Reentering the work force after raising her children, Lisa DePillo of Clarkston had a different standard.
‘I was looking for a job with more meaning and purpose, a way to help people,? said DePillo.
Catching up with her friend Leah McLean two-and-a-half years ago, she found they both felt the same way.
‘Raising children is the epitome of purposeful ? it set my standards higher,? McLean said.
McLean, licensed master social worker with Oncology Social Work Certification, found what she was looking for with Swan for Life Cancer Foundation, founded by Dr. Farid Fata.
‘I heard about Dr. Fata this past fall, met with him, and learned about his program,? said McLean, clinical oncology social worker.
She called DePillo, who has marketing experience in the pharmacy industry, this past December.
‘It came full circle,? DePillo said. ‘This is a perfect fit, a great opportunity ? to be able to do something to help someone on their journey with cancer, it’s a great gift to do that. It makes a difference.?
Swan for Life is a non-profit group providing support, education, and resources to those newly diagnosed with cancer, patients with recurrences, friends and family, and survivors throughout Northern Oakland County.
‘There is a huge need for this in the community,? said Dr. Fata, medical oncologist. ‘Medicine is only one piece of the oncology puzzle. When other resources such as education, community support, a plan of action and therapy options are available, patients find it easier to face the challenges and changes that come with any cancer.?
?’The Foundation’s mission is to offer coaching and support for those affected by cancer,? said DePillo, program coordinator.? ‘We want to help people develop and implement a plan to navigate their journey with cancer so that they will be inspired to live a life that is dignified, hopeful and positive. We take pride in the comfort our programs provide.??
Workshops and programs include Patient and Caregiver support groups; Nutrition, diet and cooking; Symptom management; Navigating insurance issues; Integrative medicine such as yoga, massage, art therapy, meditation, and acupuncture; and Wellness, living and survivor workshops.
‘Our goal is to offer nutrition workshop once a month, and education workshops and wellness programs every day,? McLean said.
Support groups are free, education workshops may have donation fees, and wellness programs are fee for service.
‘Our programs go beyond the clinical needs of the patient,? DePillo said. ‘It means different things to different patients, support groups for one, individual yoga for another ? we believe this part of care ensures that every patient has access to an optimal oncology experience.?
For more information, call Swan for Life, 5680 Bow Pointe Drive, at 248-620-9600.