We are thrilled to announce the launch of CCRAN's newest initiative: My Cancer Companion — a peer to-peer support program designed to offer personalized, one-on-one support for cancer patients and caregivers.
The cancer journey can be fraught with stress and isolation and the importance of peer support cannot be overstated. By way of common experience, peer support provides patients and caregivers with a special type of empathy, empowerment, and understanding that can only be given by someone who has walked a similar path.
Peer support can be more effective when participants connect with someone who has similar demographics, disease characteristics, and life experiences; someone in whom each peer can see a reflection of themselves. Their shared commonalities enhance the benefits both received and given, through peer support.
We will get a little personal – each patient is unique, so obtaining more information will allow us to facilitate stronger connections. Participants will complete a short online form from the comfort of their home to share these details. Pairing with My Cancer Companions is based on 19+ metrics, enabling CCRAN to match them with someone in whom they can see a reflection of themselves. Matching criteria include: