A Place for Healing

Volunteers offer nontraditional therapies to help women undergoing cancer treatment

 

Carina Wagner is a licensed acupuncturist that volunteers her services at Integrative Health and Healing Services.
September 4, 2008.

The Press Democrat / Jeff Kan Lee

‘‘You’ve got cancer,” are the three words that launch an incredible journey for many Sonoma County women.

It’s the diagnosis that can stop hearts, open the floodgates of tears or deliver the recipient to the doorstep of Integrative Health and Healing Services, which on Saturdays offers nontraditional therapies for women going through cancer treatment.

Funded by Sutter Medical Foundation’s North Bay Women’s Health Center, donations from Barb’s Race, the women-only section of the annual Vineman Triathlon, and individual donations, service volunteers offer free or low-cost specialized care in a nurturing environment. For licensed acupuncturist Carina Wagner of Sebastopol, donating her time one Saturday per month was just what the doctor ordered.

“A fellow practitioner that I respect called me when Sutter started the breast-care clinic. I was looking for something to do in the community, so it felt like a natural thing to do,” Wagner said.

With 25 years as an acupuncturist on her resume, Wagner had long enjoyed working with patients on women’s issues, ranging from fertility to cancer.

“I see a lot of stress. I like working with people on an emotional level. I like to give my energy and to educate others. That is a big part of my work,” she said.

Currently 12 to 15 women per week partake of alternative therapies that can lessen the physical and emotional stress that comes with cancer and cancer treatment.

“Some people think that you have to choose conventional treatment or alternative treatments ... Or they think nonconventional methods don’t work. Not true,” said program director Pam Koppel. She feels that conventional treatments and nontraditional therapies are a great combination. “Complementary therapies from highly skilled practitioners can have a significant impact on how conventional treatments are tolerated,” she said.

Operating out of the Integrative Medical Clinic of Santa Rosa near the Santa Rosa Airport each Saturday, volunteers offer massage, guided imagery, acupressure, movement such as Feldenkrais work and other stress-reduction techniques.

“What I love about these patients is that they are ready to work. They are facing their lives completely different than they did before they were diagnosed with cancer. They are ready to fight,” Wagner said. She said her patients are also her teachers.

“These women give me perspective and inspiration. Volunteering has become my church. And I’ve learned to appreciate small, ordinary blessings. Grace comes in such ordinary moments,” Wagner said.

The program, which is in its fifth year, hopes to decrease pain, depression, fatigue and anxiety while increasing hopefulness, relaxation and an overall sense of well-being. Participants enter an environment of mutual support, even enjoying healthy snacks of organic fruits and vegetables.

The Saturday sessions require lots of community support. Volunteers with special skills are sought, as are others willing to maintain records, do administrative work or help identify organic farmers willing to donate fresh produce.

Two other volunteer needs include tracking client usage to produce outcome studies and working on the annual spring BidPink online auction, especially encouraging donations.

All the volunteer work ultimately helps cancer patients navigate the rough waters of regaining their health.

“A patient told me the other day that she couldn’t be sure if her decreased side effects could be attributed to the treatments she got ... but she said the nurturing and guidance really helped her spirit. She said when she was here, she felt loved and supported,” Koppel said.

Clinic volunteers are asked to commit one Saturday per month at 175 Concourse Blvd. (off Airport Boulevard). Administrative volunteers are also needed during the week. Women interested in participating in the program or volunteering can call Pam Koppel at 576-4760.