Ed Smith spoke with Vanna Walker, retired Major, U.S. Army and now a member of the Veteran Support group at Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club.
-Vanna talked briefly about her military service
-She talked about her personal journey with cancer and how she struggled to find a support group that she felt comfortable being a part of until she found the Veteran Support Group at Cancer Support Community.
-This group was formed because there was a gap for veterans in our area. The closest support group that is similar is 300 miles away, just outside NYC.
-Cancer Support Community partnered with the Veterans Administration for this support group.
-The Veteran Administration said they are seeing one veteran a day with cancer and so the need for support is growing.
-It is both older veterans that have been exposed to Agent Orange and younger veterans that have been exposed to burn pits.
-Vanna said that she felt comfortable in this support group because she could speak freely with other veterans that understand military service.
-She talked about veterans dealing with a unique set of challenges; PTSD and getting a diagnosis for cancer on top of that can put more stress on their mental health.
– Vanna talked about suciide amongst veterans and how much higher it is compared to civilians.
-She said the support group has members with various types of cancer and encouraged veterans dealing with cancer to reach out to her directly or Cancer Support Community.
-She said the support group is free, just like all of the programs and support offered by Cancer Support Community.
-Vanna said they now offer the support group in person or online.
-She spoke highly of the community feel in the group and at Cancer Support Community and said that it has helped her personally.