Glazier 1

Sydney Glazier

Professor Courtney

ENGL-2010

8 February 2018

Survivors Summiting For A Cure

Two out of every five people will develop a form of cancer at some point in their life.

Despite this, methods of combating this disease are advancing at a rapid pace and the survivor

count follows suit. In a 2014 study from SEER Cancer Statistics it was shown that nearly 70% of

those diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years. This is wonderful news that should

bring with it great comfort. However, these lives will never quite be the same and people require

a lot of work to get themselves functioning properly again. In Utah we have an organization that

has been concerned for these people for over twenty years. The Cancer Wellness House is a

non-traditional care facility in Salt Lake City that is devoted to those currently going through

cancer treatments, those who have survived cancer, and the families of those affected. Patients at

the Cancer Wellness House are treated with a holistic approach to care that includes classes like

nutritional guidance, yoga classes, and acupuncture. They put on events such as the Survivors at

the Summit that provide great hope and happiness for all those associated and raise money for

their organization.

The Survivors at the Summit is their most popular event and takes place each fall in

Snowbird. Anyone is welcome to join, but this is especially for those who have won their fight

with cancer and their families. Those who attend are treated to a pancake breakfast in the

morning followed by the opportunity to hike to the top of the mountain where they are greeted
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with bright yellow tribute flags that boast the names of their family members and friends that

have been affected by cancer. A celebration of life ceremony follows their ascent and they are

joined by motivational speakers as well as entertainment (Survivors at the Summit). This is a fun

activity for all who come but the survivors in particular are affected as they meet new people and

feel part of something bigger as they are able to help others like them get the care they need.

The day has come to change many lives and they have supported this event for over twenty years

now without a plan to end the tradition anytime soon.

Defeating cancer is a major win, but not the end of many people’s battles. Referring to

this struggle, Amy Neil reasons that, “​For many patients, enduring and surviving cancer and its

treatment become the sole focus of life. Once treatment is over, patients often are faced with

worries about the future and decisions about how to transition to life as a survivor.”​ Because of

this, many develop barriers that make progression more difficult. The graph below from the

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center displays challenges that occur as well as their

frequency. The Survivors at the Summit even keeps these issues in mind and can help combat

several of these issues as well.

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Great thought is put into the Cancer Wellness House events as they are not only raising

funds, but are also aimed at healing. Exercise has been proven to aid in cancer care and the

Cancer Wellness House understands that. Dr. Santa Mina and his colleagues with the Wellspring

Cancer Exercise Program performed a study to investigate this claim and learned that their,

“...findings are consistent with the literature describing improvements in cancer-related fatigue,

aerobic capacity, and quality of life with exercise…” In response to these findings, the Cancer

Wellness House offers an exercise training course in which patients are able to strengthen

themselves in personalized ways to help them regain their strength. This is part of a larger scale

healing plan for entire body, combining yoga, reiki, and massage therapy. Dr. ​Ram R.

Amritanshu experimented on the effects of yoga and found that his, “...study also offers support

to long‑term effects of a yoga‑based intervention program wherein cancer patients can use these

learned resources to cope with their survivorship issues. This could have also resulted in better

appraisal of stressful situations resulting in decreased disturbances.” Amritanshu claims that

yoga not only gives these patients the kind of physical care that we would often assume but also

mental aid as it copes with stress.

A mental portion of healing is also required in addition to helping the body. “​The

experience of surviving cancer also may create emotional reactions, such as depression, guilt, or

anxiety, that can evolve into significant emotional difficulties without appropriate help,” (Neil).

This help comes to those at the Cancer Wellness House in many forms to fit their specific needs.

Emotional as well as spiritual support sessions are hosted at the house which are offered for

many different groups from couples meetings to bereavement for those who have lost a loved

one. Linda Bill, director, of cancer patient advocacy in New York suggests, “...peer support
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groups help those who are lacking a circle of family or friends for support... most patients benefit

from some type of group interaction.” Though many programs are group centered, these

programs are especially helpful as they have mentors guiding them through discussions. A

program for learning meditation is offered at the Cancer Wellness Center. There are partnerships

in place with local communities to host social outreach programs to encourage those who have

endured the same experience to share and help each other which makes them feel more involved

as well as less isolated. The added side effect of visiting the CWH is that no matter what

program they are participating in, patients are immediately surrounded with people who truly

understand what they’ve gone though and are supportive of them.

It is critical for the care of our communities that we continue to support organizations like

the Cancer Wellness House. Those with cancer are already going through so much that it is such

a blessing to them when they are able to receive that level of care outside the hospital. The

Survivors at the Summit is not only for those with cancer but will help those who attend develop

a new appreciation for life and understanding of what it is like to be treated for cancer.
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Works Cited

Amritanshu, Ram R., et al. "Effect of Long-Term Yoga Practice on Psychological Outcomes in
Breast Cancer Survivors." ​Indian Journal of Palliative Care​, vol. 23, no. 3, Jul-Sep2017,
pp. 231-236. EBSCO​host​, doi:10.4103/IJPC.IJPC_93_17.

Bily, Linda. "Creative Therapeutic Activities and Support Groups Benefit All Those Involved in
Cancer Care." ​American Health & Drug Benefits​, vol. 10, no. 6, Sept. 2017, p. 295.
EBSCO​host​,libprox1.slcc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=tr
ue&db=ccm&AN=125191683&site=eds-live.

“Cancer Stat Facts: Cancer of Any Site.” ​Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program​,
seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/all.html.

Mao, Jun J. “Overcoming Barriers to Maintaining Physical Activity during Cancer.” ​Memorial
Sloan Kettering​, 15 Feb. 2017, www.mskcc.org/clinical-updates/overcoming-barriers-
maintaining-physical-activity-during-cancer-care.

Neil, Amy J., M.S., M.A.P. "Survivorship Issues for Cancer." ​Salem Press Encyclopedia of
Health​, 2014. EBSCO​host​,
libprox1.slcc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&
AN=94462473&site=eds-live.

Santa Mina, D., et al. "Effects of the Community-Based Wellspring Cancer Exercise Program on
Functional and Psychosocial Outcomes in Cancer Survivors." ​Current Oncology​, vol. 24,
no. 5, Oct. 2017, pp. 284-294. EBSCO​host​, doi:10.3747/co.23.3585.

“State Cancer Facts.” ​Centers for Disease Control and Prevention​, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, nccd.cdc.gov/statecancerfacts/state.aspx?state=Utah.

“Survivors at the Summit.” ​Cancer Wellness House​,

www.cancer-wellness.org/survivors-at-the-summit-.html.