OUR PROGRAM
Wings of Hope History
The concept of Wings of Hope began in October 1987 as a monthly cancer support group. A group of people who had been affected by cancer met to discuss issues concerning living with cancer. They began to learn from each other, ways to improve their quality of life. It became apparent that many people shared this need to express their emotions in a group or individual setting.
In 1994, a steering committee was formed to explore expansion of the Wings of Hope concept, to provide more comprehensive services for people with cancer as well as their family members. Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center was independently established as a non-profit organization in September 1994. Our goal is to provide emotional support and guidance for people, family members, and health professionals as they move forward in their cancer experience.
In the past several years, Wings of Hope has expanded their support services to better meet the changing face of cancer. Some of our newer programs include: counseling services for individuals and families; the Hope Chest Renewal Room, a comfortable room where patients can browse cancer literature, pick out a wig, or just chat with staff; and the HOPE Program, a financial assistance program that can assist patients with prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as gas vouchers.
All services and programs provided by Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center are offered free of charge to cancer survivors and their families.
Wings of Hope 2009 Contacts
In 2009, Wings of Hope made 1,239 contacts with cancer patients, survivors, family members and the community.
These services were provided to persons diagnosed with over 25 different types of cancers:
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50 gas cards and bus passes
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161 counseling sessions
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Prescription assistance to 28 patients
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123 contacts through support groups
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Provision of wigs, hats, blankets, relaxation cd's and/or survivor bags to 320 patients undergoing chemotherapy, surgery or radiation
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22 patients at a relaxing "spa day" experience
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Education of 310 community members with cancer information
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117 contacts through after cancer treatment education programs, like A Time To Heal and The Healthy Survivor
The Many Shades of Pink
Programming for breast cancer survivors.
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Young Women's Breast Cancer Support Group
Support is provided in a group setting for young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month.
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Breast Cancer Support Group
Educational topics and speakers, as well as support, are provided at these meetings. We meet on the 3rd Monday of the month.
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"A Time To Heal" Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program
A 12 week program assisting breast cancer survivors to regain physical, emotional and spiritual health. Held in the Fall of each year.
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Women Helping Women Breast Cancer Awareness/Recogntion Event Survivors and community members come together to increase awareness and celebrate breast cancer survivors.
Our Annual Community Awareness Event is scheduled for October 15, 2009 at the St. Peter's Parish Hall.
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Reach to Recovery
Wings of Hope coordinates the American Cancer Society of Councl Bluffs program that connects newly diagnosed brease cancer patients with brease cancer survivors. |
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A Haven of Hope
General Programming for persons diagnosed with any type of cancer
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Hope for Tomorrow Cancer Support Group
Support for patients, spouses and family members.
Meets with the Breast Cancer Support Group on the 3rd Monday of each month.
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Hope Chest Renewal Room
This unique program promotes renewal for cancer survivors. We have wigs, hats, and survival kits. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 - 12:00. Spa days are scheduled several times a year.
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Counseling Services
Counseling and mind-body techniques for cancer patients and their families.
Licensed Mental Health Professional available on appointment basis.
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Men's Cancer Activity Group
Men dianosed with any type of cancer are invited to socialize with each other in casual settings.
Group meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month at The Center in Council Bluffs, to talk and get moving with Wii games.
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Women's Cancer Survivor Exercise Group
Newly diagnosed and long-time female survivors are invited to take exercise classes based on a therapeutic movement program called "Healthy Moves".
Wendy Buchholz, an Occupational Therapist, is the teacher for this class. We meet at The Center on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, starting January 2010.
Call 325-8970 to register.
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Healthy Survivor Classes
This 8 week class focuses on physical fitness, nutrition and emotional coping. Wings of Hope sponsors the program in collaboration with Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Alegent Mercy Hospital. Meets in the spring.
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HOPE Program
The HOPE Program provides financial assistance to pre-qualified patients during their cancer treatment. We can help with symptom management medications, nutritional supplements, and transportation costs. |
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 HOPE Program Brochure
This new program is designed to provide financial assistance to pre-qualified patients for symptom management medications and related nutritional supplements during their cancer treatment.
Everybody had a great time at our second annual Spa Night.
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