LIFE

Cancer Support Community: 'We give out a lot of hugs here'

Maureen C. Gilmer
maureen.gilmer@indystar.com

There's a rose bush in the yard at Cancer Support Community's Northwestside office that symbolizes hope and life.

It was planted in 2012, in memory of a breast cancer support group member who had passed away. A severe drought later that year meant a ban on watering, which could have doomed the delicate bush.

"I can't let this bush die," Brandi Truesdale remembers thinking. The support group can see the plant from the window of the room where it meets.

While other young trees around it fell victim to the dry soil as the facility's irrigation system remained inactive, the rose bush survived, thanks to Truesdale and others giving it small drinks of water when they could.

That group effort to save one bush is a reflection of the "community" in Cancer Support Community. The organization offers those with cancer, their families and caregivers a full complement of services — free.

Truesdale is director of constituent and community engagement for CSC. At least, that's what her business card says. On her door is a homemade sign that better defines her role — director of awesomeness.

But it's the people she serves who are really awesome, she says. They care about one another and support one another. They grieve when they lose a member of their community, and they celebrate milestones together.

"People develop lifelong friendships here," Truesdale said. "In one group, one gentleman passed away, unfortunately, but he left his car to another group member, and she drives that car here every Thursday."

Laura Shedd has been coming to the center several times a week since 2011, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is cancer-free now but suffers many ailments resulting from eight surgeries over the years.

"I participate in everything I can," said the 55-year-old, whose husband died last year. "Restorative yoga, tai chi, support groups, crafts. They have been my lifeline."

Shedd also is an artist who teaches watercolor classes at the center. She said it's important to her to practice her art and share it with others who are dealing with cancer.

"By sharing my story, I want people faced with a cancer diagnosis to know that you don't have to do it alone."

Cancer Support Community formed in July 2009, when The Wellness Community and Gilda's Club Worldwide (named for comedian Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989) joined forces. The local group was a Wellness Community affiliate when it opened here 20 years ago.

Laughing Matters, the group's annual fundraiser, will celebrate CSC's 20th anniversary. The March 7 bash at the JW Marriott features entertainer Wayne Brady.

CSC moved from Keystone at the Crossing to its new center at 5150 W. 71st St. five years ago. From the outside, it almost resembles a church, but inside it's more like a home — comfy sofas, fireplace, gourmet kitchen, a library. Out back is a garden, where painting classes are held in the spring.

Most days, you'll find some activity, whether cooking classes, counseling, African drum circles, painting or a movie club. A small group of program participants have formed a string orchestra that entertains at special events.

There's also a kids' spot, where young children and teens can hang out.

"We support the whole family," said Eric Richards, president and CEO, using a five-pillar approach: support, education, healthy lifestyle, social opportunities and wellness. He considers CSC services complementary to more recognized groups such as the American Cancer Society and Little Red Door.

The center employs five full-time staff, along with a part-time controller. In addition, there are four clinicians who work on a contract basis, two clinical interns and a marketing intern.

Volunteers fill whatever holes they can. As Truesdale can attest, the center doesn't have to look far for people to help. Like Shedd, they already are part of the community.

"I just did volunteer orientation, and five out of the six were survivors," Truesdale said. "They want to give back, and this is a way they can do it in a non-monetary way."

Cancer Support Community is a community resource, but it's also a community of people on a shared journey, Richards said. The center's programs are designed not only to educate but to reduce isolation.

Truesdale tells the story of a pair of women who are regular participants in CSC programs. The two were elementary school friends who had lost touch but reconnected after a chance meeting at the grocery store. Now in their 60s, with one fighting cancer, the other drives her to yoga and other programs.

"This place helped me reconnect with my best friend," Truesdale remembers one of the women saying. "She got really emotional and said, 'I brought my best friend here, but I've made so many friends.' And she's a caregiver."

That fellowship illustrates the value of a community gathering place for people navigating a life-threatening illness, she said.

"We give out a lot of hugs here," Truesdale said, "and we get a lot of hugs."

Under Richards' direction, the center is branching out into the larger community, offering programming off-site at area hospitals.

"We're going where the patients are," he said. "We understand that not everyone can make the drive here, so on Mondays and Wednesdays, when people are getting chemo and radiation, we offer counseling at Franciscan St. Francis on the Southside."

He is in talks with other hospital systems, including Community and Eskenazi Health, to make similar arrangements. And he is considering taking staff and programs into local businesses. In 2013, CSC served 1,000 people; last year, the number doubled, thanks in part to the outreach efforts.

"We've been a well-kept secret for so long," he said.

Call Star reporter Maureen Gilmer at (317) 444-6879. Follow her on Twitter: @MaureenCGilmer.

Laughing Matters with Wayne Brady

When: 6:30 p.m. March 7.

Where: JW Marriott, 10 S. West St.

Tickets: $250.

Info: (317) 257-1505, cancersupportindy.org.