A new program, which provides free holistic health services to cancer patients and their caregivers, is available in Boone County.
The Boone County Resilience and Renewal program is made possible through the alliance of the Boone County Cancer Society, The Cabin Mental Health Services and Effie Massage. The program’s aim is to surround cancer patients with services to aid their mental health and well-being while fighting the disease. The program is made possible through the Pam York Memorial Fund. Pam York died in 2023 of lymphoma and the fund began with generous donations of her family and friends to honor her spirit and continue her legacy of light.
“No doubt, cancer is a physical disease, but fighting it day in and day out takes a mental toll for patients and their caregivers,” said Joy Kaylor, Executive Director of the Boone County Cancer Society. “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer these services for families working so hard to overcome the obstacles this disease throws in their way.”
To be eligible to receive the services, cancer patients and their families need only authorization for their doctor or social worker. From there, individuals will eligible to receive counseling services provided by The Cabin’s staff, as well as massage sessions, all held at the Boone County Cancer Society’s Office, conveniently located in Lebanon.
“Mentally healthier people make healthier communities,” said Jennie Smith Executive Director of The Cabin, who has been providing mental health services in Boone Count for X number of years. “When we consider the trauma that cancer brings into the lives of patients and their caregivers – and the rate in which cancer is growing – it’s incredibly exciting that this group of organizations are coming together to serve this population that is so in need.”
“There is so much physical and mental healing that can go in a clinical setting, but massage can be critical parts of the healing process too (Lona to help fill in why),” said Lona Lyons, Owner of Effie Massage.
Free appointments for therapy sessions and massage can be made by calling the Boone County Cancer Society’s offices or on their website.
For more information about the Resilience and Renewal program, visit the Boone County Cancer Society’s website at: boonecountycancersociety.org