Categories: CharityEvents/What's HappeningNews

LiveLung Revitalizes Support for Lung Cancer Patients

Participants engaging in a lung cancer support group discussion.

News Summary

LiveLung, a nonprofit focusing on lung cancer, is reintroducing in-person support meetings in the CSRA. These monthly gatherings will provide education and community for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Starting June 10, the meetings will include expert speakers and complimentary lunches, fostering connections for those affected by lung cancer, a prevalent health issue in the region. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance to join this supportive network.

Augusta – LiveLung, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting lung cancer patients and their caregivers, is revitalizing its in-person support meetings in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). These meetings aim to provide education and foster a sense of community among individuals affected by lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

The organization will host monthly meetings for lung cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Starting on June 10, the support group will convene on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at The Music Room in The Kroc Center, located at 1833 Broad Street. The sessions are free of charge and include complimentary lunches. To participate, attendees are required to RSVP 24 hours in advance.

Presently, lung cancer presents a significant health challenge in the CSRA, with local residents being at a higher risk. LiveLung aims to mitigate the support gap for these individuals by offering both in-person and virtual educational groups focused on crucial topics such as mental health, early detection of lung cancer, and community healing.

At the meetings, expert speakers will lead discussions, including psychologists and oncologists who specialize in cancer care. Dr. Lauren Bigham from the Georgia Cancer Center is among the featured speakers, addressing the psychological implications of a cancer diagnosis. She emphasizes the necessity for patients to acknowledge and express their array of emotions during their treatment journey, rather than feeling compelled to maintain a solely positive demeanor.

The initiative is led by Beth Eubanks, who has been personally affected by lung cancer in her family. Her husband, Walter, faced an unexpected lung cancer diagnosis following a routine X-ray conducted due to a pacemaker leak. Walter’s intensive treatment regimen included a PET scan, biopsy, chemotherapy, lung surgery, and a year of immunotherapy. Inspired by her husband’s experience, Beth has partnered with LiveLung to provide a supportive environment for others navigating similar battles.

Another participant, Lecia Raiford, noted the importance of finding a supportive network. Having been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023, Raiford expressed her gratitude for connecting with others who share similar experiences. Her current treatment involves a chemotherapy pill, and she anticipates that her medication may be unnecessary by the following spring if her recovery continues positively.

LiveLung aims not only to empower participants through knowledge and community support but also to facilitate meaningful connections among individuals facing lung cancer. The meetings are designed to guide attendees toward a positive outlook on their futures, equipping them with critical education about their condition and available resources.

Representatives of LiveLung encourage anyone affected by lung cancer, whether patients, caregivers, or survivors, to join the monthly meetings. This initiative exemplifies a proactive approach to health and wellness, fostering an environment where those battling lung cancer can share their experiences and gain insights from experts in the field.

For more information and registration, individuals can visit the LiveLung Augusta website, where additional details about the sessions are provided. The revival of these in-person meetings underscores a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for lung cancer patients and their loved ones in the CSRA.