Moving Beyond Cancer in NOLA: Cancer Policy Institute July Newsletter

July 2018

Dear Catherine,

As technology continues to grow and evolve, our ability to engage online is increasingly vital to stay connected to our loved ones. This need to connect quickly and easily is even more present during a person's cancer journey. MyLifeLine, an online platform that helps cancer patients stay connected with their family and friends, joined the CSC family this year, and demonstrates just how important online connections are for those seeking social, emotional, and practical support.

Through MyLifeLine, users can send updates to friends and family, coordinate volunteers to help with meals, rides, errands, child care, find resources on financial issues, health insurance, treatment options, and so much more. Platforms like MyLifeLine are essential to not only help us stay connected with our loved ones during their cancer journey, but also to share our stories. Sharing your story and experience online are an important part of advocacy. You are the expert on your experience, and no one can tell your story like you.

Use platforms like MyLifeLine, Facebook, Twitter, or the CSC Grassroots Advocacy Network to share your experience, challenges, successes, and needs with your community and the policy makers who have the power to make real change. Check out some examples of advocacy thanks to MyLifeLine from its founder, Marcia Donziger, in this month's Advocate Spotlight, and start sharing your own story.

Elizabeth F. Franklin, LGSW, ACSW
Executive Director
Cancer Policy Institute
action@cancersupportcommunity.org

Caring for Caregivers at CO Cancer Caregivers Day

For Britton and Jen Thomas, MyLifeLine, now a part of the Cancer Support Community (CSC), was a major source of social and emotional support after their significant others passed away from cancer. This month, Colorado Lt. Governor Donna Lynne honored them and thousands of other caregivers by reading a proclamation declaring Cancer Caregivers Day in Colorado.

Advocate Spotlight: Marcia Donziger, Denver, CO

"I am passionate about treating the whole person during a cancer journey. As a survivor myself since the age of 27, I understand firsthand that treating cancer goes beyond the medical treatment. The social and emotional toll of the cancer experience cannot be understated. It takes a community to pull someone through the difficult times when you feel like you can’t endure the challenges anymore."

Read more from Marcia about her passion for caring for the whole person.

Living with Cancer? MyLifeLine can help you stay connected to your loved ones

MyLifeLine is an online resource that provides cancer patients with the ability to easily connect with their friends and family. Our online portal helps patients regain control and receive social, emotional, and practical support throughout their cancer experience. We are ecstatic that our recent partnership with the Cancer Support Community will help further our shared mission to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

MyLifeLine

CSC Comments on the Blueprint to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-Of-Pocket Costs

In May, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released it's Blueprint to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-Of-Pocket Costs with a request for comments from stakeholders to inform the final policies the administration will implement that will seriously impact cancer patients. Read the Cancer Support Community's comments to HHS regarding the need for transparent policy changes that improve patient access to and affordability of treatment options.