Support group aims to help survivors

Starting in the new year, cancer survivors in Sweetwater County will have a new resource — a Cancer Survivorship Support Group.

“We currently in Sweetwater County do not have an active cancer support group,” Kelly Sugihara, a grant manager for Wyoming Cancer Research Services, explained. “My job is to increase cancer screening rights and help cancer survivors throughout my region.”

Sugihara wanted to create a local support group, not only because it fit with her professional mission, but also because the need is personal for her.

“I am a cancer survivor as well, and so it’s a passion of mine to be able to help others,” she said.

Sugihara personally understands the difficulties cancer survivors face.

“When we are going through cancer or when we’re done with cancer, there’s a grieving process that occurs that we never really talk about in a clinic setting,” she said, explaining many survivors can feel lost. “We have to grieve who we were, and we have to accept who we’ve become.”

Because of the grief cancer survivors have to work through, support groups with other people who are going through the same process and understand it can be especially helpful.

“Our mental and physical health have changed so much that talking to other survivors, I think, is key, because they have a little bit more compassion and understanding,” Sugihara said.

Thanks to her job, Sugihara was able to make the wish for a local support group a reality by partnering with Elements Integrative Wellness Center in Rock Springs, giving them a grant to help them create a program for a support group. Kolbi McKenzie, who started Elements, already does work to help cancer survivors.

“She plays an active role in our cancer care in Sweetwater County,” Sugihara said.

McKenzie has developed and will be leading the cancer survivorship group and program. The free program will be 10 weeks and will cover topics like hair loss, sexual disfunction, emotional support, meditation, and more, as well as including time for open conversation, Sugihara explained. She noted participants can join any time in the 10 weeks.

An information flyer about the program explains support groups have been proven to help participants reduce stress, learn coping skills, manage time, manage anxiety, gain understanding, find balance and support family and friends.

“We’re hopeful that lots of people can come,” Sugihara said. “It would be awesome to be able to continue it and offer this free program.”

The Cancer Survivorship Support Group will meet at Elements at 120 Winston Drive in Rock Springs from noon to 1 p.m. on the first Monday of every month, beginning January 3.