American Cancer Society Offers Patient Support Services at WVCI

Shannon Taggart learned two important things after she was diagnosed with breast cancer: Having support was empowering, and having access to information put her in control of her diagnosis.

Now a seven-year cancer survivor, Shannon helps other patients by providing support and information as a trained volunteer with the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Resource Center and Believe Boutique. Both services are housed inside Willamette Valley Cancer Institute’s Country Club Road clinic and are offered free of charge.

About Believe Boutique

“When people start to lose their hair, it can be dramatic,” Shannon says. “Patients can come into the Believe Boutique and be fitted for a wig. They can also receive a hat, scarf or a turban. We have volunteers who will teach them how to tie the scarves and make the hats look cool.”

“What’s unique about the Believe Boutique is that it’s here, on-site, which is a bonus for our patients,” says WVCI oncology social worker Lynda Godell. “They can make appointments to be fitted for a wig or experiment with scarves after their doctor’s appointment, or before or after their treatment. This collaboration makes it very convenient for the patient.”

In addition to fittings, Look Good, Feel Better offers in-person and virtual workshops. Trained volunteer cosmetologists help women cope with the side effects of cancer treatment using skin care products and cosmetics.

“How do you make it look like you have eyebrows when you’ve lost yours due to chemotherapy? How do you make it look like you have eyelashes?” Shannon says. “They talk about skin care and all those topics because that’s important to many women. We want to look good, even when we feel horrible.”

To schedule an appointment at the Believe Boutique or to register for the Look Good…Feel Better program, call 800-227-2345.

Cancer Resource Center

The Cancer Resource Center is an area inside WVCI, specifically designed to help patients access information about their specific cancer and treatment, as well as side effects, including nausea, sleep problems, and distress. Visitors will find information about community resources, as well as support services for caregivers. In addition, organizational binders, called personal health managers, are available to newly diagnosed patients to help them keep their paperwork organized.

“The Cancer Resource Center is available to anyone, no matter if they’re getting treatment at WVCI or not,” says Laura Brown with the American Cancer Society. “Whether you want to talk about something that’s personal or you want to talk about something that’s informative, we have that available to you. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or a friend, we have information for you.”

The Cancer Resource Center is open during Willamette Valley Cancer Institute’s regular business hours and is generally staffed by a volunteer from 11 am-2 pm, Monday through Friday.

More ACS programs

In addition to the Cancer Resource Center and the Believe Boutique, the American Cancer Society offers additional programs to assist cancer patients. Information about these programs is available in the Cancer Resource Center.

• Road to Recovery: Volunteers drive cancer patients who have no other means of transportation to their treatment appointments and back home again.
• ACS CARES®: This free mobile app helps people with cancer, their families, and caregivers access personalized information, speak with ACS specialists 24/7, and find resources for emotional health, finances, transportation, and support groups. 

Interested in volunteering?

The American Cancer Society’s programs are volunteer-supported. If you are willing to help cancer patients, there are many opportunities available. Contact the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345 to learn more.