Valley women initiate cancer groups
August 6, 2008
By Laura Geggel
It may take a valley to support a cancer patient, but it only takes a handful of people to start a supportive cancer network.After Lisa Newell, a North Bend mother and cancer survivor, told the SnoValley Star she wanted to start a social network for those touched by all types of cancer, she met a crowd of Relay for Life participants and received about a dozen e-mails from people who wanted to join her cause.
Starbucks Store Manager Katie Binder read the article, too, and invited Newell and her cancer posse to use the Starbucks near the Safeway in North Bend as their headquarters.
Binder lives in North Bend and has worked at Starbucks since 1997.
“When I read that article about what she was doing, I thought what a great opportunity for Starbucks.,” Binder said. “We want to create an open-armed and welcoming environment. I thought, I’m going to say, ‘Hey, what can we do? I’m humbled by your efforts.’”
Binder said Starbucks allows groups to reserve tables. She plans to supply Newell’s network with Starbuck’s pastries during their get-togethers.
The first meeting of Newell’s group will be held at 9 a.m. at the Starbucks Aug 9.
“Hopefully, we’ll all become friends and be there for each other,” Newell said. “Everyone is very excited about it.”
To learn more about Newell’s group, e-mail her at newellvl@yahoo.com.
Another North Bend woman, Susan Olds, read the article and decided to begin a group specifically for breast cancer survivors.
“I used to work for Cancer Lifeline. In fact, I ran their Eastside office,” Olds wrote in an e-mail. “But the site was closed down when it was determined there were more people in need of service in south King County.”
Olds, a 10-year cancer survivor, worked as a community program manager at Cancer Lifeline both in Bellevue and Seattle. To contact Olds, e-mail her at sbirdolds2@comcast.net.
She encouraged breast cancer patients and survivors to use the group as a place for sharing and support.
The group will also discuss resources for those affected by cancer. Each meeting will have light refreshments and some meetings will include craft activities.
Olds’ group will meet from 2-3:30 p.m. the third Sunday of every month at the North Bend Library, 115 East 4th St. The first meeting will be held Sept. 21.
“There are many of us coping with cancer and it’s wonderful to have support in your own community,” Olds said.
Reporter Laura Geggel can be reached at 392-6434 x221 or lgeggel@snovalleystar.com.
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