Faith
October 30, 2019
Three Lessons on Fighting Cancer from United States Marine Corps Veterans
When entering any branch of the military, most service members are not especially thinking about what they will personally get out of their time in service. They go into the military to use their talent and strength to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Americans. What they don’t realize is that through their service, […]
Read MoreFebruary 12, 2018
10 Tips for Keeping Relationships Strong Through the Cancer Journey
Living with cancer is one of the hardest things a person may face in his or her lifetime. Not only do cancer patients have to battle the disease and the side effects from treatment, cancer can also test relationships. Michael Uhl, MA, MDiv, LMFT, Mind-Body Therapist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) in Zion, […]
Read MoreAugust 10, 2015
Rituals of Faith
Prayer and other spiritual practices can be an important source of support and solace for patients and families during their cancer journey. Major illness is a physically taxing and emotionally draining experience for everyone involved—patients and family members—and faith-based rituals provide much-needed comfort and encouragement. “We all have a spiritual dimension to our lives, whether […]
Read MoreAugust 10, 2015
Prayer Rituals for Patients and Family Members
Catholic Religious practices include bedside prayers, the Eucharist (if requested) and the use of sacramental aids in the spiritual life, including such items as rosary beads and holy images of saints, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus. “During the Anointing of the Sick, a priest will anoint the patient with blessed oil, forgive all sins […]
Read MoreMay 15, 2015
Spiritual Sanctuary
Patients diagnosed with cancer today have access to an increasing array of advanced therapies, but for some another tool that has withstood the test of time becomes invaluable on their cancer journey: faith. Reverend Percy McCray, National Director of Faith-Based Spiritual Programming at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), says that pastoral care providers at […]
Read MoreNovember 3, 2014
The Power of Prayer
A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can have a profound emotional and spiritual impact on those touched by the disease. For many patients and their caregivers, turning to prayer can help ease the burden, helping them better cope with the challenges they face. According to a National Cancer Institute summary of research related to the […]
Read MoreSeptember 21, 2014
10 Tools to Nurture Your Spirit During Cancer
When you’re facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment, like many patients and caregivers, you may feel overwhelmed from time to time. For those moments when your spirit needs a boost, it can help to have tools in your back pocket to rely upon. The Pastoral Care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® in Tulsa, […]
Read MoreSeptember 12, 2014
Scripture Provides Encouragement
Everyone needs encouragement occasionally, especially when facing cancer. The Pastoral Care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® in Tulsa, Oklahoma suggests scripture as a source of encouragement. For patients of the Christian faith, the Bible has many scripture verses to inspire us during our daily lives. The list below is just a few. If […]
Read MoreJuly 29, 2014
Cancer Care Ministries
Spiritual congregations can serve many roles for their members, providing invaluable support in myriad spiritual, social and practical ways. As the leader of a faith community, a pastor is often asked to minister to members on not only questions of faith, but on concerns that range from divorce to parenting to financial matters. And while […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2014
Advance Directives: Preparation and Peace of Mind
According to Chip Gordon, MDiv, Director of Pastoral Care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) in Newnan, Georgia, many people have a misconception about advance directives. He says that individuals often consider these written statements, which explain how you want medical decisions made if you can no longer make them yourself, as a sign […]
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