Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Phillips Family Cancer Center and Ellen Hermanson Breast Center have aligned with the Cancer Hope Network to connect adult patients with cancer (18 years old and above) and their loved ones with trained volunteers who have undergone treatment and lived through a similar cancer experience.
“As a cancer survivor, I understand how frightening and isolating a diagnosis can feel,” said Sarah Cohen, an administrator coordinating the project at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. “The opportunity to have access to someone who has already gone through treatment can inspire hope and confidence. Cancer Hope Network is the gold standard for peer support and we are pleased to have them join our work.”
“We are thrilled that Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is partnering with the Cancer Hope Network,” said Linda Bily, former Cancer Patient Advocacy & Community Outreach Coordinator at Stony Brook Cancer Center. “Peer mentoring is a worthwhile resource for all oncology patients and an opportunity for our patients to share their experiences with the newly diagnosed. Once you are a patient at Stony Brook, you become part of the Cancer Center family for life.”
“Cancer Hope Network was the first in the nation to provide free and confidential peer support for patients with cancer and the people who love them,” said Sarah Miretti Cassidy, Director of External Affairs, Cancer Hope Network. “We are pleased to work together with Stony Brook Southampton Hospital to provide volunteer opportunities and 1:1 peer support for adults facing cancer on the East End.”
The Cancer Hope Network process includes an initial assessment, coordination of a peer match and oversight to ensure support at every phase of treatment. Matches are facilitated within 48 hours of initial contact and typically take place over the phone — although there is also in-person and online support available upon request.
Support volunteers must be at least one-year post-treatment or successfully undergoing maintenance therapies. Serving as a volunteer is an opportunity for survivors and caregivers to help newly diagnosed patients navigate treatment and survivorship. To become an East End Support Volunteer, contact Ragan Ingram at 631-726-8800 or ragan.finalborgo@stonybrookmedicine.edu.
Patients with cancer who live on the East End or their caregivers can be connected with a Cancer Hope Network Support Volunteer by visiting cancerhopenetwork.org/stonybrooksouthamptonhospital/ or calling 1-877-HOPENET. Those interested can also schedule a meeting at the Phillips Family Cancer Center to be matched with a trained local volunteer.