A cancer diagnosis triggers countless questions, emotions, decisions and challenges for patients and their families. The Bertuch family learned this firsthand when their daughter, Cindy Rosencrans, was diagnosed with breast cancer. But the family also discovered something else — the benefits of advanced planning and when Cindy’s disease was identified as incurable — end-of-life care.
Cindy’s family wanted other cancer patients and their families to have those same opportunities. So, they created the CINDY Bertuch Rosencrans Life Expressions Program. As part of the support services at the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, the CINDY Program meets the needs of patients and their families at all stages of disease. The program’s emphasis is supporting the end-of-life process.
Care and Advance Care Planning
Expert social workers staff our CINDY Program and help patients explore and identify their personal healthcare wants. They empower patients to communicate their choices with their loved ones and medical team. And they give patients the resources to document their plans and wishes for care.
Our social workers understand that each patient and family is unique and has individual needs. They work closely with each family to identify and explore their specific challenges from initial diagnosis through end of life. They deliver these services and help families find peace through:
- Children’s support programs
- Education
- Legacy work
- Linking to resources
- Support groups
- Workshops/Training
Implementing Resources
Our social workers help patients identify and access valuable planning resources. These resources include educational workshops, support groups and advance directive decision-making tools.
Navigating the System
Treatment planning and making end-of-life care choices can be stressful and overwhelming. Our social workers support our patients every step of their cancer journey, helping them make difficult healthcare decisions and providing information about advance directives.
Documenting Life Experiences
Cindy Rosencrans gave her family a beautiful gift. She expressed her love and sentiments to her family on video. The recording is part of her legacy, and it remains a priceless treasure for her loved ones.
Our social workers understand that documenting life experiences can be cathartic and rewarding. So, they help patients create the same lifetime keepsake for their families. Through workshops, support groups and expressive projects, they guide patients to reflect on the essence of their lives.
