The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has awarded a grant to the Cancer Caregiver Community Program at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.
The $17,000 grant, given by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Fund for Caregivers at the Community Foundation, will allow Karmanos to continue providing engaging programming to cancer caregivers in Metro Detroit.
The Cancer Caregiver Community Program was created in 2017 thanks to funds given by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Fund for Caregivers and has extended support services already offered to survivors to caregivers at locations like the Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Weisberg Cancer Center in Farmington Hills. This year’s gift will assist in continuing to grow the current program to include additional activities for caregivers, including more opportunities for caregivers to manage new relationships with other caregivers going through the same journey while developing healthy habits for managing their own emotions.
“It’s important for family and friend caregivers to receive assistance alongside those undergoing cancer treatment. Family and friends sacrifice their own time, mental health and freedoms while facing external daily stressors to help in their loved one’s fight against cancer,” said Kathleen Hardy, LMSW, oncology social worker at Weisberg.
The current activities and services offered by the program range from art therapy to support groups geared toward enhancing caregiver experiences. Additional activities include jewelry-making sessions, massage therapy, yoga, Reiki, tai chi, and more. Reducing stress and providing an outlet for expression have been some of the main goals of this program since its inception.
“Giving caregivers access to additional resources allows us to contribute to the success of the caregiver and our patients,” Hardy said.
Workshops for caregivers are available in person at Karmanos’ Detroit and Farmington Hills campuses. Virtual workshops are also available. Caregivers may contact Kathleen Hardy, LMSW, for more information about the Cancer Caregiver Community Program by calling 1-800-KARMANOS (527-6266).
About the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a full-service philanthropic organization leading the way to positive change in our region. As a permanent community endowment built by gifts from thousands of individuals and organizations, the Foundation supports a wide variety of activities benefiting education, arts and culture, health, human services, community development and civic affairs in the seven counties of southeast Michigan. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan honor Mr. Wilson’s charitable legacy by supporting efforts across the region in caregiving, design & access, and youth sports, as well as for community assets in Mr. Wilson’s home community of Grosse Pointe. For more information, please visit www.cfsem.org.