The Life Raft Group is always on the lookout for anything that may be helpful for people dealing with cancer. When we see that other organizations are providing services that may help the GIST community, we like to share that information for everyone’s benefit.
AUSTIN, TX–(March 25, 2011) – Today, LIVESTRONG celebrated the opening of the LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center at an open house for the entire Austin community. The Navigation Center is pioneering a unique new service that will help cancer survivors from Central Texas with all the questions and challenges that accompany cancer. The grand opening event included a program featuring U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett; Texas Rep. Eddie Rodriguez; cancer survivor, champion cyclist and LIVESTRONG founder and chairman Lance Armstrong; and three-time cancer survivor and LIVESTRONG president and CEO Doug Ulman.
“The effects of cancer are felt throughout the Central Texas community, but they hit underserved families especially hard,” said Armstrong. “We created the LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center in East Austin to help anyone affected by cancer overcome the tough challenges that arise after a diagnosis, like insurance problems, treatment concerns and dealing with the emotional impact of the disease.”
“LIVESTRONG is incredibly proud of the milestone we’re celebrating today,” said Ulman. “Opening the LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center allows us to serve people who need help in their fight against cancer and connect them with the support they need to face the disease on their terms. This free bilingual service has the potential to transform cancer care and improve the health of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
“At a time when state and federal funding for cancer may become more scarce, LIVESTRONG is helping to close the gap for Austin-area cancer survivors in a very real and meaningful way,” said U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett. “Cancer affects not only the patient but their family and their community. The LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center will be a great asset to the community as it supports people fighting this disease.”
“People in East Austin struggle with the often overwhelming challenges of cancer,” said Texas Rep. Eddie Rodriguez. “The services provided by the LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center are much needed in our community and I’m very glad to see LIVESTRONG has found a way to provide direct support to the families and medical professionals here.”
The opening of the LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center, co-located at the LIVESTRONG Headquarters in East Austin, marks an expansion of the direct services the foundation offers to people affected by cancer, which have been available online and by phone and now for the first time are available inperson. This community-based center, one of just two facilities of its kind in the U.S., provides free, confidential, one-onone support to anyone affected by cancer including cancer survivors, their friends and family, health care professionals and caregivers of those diagnosed with the disease. Trained, bilingual navigators are onsite to help individuals address a wide-range of needs including the following:
Emotional Support – assistance coping with a cancer diagnosis, help accessing support groups, as well as peer-topeer connections
Fertility Risks and Preservation Options – information on fertility risks and help accessing discounted rates for fertility preservation options
Insurance, Employment and Financial Concerns – information on employment rights and benefits, financial assistance and debt management, including insurance and billing issues as well as medication co-pay assistance
Treatment Concerns – general cancer and treatment information, and matching to clinical trials
To schedule an appointment, email cancer.navigation@livestrong.org or call (512) 220-7777.
