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Thrive Support Services for Cancer Patients & Survivors
At Sarasota Memorial's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, we think of cancer care as having 2 essential components. There’s the clinical piece — surgical and non-surgical treatments — and then, there’s everything else, everything a patient and their loved ones need to feel encouraged, healthy and supported throughout the cancer journey and beyond. Everything they need to thrive.
Those “everything else” services are delivered through our Thrive Integrated Oncology Program. Thrive comprises support services for patients in active treatment, as well as free survivorship services for patients who’ve completed treatment.
To connect with our Thrive Program services, call 941-917-7827.
Support & Wellness Services During Cancer Treatment
The Thrive program’s conventional and supportive therapies — from counseling to mind-body wellness classes and cancer rehab — are customized to complement each patient’s treatment plan. These include:
Oncology Navigation Program: Sarasota Memorial Oncology Navigators are registered nurses with specialized training in cancer care who serve as liaisons between physicians, patients and loved ones to enhance communication, coordination and understanding. Their goal is to improve patients’ quality of life, empower families with access to resources and engage them in developing care plans collaboratively.
Oncology Counseling: Our licensed, certified oncology counselors provide emotional support and wellness connections for patients and loved ones coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. For information, call 941-917-7293.
Nutritional Counseling: Our registered dietitians meet with patients and loved ones to develop customized nutritional plans that can help maintain health through cancer treatment.
Cancer Rehabilitation: Our multi-disciplinary specialists help patients manage conditions, symptoms and side effects related to cancer and cancer treatment, including pain or weakness, cognitive impairment, mobility issues and difficulty swallowing.
Genetic Counseling: Our certified genetic counselors assess patients, coordinate testing for hereditary cancer risk and educate families about opportunities to mitigate risk and improve early detection.
Oncology Massage: Oncology-certified massage therapists provide tailored massages for cancer patients.
Group Wellness & Exercise Classes: These free, oncology-specific classes are led by certified exercise specialists and designed for cancer patients, loved ones and caregivers. Previously held in-person at Sarasota Memorial's HealthFit facility prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the classes are currently available only online. Click here for the online Thrive class video playlist, featuring yoga, Tai Chi, recovery exercises and Qigong.
Creative Arts Program: This free weekly program explores the meditative benefits of artistic self-expression. For class details and to RSVP (required), call 941-917-7293.
Support & Networking: Due to COVID-19, many of Sarasota Memorial's in-person classes and group meetings have been put on hold or have transitioned to a virtual / online format. This includes some Thrive peer-to-peer support and education programs, such as Women to Women. Click here or call 941-917-7827 for details.
Support & Wellness Services After Cancer Treatment
Transitioning after cancer treatment can be challenging — physically, mentally and emotionally. Our Thrive survivorship services ensure that patients have the information, resources and support they need following active treatment. These free services are custom tailored to each cancer survivor, no matter when or where treatment was completed.
Survivorship Care Plan Support: Customized to each survivor’s unique experience, the Survivorship Care Plan details recommended follow-up visits, screenings and testing, plus offers tips on staying healthy and dealing with treatment side effects.
Survivorship Nurse Navigation Services: The dedicated Survivorship Nurse Navigator coordinates survivorship services among the care team and participants and links survivors to onsite or community resources.
Nutritional Wellness: Good nutrition is vital to overall health and recovery post-treatment. Our registered dietitians provide nutritional education to help cancer survivors meet their wellness goals. Free group sessions on nutritional wellness and post-treatment diet concerns are offered, as is a new online healthy cooking series: Thrive in the Kitchen. Click here for the video playlist.
Individual Exercise Program: Exercise is a vital therapeutic intervention to return to the activities you love after cancer treatment. Survivors are provided a free customized exercise regimen catered to their individual needs from a certified fitness instructor to create a wellness and exercise plan. We also invite you to try out our online, oncology-specific exercise videos, led by certified exercise specialists; click here for the online Thrive exercise video playlist.
Survivors Support Group: Meet with other survivors and gain strength by having a safe place to connect during the post-treatment transition. Participate in a 4-week survivor’s support group with a licensed and certified oncology counselor.
To connect with our Thrive Program support services, call 941-917-7827.