Teaming Up in a Fight Against Cancer
By: David Gonzalez
Updated: November 30, 2012
A local cancer center and a non profit organization have teamed up to provide resources and treatment to people battling all forms of cancer
It's been almost a year since the American Cancer Society closed its office in hopes of using all its funds to fight the disease.
Staff, partners and volunteers can be found inside Texas Oncology four days a week, helping patients and their families.
Texas Oncology is one of only a few places in Wichita Falls where cancer patients receive treatment, either chemotherapy or radiation.
Practice Administrator Nan Parker says the staff provides not only the medical support but the emotional support for both cancer and non-cancer patients and their families.
"They're there just to assist in any way they can. If nothing else, just to say, 'You're not alone. You've got somebody here with you,'" Parker says.
Parker says the staff builds relationships and bonds with patients; helping to get them through some of their darkest times.
"They are very cognizant and aware of listening to a patient, not only for their diagnosis but also anything that they may say that would lead them to believe, 'Hey, they need assistance in other ways too,'" Parker says.
However, assistance is available.
Regan Nabors with the American Cancer Society says after closing down the office last year, ACS officials worked out an agreement to partner with Texas Oncology to have resources available for anyone seeking information.
Nabors says they're fortunate patients can get all or most of their care under one roof.
"We may not have that building anymore but I feel like we are actually providing more services now being at Texas Oncology because it centrally located and they can go from their doctors appointments straight in here and get some services," Nabors says.
She says with more and more patients coming in, the community's support is needed.
"If volunteers from the American Cancer Society were not here... it would be almost impossible for the stuff here everyday to treat and care for the patients in addition to answer all those questions," Nabors says.
"Some people can't give money to a non profit organization. We understand that. But being able to provide your time is just as valuable," Nabors says.
For patients like Kathy Smout though, it's the support that helps piece the healing process together.
Smout says, "They treat you like they care about you. Not like you're another dollar in their pocket. They have a genuine concern for every patient in here."
An ACS representatives is available at Texas Oncology to answer any questions from Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Click on the links for more information on Texas Oncology or the American Cancer Society.
If you'd like to volunteer for the American Cancer Society, call Regan Nabors at 940.781.4393.
