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Gain strength together with new cancer support group

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Christine Carlson (left), a breast cancer survivor and champion behind the new cancer support group in Prairie du Chien, is pictured with social worker and friend Tara Nalepinski, of Crossing Rivers Health. The first support group for individuals touched by any type of cancer, is Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the hospital’s Polodna Room. (Photo by Correne Martin)

By Correne Martin

For cancer sufferers and survivors, family members, friends and caregivers, it’s so important to know there are others out there going through similar disheartening circumstances. Just being in the company of those individuals who have been touched by any type of cancer is comforting and motivating.

Because of the reassurance she’s personally felt while working with the most compassionate, Christine Carlson, a breast cancer survivor, wants to channel her energy into starting a cancer support group in Prairie du Chien.

The first meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Polodna Room at Crossing Rivers Health. The free meetings will follow the third Wednesday of every month at that same time. Individuals touched by any form of cancer are welcome.

“Hopefully we can make it a group effort. I want it to be what [all participants] want it to be,” Carlson implored. “My goal is to have everybody take ownership over the group so, if I can’t be there, it can carry on.”

Carlson grew up in Prairie du Chien and was actually gone from the area for about 30 years. She was living in Michigan when, in October 2014, she found out she had cancer. She had a mastectomy and started chemotherapy, but could not continue due to issues she was experiencing.

Then, she felt something drawing her back to the Prairie du Chien area and decided to move back. Around the same time, she found out her cancer had metastasized.

“I got involved with a Crossing Rivers Health video series about cancer. It felt like such a huge relief in working with them,” Carlson said. “I realized that’s where I wanted to put my energy.”

With the idea of starting a cancer support group in her mind, Carlson wanted some help. She remembered meeting Tara Nalepinski, a social worker at Crossing Rivers, through her time as a patient at the hospital and thought Nalepinski would be the perfect person to help her get the ball rolling.

“She was so helpful to me,” Carlson said. “I can’t emphasize how much help Crossing Rivers has been with this. They’ve really gone out of their way to help me.”

“My main goal is supporting Chris. She is the energy behind this. My role is as back-up,” Nalepinski added. “I’m impressed with her willingness to open this up to anybody and how she wants everyone to have input on how the group will run to fit their needs.”

Years ago, the hospital had a cancer support group that was facilitated by Maria Brummel. But, about four years ago, it stopped, Nalepinski noted.

So as this group fills that void, Carlson said she’ll handle obtaining presenters or general support and resources for each meeting if that’s what the group wishes.

“There is a real need for this,” Carlson reminded. “This group is formed to give cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and those who have lost loved ones the support and strength to move forward together, rather than on their own.”

To view the video featuring Christine’s story as well as others like hers, visit https://youtu.be/yGy-0W-N8ZE.

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