







The purpose of this site is to provide information about a one
on one, positive self help network for those diagnosed with
cancer. Our network consists of volunteers who themselves
have been diagnosed with cancer and are surviving.
These volunteers are not doctors nor trained therapists, but
local individuals who offer non-medical information,
reassurance, and emotional support with complete
confidentiality to others dealing with a recent diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis is often accompanied by feelings of fear
confusion, isolation, as well as many, many questions.
What makes Cancer Connections different from many cancer
support groups is the broad focus and emphasis on one to one
interaction. There are support groups for specific types of
cancer in the county. However, this is the first group that
helps people of all ages and all types of cancer, according to
Elaine Gardiner, the founder and coordinator of Cancer
Connections.
If you are newly diagnosed and want to talk to some one
about your cancer please call Cancer Connections at
(805)235-2997 to be matched with a volunteer who has a
similar type of cancer and is surviving. The phone line hours
are 9 AM to 9 PM throughout the year. Our phone is being
provided free of charge by Cellular One of SLO.
Cancer Connections is also seeking cancer survivors to be
volunteers. There are no meetings nor fundraisers involved.
You just need to be a good listener, have a caring positive
attitude and a desire to help others. For more information call
Elaine Gardiner at (805) 235-2997.