Three of our wonderful and supportive Peer to Peer Support Program thriver volunteers!
The Foundation has provided me with the latest in news, treatments, and support. Participating in the Peer to Peer mentor program, has been a rewarding experience for me. Reaching out to other 'thrivers' to share our stories, expectations and just a friend to lean on, is such a heart-warming relief.
Sheri, Anal Cancer Thriver
We are proud to offer the community our one of a kind Peer to Peer Support Program. The Peer to Peer Support Program is a free service provided by the Anal Cancer Foundation that matches anal cancer thrivers (our word for survivors) and caregivers with thriver volunteers and caregiver volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for someone to get connected to an ACF Volunteer?
Anal Cancer Foundation ('ACF') recognizes there is an urgency for cancer patients (we call them 'thrivers') and cancer caregivers ('caregivers') seeking support. Our goal is to find and match thrivers and caregivers with an ACF volunteer within one week of completing registration.
Together an ACF volunteer and thriver or caregiver decide the best method(s) of contact that works for both the support seeker and the volunteer. Communication with a volunteer is often a progression of comfort on both sides. Some examples include:
- Telephone
- Text Messaging
- Video Chat
- Social Media (with both parties ensuring the messages are private)
- In Person Face-to-Face
What issues do support seekers (Thrivers and Caregivers) discuss with Volunteers? What kind of help can Volunteers give?
The relationship between a support seeker and an ACF volunteer is a natural, friendly mentorship that is supportive in nature. ACF volunteers never dispense any medical advice or try to diagnose a medical problem. ACF volunteers listen, question and help thrivers through their cancer journey by sharing their own experiences. Conversation topics might include:
- What treatments and side effects feel like in the volunteer’s experience
- Tips on dealing with side effects
- Pain issues
- Stigma and social experiences relating to the diagnosis
- Experience navigating the medical system
- Support from family and friends
Do ACF Volunteers help people at any cancer stage and/or post-treatment?
Yes, connections are available for anyone at any point in their cancer experience. From newly diagnosed, to in treatment, to post-treatment, to post post-treatment, anal cancer thrivers and their caregivers are in need of support. We seek to provide support at any stage of your cancer journey.
