A blood cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. While your healthcare team is an important source of information, it can also help to speak with someone who has been through a similar experience.
What is the HealthTree Coach Program?
The HealthTree Coach Program connects blood cancer patients and caregivers with trained volunteers who offer personalized support, share their experiences, and help others find reliable resources.
Since 2018, the program has helped patients and caregivers navigate the challenges of living with multiple myeloma. HealthTree is now expanding the program to support people affected by all types of blood cancer.
Coaches are patients and caregivers themselves. They use their personal experiences to help others better understand their diagnosis, find information, and prepare for conversations with their healthcare team. They can offer valuable insight into what living with blood cancer can be like.
How can a HealthTree Coach help you?
Every person’s experience with blood cancer is different. HealthTree Coaches provide support based on your individual needs, including:
Understanding your diagnosis: Finding educational resources about your blood cancer.
Exploring treatment options: Learning about available treatments and clinical trials.
Finding a specialist: Locating blood cancer specialists and information about second opinions.
Managing daily challenges: Sharing experiences with treatment side effects and everyday activities.
Finding financial resources: Connecting with financial assistance programs and support services.
Emotional support: Speaking with someone who understands the challenges of living with blood cancer.
What do patients say about the program?
For many patients, connecting with someone who has faced similar challenges can make a meaningful difference.
One patient shared:
“Thank you for connecting me with my coach. He is an awesome coach! In a short time, he provided me with valuable information that I was not able to find by myself. I am amazed how resourceful he is. Thank you.”
Another described the impact of speaking with their coach:
“Our phone call was a life-changing event for me. The information that you provided was something I couldn’t get anywhere else. Talking to you made all the difference in the world to me.”
How do you find a HealthTree Coach?
Through HealthTree’s online Coach directory, you can search for volunteers based on their diagnosis, treatment experiences, areas of knowledge, and location.
After reviewing their profiles, you can request to connect with someone whose experience matches your needs.
Depending on availability and preferences, you can connect by phone, email, or video call.
You can become a HealthTree Coach
If you have experience living with blood cancer or caring for someone with the disease, you can help others by becoming a volunteer coach.
No professional medical experience is required. HealthTree provides training and educational resources to prepare volunteers.
You don’t have to navigate blood cancer alone
Whether you’re looking for information, emotional support, or an opportunity to help others, the HealthTree Coach Program offers a way to connect with people who understand.
Find a HealthTree Coach or learn more about becoming a volunteer today.
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