Partners in Hope

Bill and Sue Quigg: Co-Caregivers

Bill and Sue Quigg heartily agree with the research that shows cancer support groups can enhance self-esteem, reduce depression, decrease anxiety and improve relationships with family members and friends.  They’ve seen it themselves…and they’ve felt its impact.

Each member of this lovely couple has received an unwelcome diagnosis in the past.  He, a diagnosis of prostate cancer; she, her own bout with breast cancer.  Though their journey, they’ve held hands, leaned on each other, and found added encouragement and knowledge in support groups available to them.

“Back in 1997, when Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer, we didn’t have the advantage of attending a support group,” said Sue, Bill’s wife.  “However, in late 2000, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, our parish nurse suggested we contact The Wellness Community in Phoenix, which we did right away.  Our support group provided an environment where we very quickly felt comfortable with others going through their cancer journey.”

The Quiggs have gained many friendships from those groups, which have given them an all-important ingredient to recovery – which is hope.  “Most of us don’t know how to ‘caregive,’ so it is extra important to find a group that will help teach you how to get through the tough times,” says Sue.

Bill adds, “Attending the weekly meetings helped keep Sue and me in a positive mindset. For me, seeing the welcoming faces each week kept my spirits buoyed and, in turn, I could be a better caregiver for Sue. One of the biggest lessons we learned is that being a good listener is probably your most important role.”

The emotional benefits these groups can provide are significant. Support groups can help you cope better with your diagnosis and increase your knowledge of cancer and its treatment. “There’s so much to learn,” says Bill, “and there’s no way you can discover it all on your own. We need all the help we can get.”

If, like the Quiggs, you prefer attending support groups in person, you may want to begin by asking your doctor, nurse, hospital social worker or patient navigator about support groups that are offered in your community. The American Cancer Society, CancerCare, Gilda’s Clubs and other organizations runs thousands of cancer support groups nationwide.

Online secure support groups are also provided for cancer survivors and caregivers. The Virtual Wellness Community provides free, professionally led online support groups, as well as Group Loop, an innovative online resource for teens affected with cancer and their parents. In addition, there is an online group in Spanish. Contact www.thewellnesscommunity.org for more information.

After 46 years of marriage, Bill and Sue are deeply grateful to both be in remission as they continue to love and support, not only each other, but those whose paths they’ve crossed traveling on this journey the past eight years. “Remember,” offers Sue, “all support groups are not the same. You might have to try more than one group before you find the one that is right for you. The best support group is the one that works for you.”

For more information, visit The Wellness Community at www.thewellnesscommunity.org.