Cancer + Careers
People around the country are feeling the impact of COVID-19 on their careers. This may mean lay-offs for some and new working conditions for others. For those living with cancer, going back to the workplace or looking for a new job can be scarier than ever before. Many fear job security or a lack of opportunities, but AYAs living with cancer also fear the health risk of going back to the workplace or being able to find a safe job. As a vulnerable population, those living with cancer may experience these crisis-caused challenges and need the help of some career resources.
Cancer + Careers Resources
Cancer + Careers helps those living with cancer become empowered in the workplace via online, print, and in-person resources. From the point of diagnosis, Cancer + Careers can help you navigate the legal and financial implications of cancer treatment. They even provide resources for helping coworkers become a support system.
Cancer + Careers offers resources specific to the COVID-19 crisis such as workshops, webinars and available financial resources. If you’re searching for a new position, look into their tips on interviewing and use their resume review service. While we’re still in quarantine, take some time to view their videos on balancing work and cancer or read some of their free publications on working with cancer.
Let’s keep our communities safe and continue to follow our local and state guidelines. For those in good health and returning to work, please be mindful of the challenges that AYAs may be facing due to this pandemic and remember to wash hands regularly and social distance to protect one another. Please read the CDC’s guidance for safe practices when returning to the workforce.
Alone Together
Treatment Isolation
In these recent weeks, we have experienced a world lacking physical contact and social interaction in efforts to stop the spread of the Coronavirus Disease. To keep our communities safe, many non-essential workers have begun to work from home, while others have lost their jobs due to this pandemic. Education has become online-based and fitness centers have closed. The regular things we do to take care of ourselves are less accessible. COVID-19 can feel isolating for those of us at home, but for those currently in treatment, isolation has become a priority for safe treatment.
When new patients enter into cancer treatment, they are usually greeted with support from the medical team— a team who can provide initial comfort through a hug, a shoulder to cry on, someone to lean on. Cancer patients were also accustomed to bringing a family member to treatment for support, but now they are left feeling alone and scared. Local hospitals have tried to ease this with e-readers for patients to stay active and Zoom meetings between patients and staff to better the patient experience. Read more about their efforts to help patients through these growing challenges of social distancing.
Virtual Peer Programs
At 13thirty Cancer Connect, we are committed to our mission to provide peer to peer programming for AYAs living with cancer. We plan to continue hosting weekly peer programs in all of our regular categories: arts, wellness, and social. Instead of using our Rochester and Syracuse Centers, we are hosting programs via Zoom virtual video chats. This way we can safely stay connected and engaged with one another. If you’re in treatment and joining us for the first time, email Megan or Steve to RSVP and get the Zoom meeting information. Remember, we are alone together.
Share With Us
What are you doing for self-care during this time?
Do you have a daily routine that helps you stay in good spirits? Are you looking for suggestions to stay active?
How are you staying socially engaged with your peers?
Are you using Zoom and social media to stay in touch? What activities have you done together virtually? Are you looking for peers to connect with? You can join us for our next virtual program whether you’re currently being treated or social distancing at home. Check out our calendar of programs and events.
What virtual programs would you like to see 13thirty Cancer Connect host?
Have a movie night suggestion? Maybe you’d like to have a video game competition. Let us know in the blog comments section or connect with us via email today.
If you need immediate emotional support please use the state resources provided below:
OMH Emotional Support Helpline: 1-844-863-9314 *
The Emotional Support Line provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The Help Line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling.
Check out other New York State mental health resources.