Cancer patients and their families and friends face numerous challenges. Suddenly plunged into a world of unfamiliar medical terms, tests, and treatments, many feel overwhelmed. I Can Cope classes were designed to meet the needs of these patients and their families.

Developed by two nurses and offered across the country by the American Cancer Society, I Can Cope provides the kind of cancer education that patients need – practical information about cancer, an understanding of the various treatments used to fight cancer, and strategies for selfcare for those facing cancer. Each class emphasizes an important topic to the cancer experience.

Angie Herring and her caregiver attended I Can Cope classes at Lawrence Memorial Hospital last fall. “We were looking for more information about my breast cancer," Herring said, "so we went to all of the I Can Cope classes and found them very helpful."

"The medical professionals who presented were so informative and caring," Herring explained. "These classes took away a lot of our fear and helped us to know what to expect as I progressed through my cancer journey. I would recommend I Can Cope to anyone who is going through cancer."

Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the American Cancer Society are teaming up to offer free I Can Cope classes at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays in May 2011:

• May 5, “Exercise During and After Treatment,” with Vic White, MS, ACSM, Health Fitness Specialist

• May 12, “Money Matters,” with Emily Donaldson, Stevens & Brand, and Doni Mooberry, Mooberry Financial

• May 19, “Nutrition During and After Treatment,” with Barbara Hermreck, RD, LD, CNSD, Dietitian, and Susan Krumm, CFCS, Nutrition Educator

• May 26, “Caring for the Caregiver,” with Dona Snead, LSCSW, Social Worker, and Debby McNemee, BSN, RN, OCN, Oncology Nurse

“Experience has shown that people who know more about their disease can make informed decisions with their doctors and become partners in their treatment team,” said Deb Parsons, Society director of Health Initiatives in Kansas. “The I Can Cope program gives participants an opportunity to share their concerns with others having similar experiences and to design ways to cope with the challenges that arise from a cancer diagnosis.”

The I Can Cope curriculum incorporates information about the latest advances in cancer treatment and stresses the role of class participants as partners in the learning experience. Guest lecturers provide important background information, and class members are encouraged to identify and find solutions for some of the challenges they face in coping with cancer.

Family members are encouraged to attend, and their concerns are included in all classes, particularly those that deal with communication and intimacy. Improving communication skills has benefits within the family and in the doctor-patient relationship. Class members are always encouraged to discuss problems with their physicians or health care providers, while at the same time taking responsibility for much of their own well-being by learning to better manage issues such as stress, diet, and exercise.

In addition, videotapes, printed materials, and class discussions provide up-to-date information for patients, family, and friends.

Classes are free and open to the public. To register or for more information, please call LMH Connect Care at (785) 749-5800 or log on to www.lmh.org. All classes will be held at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine St., Lower Level Meeting Rooms. Refreshments will be served.

For cancer information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or go to www.cancer.org.