Meet Rebekah

Hi I'm Rebekah Wolff. I'm the new blogger for Chix 4 a Cause! An organization that is near and dear to my heart. First off, I'm a busy mom, a 12 year cancer survivor, a Licensed Professional Counselor, an Author, Speaker, and a Life Coach (www.angelwingscoaching.com) in the West Bend Area. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling which led me to help others in my career for not only mental health, but also cancer support. I am also an author of a cancer support book for children and families, "Dear God, Please Make My Mommy Feel Better" that is currently available on Amazon.

In addition to my careers, I advocate self-care in terms of body, mind and spirit. I want to share ideas to help others create balance and to practice mental skills especially, in a critical time of coping with cancer. I was a former Gift of Love Recipient 12 years ago when I went through Stage 3Breast Cancer at 27 yo. This blog means so much to be able to give you that extra inspiration to take care of yourselves and others impacted by cancer.

Want to get in touch? Email me at rebekah.wolff@gmail.com or find me at:

www.angelwingscoaching.com

Inspirational Angelwings Care and Coaching by Rebekah group on Facebook

As a Survivor, Consider Becoming a Mentor for Someone with Cancer

When people experience major life changes, they often want to talk with someone who’s gone through something similar. Connecting with someone else who can relate and provide guidance can provide tremendous feelings of support and comfort. Knowing that the person isn’t going through a life-altering experience alone can help them come through the experience with much better outcomes than if they remained solo along their journey. This is why it’s so important for people who survived cancer to think about becoming mentors those battling the disease.

If you are a cancer survivor, here are some reasons to consider becoming a mentor for someone who has the same type of cancer you did. One-on-one support is vital during an overwhelming diagnosis with cancer. Whereas medical professionals can take care of a person’s physical needs, you can help with their psychological and emotional needs. Providing empathy from firsthand experience lets you assist someone else facing tough questions and unknowns just as you had to. As a mentor, you can provide this person with

information, compassion, and hope.

Talking with someone who’s “been there” can provide a world of good. Although medical professionals can provide facts and scientifically based opinions on cancer-related issues, many cannot relate to what their patients are experiencing. Although everyone’s journey with cancer is different, there may be similarities between your experience and what someone else with a similar type of cancer is experiencing. Perhaps you experienced a rare, lesser known side effect of treatment and happen to come across someone else who’s experiencing a similar side effect. As a mentor, you can provide help and hope that this person otherwise might not have.

Becoming a mentor to someone with cancer doesn’t require much training. You simply need a strong desire to help others, be positive, foster open communication, and remain honest. Relay small bits of information at a time so the person can absorb what’s being said without being overwhelmed. Prepare to repeat the information often, and patiently answer lots of questions. Be sure to establish boundaries up front. Include your availability, how often you expect to meet, for what length of time, what your role will include and exclude, and the best way to contact you.

As a survivor, think about becoming a mentor for someone fighting cancer. You have the credibility of knowing what battling cancer is like and can sincerely empathize about the journey. Plus, you can use what you learned from your own experiences to advocate for someone else to have a potentially better outcome than they otherwise might not.

As part of your mentoring process, consider talking about Chix 4 a Cause with the person who has cancer. Learn more about our Gifts of Love program at chix4acause.org today.

The Importance of Exercise During Cancer Treatment and Survivorship

Daily exercise is important for everyone. This includes people who are actively fighting cancer or in survivorship. Exercise can provide a range of benefits, such as easing nausea, fatigue, and other side effects of treatment.

Find out how exercise can improve the quality of life for people fighting cancer or in survivorship.

Exercise During Cancer Treatment

Exercise can help manage nausea, fatigue, constipation, and other side effects of cancer treatment. Because exercise helps our minds and bodies work together better, it also can improve body image. Since people battling cancer might gain or lose weight, lose their hair, feel tired a lot, and have other adverse experiences, they tend to view themselves in a less positive light. Exercise can help these people become more aware of the bodies they inhabit and gain a stronger sense of control over what’s happening to them, which may lead to better outcomes.

Exercise During Survivorship

Exercise can help alleviate fatigue, nausea, weight management, and other issues during survivorship as well. It also addresses bone health for people who lost bones or are taking medication that takes away their bone density. Plus, exercise addresses muscle mass that helps keep bodies at the right weight to improve body image.

Exercise during cancer treatment and survivorship can act as medicine for the body. In a related manner, Chix 4 a Cause’s Gifts of Love program can act as salve for the soul. If you or someone you know is fighting cancer, get in touch with us. Learn more about our program at chix4acause.org today.