Your March Patient Newsletter is Here!

Patient Newsletter

Caring Support Every Step of Your Journey
Vol. 107 March 2025

In this Issue:

Livestrong at the YMCA - a free health and wellness program designed to help adult cancer survivors
Meet Amanda Elliott, Hope Abounds Social Work Director
Helpful Articles
- Accepting My Colon Cancer Diagnosis at A Young Age
- Colorectal Cancer or Any Type of Cancer Can Test a Friendship
- Simple Ways to Eat Well During Cancer Treatment
Storehouse Wellness Newsletter

Free LIVESTRONG Program for Cancer Survivors at the YMCA

We’re excited to share an incredible opportunity for cancer survivors: LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. This free 12-week program is designed to help adult cancer survivors regain strength, improve well-being, and connect with a supportive community. Participants will also receive a free 3-month YMCA membership.

New sessions begin May 19th with options for both daytime (at Nir Family YMCA) and evening (at Midtown YMCA) classes, and there are still spots available!

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, we encourage you to learn more and sign up today.

For details, visit: YMCA LIVESTRONG Program

Meet Our Leadership Team

Amanda Elliott

Social Work Director

Hope Abounds Cancer Network is delighted to honor the exceptional service of our Social Work Director, Amanda Elliott! You will often find her busy advocating for our patients, ensuring they can access our programs and services at no cost. Amanda began her journey with us as a Master's intern from UNCW's College of Health and Human Services. Due to her compassionate nature and outstanding work ethic, we feel incredibly fortunate to have her leading our social work department, which consists of students from the same university fulfilling their internship requirements.

Throughout the academic year, Amanda also teaches Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students, guiding them on how to apply their studies in the vital field of social work. She is highly respected among her colleagues and undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression on our patients and the lives of those she has mentored as they embark on becoming exceptional professional social workers!

Amanda's husband serves our country through his military service, and we honor both of them for their service to our country. Since joining Hope Abounds, Amanda has welcomed the birth of her son and daughter, and we are excited to welcome her back from maternity leave. We look forward to celebrating the graduation of two new graduates she has mentored over the past 18 months and starting a new year of service together.

Thank you, Amanda, for everything you mean to us and all you do!

March is Kidney Cancer & Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Kidney cancer is one of the top 10 most common cancers in the U.S., with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) being the most prevalent type. It develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, often showing symptoms like blood in urine, lower back pain, and fatigue in later stages.

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Early detection is critical, as symptoms like blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss may appear late.

Treatment options for colon and kidney cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.

Colon cancer is most commonly diagnosed in adults over 50, though cases in younger individuals are rising. Kidney cancer is often detected in people between the ages of 60 and 70, with early stages typically showing no symptoms.

Helpful Articles

Accepting My Colon Cancer Diagnosis at A Young Age

By Carla Deschamps
March 3, 2025
Being diagnosed with colon cancer at 34 was difficult, but choosing happiness and acceptance helped me find peace through mindfulness, nature and family.
Read now….

Colorectal Cancer or Any Type of Cancer Can Test a Friendship

By Joe Bullock
February 24, 2025
Cancer tested my friendships by showing who could stay present through tough conversations, support me emotionally and endure pain together despite the loss.
Read now…

Simple Ways to Eat Well During Cancer Treatment

By GM Web Services
March 15, 2025
At Hope Abounds, we understand the unique struggles cancer patients face with nutrition and are committed to providing guidance and resources to help patients and families make informed choices about their diet.
Read now…

Sign Up for Storehouse Wellness Monthly Newsletter

One of our trusted partners, Storehouse Wellness, offers a supportive, faith-based approach to health and healing. Their monthly newsletters feature helpful tips, encouragement, and guidance for patients looking to nourish their mind, body, and spirit.

We are proud to offer Storehouse Wellness programs as a resource to our patients, providing an extra layer of support during their journey.

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER HERE

Hope Abounds is a comprehensive cancer support network based in the Carolinas with no-cost daily needs support, medical navigation, education and advocacy for any person with an active cancer diagnosis.