, zumba etc.  Some support groups are made up of people with either the same type of cancer, same gender, same kind of treatment or same or close age group.  There is online or telephone support groups.

Cont….  And now with social media, there is support groups being created, e.g. whatsapp  Support groups come in different forms and sizes.  There is no successful support group model. Find one that meets your needs. A support system that works for you

WHERE TO MEET Support groups can meet in: Hospitals School classrooms Church Community canters Office building Members homes Online

HOW OFTEN??? Support group meeting can be held: Daily Weekly Monthly Or when need be

WHO CAN FACILITATE??? Support group meeting can be lead by: Survivors Caregivers Trained professionals Clinicians

MY EPITOME OF STRENGTH

Cont:

DRAWBACKS  Support groups can be powerful force for healing, but they are not for everyone!!!  Assumes everyone will overcome the fear of speaking in public about personal issues.  Some members find support group upsetting because it brings back bad or painful memories.  Some members might find there are no topics of interest in the meetings.  Some members also might confidentiality since this groups are not guarded by any law.

Cont…  Members can use support group forums to vent out on what he/she thinks his/her caregiver(s) ought to have done  Some members will also use the setting as a place to solicit for money.  Support groups are not biased on certain religion(s) but some members take advantage to push for their religion

Cont…  Some members will also use support group gathering to sell certain products. They market products they think would ease may be pain, boost immunity etc

Keep on SMILING and one day LIFE will get tired of upsetting you

PARTING SHOT  YOU are not labels other people give you. YOU ARE A BEING OF IMMENSE POWER and BREATHTAKING BEAUTY created in the IMAGE OF GOD. THANK YOU ASANTE SANA

MY CONTACTS KATHEKE MBITHI Member: Reach to Recovery International Member: Kenya Cancer Association Facebook: Katheke Mbithi Twitter: KathekeMbithi Skype: Katheke Mbithi Tel: (+254) , (+254)