Young professionals group to host brunch following 5K run
ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH, July 1, 2023 — New Day Foundation for Families is proud to announce the launch of New Day NEXT, a young professionals’ group of passionate and motivated friends designed to cultivate the next generation of philanthropy, along with the group’s first event – a brunch following New Day’s 5K Run on Sat., July 29. NEXT aims to inspire the incoming generation of emerging leaders to advocate for New Day today, ensuring its legacy for tomorrow. NEXT is built on three pillars: fun-raising, advocacy, and volunteering.
“The New Day NEXT initiative represents the embodiment of comradery and compassion, as we come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families battling cancer,” said NEXT co-founding council member Sarah Smith. “We designed NEXT to connect up-and-coming and established professionals to turnkey donation, mentorship and relationship building opportunities. It is our hope we will cultivate the next generation of New Day donors, giving them the power to create lasting change, all while building lifelong relationships and having a little fun along the way.
NEXT will make its debut this summer in conjunction with the Color of Wellness 5K Run, which benefits New Day Foundation, by hosting a post-race brunch at O’Connors Public House in Downtown Rochester on Sat., July 29. Those interested can join the NEXT team in the race, or simply meet up afterward for the brunch. Show your race bib or t-shirt to get 10 percent off your bill from 9:30- 11:00 am.
“The future of New Day Foundation for Families lies in our ability to create space for the next generation to bring innovative new ideas and energy to the organization,” said Gina Kell Spehn, New Day president and co-founder. “We’re excited to tap into the passion and leadership of these dedicated young professionals. Through them, New Day will sustain its commitment to providing vital financial and emotional resources to families facing cancer, and will continue to level the playing field for all cancer patients, for generations to come.”
NEXT’s membership model drives instant donations and engages passionate members. Interested participants can visit New Day’s website at www.foundationforfamilies.org/new-day-next. NEXT is led by its founding Leadership Council: Jordann Andrusiak of West Bloomfield (Synergy Capital Solutions), Amber Beauchamp of Sterling Heights (City of Rochester Hills), Katie Bryk of Clinton Township (BSP Law), Whitney Bunn of Royal Oak (Rockford construction), Danielle Leath of Shelby Township (Marsh McLennan Agency), Eric Nahat of Ann Arbor (Synergy Capital Solutions), Mike Pietila of Utica (Nebo Lending) and Sarah Smith of Lake Orion (Tiicker).
New Day Foundation for Families is a 501c3 Charity Navigator Four-Star rated nonprofit, Platinum Level Guidestar organization and Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits. The Rochester Hills, Mich. organization is an accessible, trusted and patient-centric cancer support organization that provides financial and emotional resources to families facing cancer. Programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship by alleviating financial and emotional stressors. New Day pays critical living expenses (direct to creditors) and offers professional counseling and grocery support to help patients maintain medical compliance and improve quality of life.
New Day NEXT co-founding members join together to do Radical Good for families facing cancer.
Expands Commitment To Cancer Support In West Michigan
ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH., February XX, 2023 – New Day Foundation for Families, a nonprofit dedicated to providing financial assistance and emotional support to families facing cancer, today announced the addition of Geralyn Roobol, LMSW, BS, RN, CMAC, Director of Cancer Services at Corewell Health – West Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion in Grand Rapids to the board of directors. The announcement was made by New Day Co-founder and President Gina Kell Spehn
“I see the effects of financial toxicity on patients and families every day,” Roobol said. “Having a resource like New Day to alleviate those worries – ‘am I going to lose my house, what if I lose my job, what will happen to my children’ – is invaluable. Patients are more fearful of the financial impact of their cancer than they are about surviving the disease.”
Roobol has been with the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion since it opened in 2008, developing the oncology nurse navigator program which now employs 11 nurse navigators. She has also successfully obtained funding to support the start-up of supportive services for oncology patients. Programs which she has include: art, music and massage therapy, yoga, oncology social work, financial navigation and a number of support groups.
New Day’s growing presence in West Michigan has resulted in a $750,000 investment in programs that directly impact the lives of cancer patients, caregivers, spouses and children in the region. The nonprofit looks forward to continued growth and new partnerships in West Michigan and intends to hire a program director in the Grand Rapids region this year. Having donated office space in the Medical Mile, New Day will strengthen its hospital partnerships and further engage with residents and corporations to create awareness and generate revenue. The first New Day Open House in Grand Rapids will be held at BAMF Health on May 18, 2023.
“There are no geographic boundaries to cancer,” said Gina Kell Spehn, co-founder and president of New Day Foundation. “That’s why our Rochester, Michigan-based organization serves the entire state, with a significant presence in West Michigan. From Detroit to Grand Rapids to Marquette, New Day partners with 63 hospitals and cancer centers across the state, 15 of which are in West Michigan alone.”
“I have never been more encouraged about the future for families who are facing cancer,” said Kell Spehn. “We are pleased to welcome Geralyn Roobol to our board, which is comprised of caring, committed and connected individuals willing to lend their expertise to our community. Although we can’t change a diagnosis, we can offer programs and services that directly impact health equity and outcomes. New Day is redefining the cancer experience by removing major obstacles on the road to remission.”
Roobol joins the existing New Day Foundation Board of Directors, which includes:
New Day Foundation for Families is a 501c3 Charity Navigator 4-star nonprofit, Platinum Level Guidestar organization and Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits. The Rochester Hills, Mich. organization is an accessible, trusted and patient-centric cancer support organization that provides financial and emotional resources to families facing cancer. Programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship by alleviating financial and emotional stressors. New Day pays critical living expenses (direct to creditors) and offers professional counseling and grocery support to help patients maintain medical compliance and improve quality of life.
Program seeks to remove financial barriers to cancer care in Wayne County
ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH., Feb. 6, 2023 – From the moment of diagnosis, social determinants of health (SDoH) that are beyond a patient’s control — including race, ethnicity, income level, zip code and language — can create financial and clinical barriers to cancer care.
Together with Priority Health and the Total Health Care Foundation, New Day Foundation for Families aims to remove barriers to cancer care by joining forces to address SDoH, such as food and housing shortages, economic stability and physical/mental health issues in the region through a $150,000 grant. The grant will help fund the Family Support Program in Detroit and throughout Wayne County. The program provides financial assistance, emotional support and grocery support to families in active treatment for cancer who have experienced a loss of income due to the disease.
“Disparities in health care should not define a patient’s chance of survival, but they do,” said Gina Kell Spehn, co-founder and president of New Day. “SDoH barriers, such as employment, education, transportation, housing, access to healthy food and poverty, are often a more reliable prediction of successful cancer outcomes than clinical care. We are committed to removing these barriers to treatment by helping families pay the rent, covering their utility bills or car payments and providing fresh food.”
Priority Health recognizes the vital role it plays in improving health and health care in Michigan and understands that addressing social determinants of health is key for achieving health equity. As the largest nonprofit health care plan in the state, Priority Health is in a unique position to drive real change in the communities it serves.
Efforts to improve health outcomes have historically focused on medical interventions. However, health care systems increasingly recognize that addressing social determinants of health is just as critical to overcoming health disparities and improving care outcomes for all.
New Day Foundation was selected as one of seven grant recipients by Total Health Care in late November 2022.
“Priority Health and the Total Health Care Foundation are proud to invest in organizations such as the New Day Foundation so they can strengthen their public services and initiatives that contribute to overall good health,” said Shannon Wilson, vice president of population health and health equity at Priority Health and executive director of the Total Health Care Foundation. “We cannot wait to see what amazing things these organizations are able to achieve through these contributions to their causes.”
For more information on the Total Health Care Foundation, please visit priorityhealth.com/thcfoundation.
ABOUT PRIORITY HEALTH
With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than one million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.
ABOUT NEW DAY FOUNDATION FOR FAMILIES
New Day Foundation for Families is a 501c3 Charity Navigator rated nonprofit, Platinum Level Guidestar organization and Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits. The Rochester Hills, Mich. organization is an accessible, trusted and patient-centric cancer support organization that provides financial and emotional resources to families facing cancer. Programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship by alleviating financial and emotional stressors. New Day pays critical living expenses (direct to creditors) and offers professional counseling and grocery support to help patients maintain medical compliance and improve quality of life.
ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH., Dec. 13, 2022 – Jasper Health, an intelligent digital platform that provides end-to-end care guidance and navigation for people living with cancer, and New Day Foundation for Families, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and emotional support to families facing cancer, today announce a partnership to help families facing cancer access critical resources and better organize their care.
Jasper Health provides the high-touch guidance that people living with cancer deserve through one-on-one coaching, personalized information, and smart planning. The digital platform acts as a central connector – bringing together oncologists, care management teams, specialty pharmacists, caregivers, and more, to deliver whole-person care.
“We are so thrilled to have New Day Foundation for Families join Jasper Health’s growing network of Non-Profit Partners and to be a valuable resource to our members,” says Adam Pellegrini, CEO and Co-Founder. “Financial management and toxicity are critical components to the cancer journey, and the work the foundation is doing in Michigan to help and support patients is unparalleled.”
New Day Foundation works with hospitals across the state of Michigan to reach more patients before they hit critical financial breaking points caused by financial toxicity, a harmful side effect that creates significant barriers to treatment and healing. Through New Day’s partnership with Jasper Health, patients will have access to additional free resources to help them on their cancer journey.
Jasper Health has nearly 10,000 recently diagnosed members on its platform today tracking symptoms, medications, treatments and appointments. Its personalized guidance capabilities contextually surface educational materials, recommended actions and digital interventions. Patients newly diagnosed or living with cancer, or are a caregiver for someone living with cancer, visit www.hellojasper.com for access to Jasper Cancer Care free of charge.
New Day Foundation for Families is a 501c3 Charity Navigator rated nonprofit, Platinum Level Guidestar organization and Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits. The Rochester Hills, Mich. organization is an accessible, trusted and patient-centric cancer support organization that provides financial and emotional resources to families facing cancer. Programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship by alleviating financial and emotional stressors. New Day pays critical living expenses (direct to creditors) and offers professional counseling and grocery support to help patients maintain medical compliance and improve quality of life.
Jasper Health is a digital guiding and navigation experience that improves the lives of individuals affected by cancer, as well as the lives of their caregivers. Spanning diagnosis through remission, palliative, and end-of-life care, our end-to-end oncology platform provides psychosocial support while enabling connected care with the broader healthcare system. Jasper Health was founded at Redesign Health, and we are a team of seasoned leaders with decades of experience in digital health, clinical care, data science, and consumer engagement all of whom believe that powerful technology and passionate people can relieve some of the stress of organizing care. For more information, visit http://www.hellojasper.com
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., Dec. 8, 2022 – New Day Foundation for Families, a leading nonprofit dedicated to providing financial assistance and emotional support to families facing cancer, is pleased to announce its partnership with Grand Rapids-based Advent Physical Therapy. As the nonprofit’s first business partner in the region, all 16 Advent PT locations throughout West Michigan will work to build awareness of New Day’s mission and collect donations for families facing cancer from Dec. 1 – 18, 2022.
New Day’s growing presence in the region has led to a $750,000 investment in programs that directly impact the lives of cancer patients, caregivers, spouses and children in West Michigan. The partnership with Advent PT is designed to build awareness of the financial and emotional assistance programs that are already available to cancer patients in the area.
“Here at Advent PT, we treat patients of all ages, diagnoses, and backgrounds,” said Abigail Dekkinga, business development coordinator at Advent PT. “Our Cherry St. Clinic has gained experience and honor in supporting oncology patients. Whether it’s patient care or community support, we want to make a difference in those who are struggling with a cancer diagnosis. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer, in some way. We can’t wait to see how many families can feel uplifted by our efforts.”
New Day looks forward to continued growth and new partnerships in West Michigan, including a New Day program director in the Grand Rapids region; donated office space in the Medical Mile; strengthened hospital partnerships; collaboration with residents and corporations; and a New Day introductory event in May 2023.
“There are no geographic boundaries to cancer,” said Gina Kell Spehn, co-founder and president of New Day Foundation. “That’s why our Rochester, Michigan-based organization serves the entire state, with a significant presence in West Michigan. From Detroit to Grand Rapids to Marquette, New Day partners with 69 hospitals and cancer centers across the state, 15 of which are in West Michigan alone.”
Since 1996, Advent Physical Therapy has provided quality care, good outcomes, and exceptional customer service. We are orthopedic specialists who treat using evidence-based manual therapy and therapeutic exercise with a focus on long-term independence and pain-free function. We strive to create environments for our staff and patients that are uplifting and supportive. Advent PT is proud to be supporting a foundation like, New Day, where are making a difference for local families affected by a cancer diagnosis.
New Day Foundation for Families is a 501c3 Charity Navigator rated nonprofit, Platinum Level Guidestar organization and Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits. The Rochester Hills, Mich. organization is an accessible, trusted and patient-centric cancer support organization that provides financial and emotional resources to families facing cancer. Programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship by alleviating financial and emotional stressors. New Day pays critical living expenses (direct to creditors) and offers professional counseling and grocery support to help patients maintain medical compliance and improve quality of life.
For more info. or to donate, visit our website at www.foundationforfamilies.org.
Emagine Theatres Chairman Steps Out of the Boardroom onto the Stage
ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH., Oct. 1, 2022 – It’s not every day that you see a company chairman dancing live onstage while lip syncing his favorite tune. This month, New Day Foundation for Families welcomes Paul Glantz, founder and chairman of Emagine Theatres, to the stage this year for his debut performance in the Celebrity Lip Sync Battle on Thursday, October 27, live at Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.
You’ll also catch some of your favorite local radio and TV hosts live on stage, including new additions Holly Hutton and Rob Stone from The Rob & Holly Show on 99.5 WYCD, and Erica Francis, anchor for FOX2 Detroit. The event will feature eight local celebrity teams competing on behalf of a New Day family who is facing cancer. The celebs and their entourage will take to the stage in an epic lip-sync battle to raise funds that will provide financial assistance, emotional support and grocery support to families facing cancer.
Staging their performances with hip choreography and iconic costuming, these celebrities will pull out all the stops to win. Performances will be critiqued by celebrity judges Rhonda Walker of WDIV TV4; Blaine Fowler of WDVD, 96.3 FM and Channel 955’s Mojo in the Morning, who will provide commentary and critique of the outlandish performances! Sportscaster Justin Rose will lead the mayhem as emcee of the Lip Sync Battle. Ultimately, the audience will decide by popular vote which team will be crowned as the victor in this epic celebrity showdown!
Battling it out will be:
Tickets are available on the New Day website at www.FoundationForFamilies.org. Balcony tickets for the show only are just $33 per person and include a cash bar. Main floor sponsorship packages, including a strolling dinner and open bar, begin at $500. The strolling dinner begins at 5:30 pm and showtime is 7:30 pm. Free, dedicated event parking is available! For more info., call (248) 648-1105.
Bring the family for food, fun, auctions and more! Proceeds from the event will benefit New Day Foundation for Families, a nonprofit dedicated to providing financial assistance and emotional support to families facing cancer. Through its network of social workers at nearly 50 hospitals across the state, New Day helps families overcome financial barriers to treatment and healing. New Day is often the first light of hope for a family facing cancer.
The Celebrity Lip Sync Battle is sponsored by The Artichoke Garlic Foundation, Kroger Zero Hunger, Zero Waste, Beaumont Health Systems, Standex Engraving, The Believe Foundation, Realtor Caron Koteles, DMC Service Group, LMP Industries, Daniel Electric Co., Save On, Brogan & Partners, Express Employment Professionals, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, United Wholesale Mortgage, Ascension Michigan, Diamonds Direct, HOUR Detroit, BSP Law, The Silver Shamrocks catering, Relevant Social Media, Aaron Romain and family, and Edward Jones Investments – Ed and Heather Lynch.
New Day Foundation for Families is a 501c3 Charity Navigator rated nonprofit, Gold Level Guidestar organization and Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits. The Rochester Hills, Mich. organization is an accessible, trusted and patient-centric cancer support organization that provides financial and emotional resources to families facing cancer. Programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship by alleviating financial and emotional stressors. New Day pays critical living expenses (direct to creditors) and offers professional counseling and grocery support to help patients maintain medical compliance and improve quality of life.
To donate, visit our website, text NEWDAYFF to 56651 or Venmo @newdayff.
ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH., February 9, 2022 – The stress that follows a cancer diagnosis often leaves patients and caregivers feeling anxious and alone. New Day Foundation for Families, a Michigan nonprofit dedicated to reducing the financial burden and emotional stress caused by cancer, brings hope and mental health services to children and families through its emotional support program.
Today, New Day is proud to announce it is the recipient of a grant from The Children’s Foundation to help fund expanded emotional support services to children facing cancer themselves or in their families. At a time when hospitals face staffing shortages, and offer little or no mental health support for children, New Day provides professional counseling sessions which can lead to improved treatment outcomes for families facing cancer. The nonprofit recently added Program Director Jenny Moeller to its staff and has expanded its network of professional counselors to fill a gap in cancer care.
“Grief happens for the family at the moment of a cancer diagnosis,” said Moeller. “It’s important that we start talking and recognizing it at that point. Our goal is to offer emotional support, guidance, and action steps to help families cope. Our therapists help facilitate challenging conversations that need to happen,” added Moeller. “The sessions can be an outlet for things that a child needs to discuss but can’t talk about with parents or siblings.”
Pediatric cancer has significant and enduring implications on the financial and emotional well-being of an entire family. Cancer disrupts life, causing patients, caregivers, parents/guardians and siblings to experience suffering, pain and emotional trauma. The effects can range from anxiety, fear and grief to loss of “normalcy,” financial distress and post-traumatic stress. For those who do not have adequate resources to process their feelings about what they are experiencing, serious trauma can result.
“The Children’s Foundation is proud to award New Day Foundation’s efforts to provide emotional and mental health support to pediatric cancer patients and their families,” said The Children’s Foundation’s President & CEO, Lawrence J. Burns. “Not only do these services align with The Foundation’s Mental Health Focus Area, but the care provided is so necessary for those struggling with illness.”
New Day is partnering with licensed therapists to provide mental health services for qualifying families across Michigan in a caring, confidential environment. Children or families who have a member in active cancer treatment may be referred by their individual oncology social worker at their respective hospital. Sessions may take place in the location where the therapist sees patients as well as through HIPAA-approved TeleHealth programs.
ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
The Children’s Foundation is a premier foundation focused on the health and well-being of the children of Michigan and their families by working in collaboration with other organizations in the community. By listening to community needs, The Foundation responds by mobilizing and enhancing resources through innovative partnerships and funding models. Since 2011, the Foundation has distributed more than 75 million dollars in grant funding to more than 140 partners throughout the state. Current initiatives of The Children’s Foundation include Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, The Jamie Daniels Foundation, First Tee- Greater Detroit, Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts and the Paul W. Smith Charities. Current areas of focus for the Foundation include mental health, nutritional wellness, abuse and neglect, oncology and cardiology research and injury prevention. Learn more at www.YourChildrensFoundation.org.
ABOUT NEW DAY FOUNDATION FOR FAMILIES
New Day Foundation for Families, a 2021 Top-Rated NonProfit by GreatNonprofits and Gold Level Guidestar organization, is a Rochester Hills, Mich. nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the effects of financial toxicity and emotional stress caused by cancer. Programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship. New Day offers financial grants in the form of short- term bill payment services, as well as emotional support programs for families who have children under the age of 18 in the home as they face the burdens that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. To donate, visit the website, text NEWDAYFF to 56651 or Venmo @newdayff.
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin to deliver groceries to Pinckney family
ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH., July 6, 2021 – For cancer patients with compromised immune systems, simply going to the grocery store can be life threatening. During the pandemic, the risk of infection was compounded. In March 2020, New Day Foundation for Families, a local nonprofit dedicated to reducing the financial burden and emotional stress caused by cancer, jumped in to rally its volunteers and begin a new grocery delivery program to families facing cancer.
Today New Day celebrated its 500th grocery delivery to Michigan families. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) personally delivered groceries to Jenni Davis, a single mother of two in Pinckney who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Rep. Slotkin has a personal stake in the mission of New Day to reduce financial toxicity after fighting for her own mother’s healthcare benefits during her cancer treatments.
The critical need for New Day’s help was evident in Davis’s letter to the nonprofit. “Sometimes it makes me cry with anger when people tell me I just need to “relax” and “look after myself” because I know that my first priority is actually looking after my children – and ensuring they are fed and sheltered,” Davis wrote. “Only other single moms understand the driving fear of something going wrong and making it impossible to do whatever it is that our children need. That fear motivates me to get up and go to work when the chemo is telling me I should be recovering. Financial support from New Day Foundation would provide me with a safety net that means that I can breathe a bit easier.”
Statistics show that if a cancer patient is worried about finances, their risk of dying is roughly double. Additionally, 88.4 percent of New Day families surveyed said that working with New Day helped them maintain medical compliance during treatment, rather than dropping out of treatment plans due to the high cost.
Today, 130 New Day volunteers have reached nearly 250 families in Michigan and provided more than 25,000 meals to their homes. One of those volunteers, Lisa Brinker of Lake Orion, was officially recognized by Rep. Slotkin last month.
“Ms. Brinker has faced adversity in her life,” said Slotkin. “Three years ago, her husband passed away from brain cancer. Out of that pain, she found purpose. Over the course of the last year, she has devoted her time to the New Day Foundation for Families, a local non-profit that supports those fighting cancer and their loved ones.
“The financial cost of a cancer diagnosis goes beyond just medical care,” Slotkin said. “Between the loss of income, the increase in expenses, and emotional distress, it is a diagnosis that can consume entirely. And that’s where the New Day Foundation comes in. With an army of local volunteers like Ms. Brinker, they provide resources to give cancer patients hope through financial assistance and emotional support.
“During the pandemic, when family members of immunocompromised patients saw a trip to the grocery as a fraught experience, Ms. Brinker was there to provide their essential needs. (The volunteers) were a godsend during COVID, and not just for their food deliveries. By demonstrating that service doesn’t stop, not even during once-in-a-generation event, Ms. Brinker was a source of inspiration and strength,” Slotkin added.
“Families facing cancer have been hit hard during the pandemic,” said Gina Kell Spehn, co-founder and president of New Day Foundation for Families. “All of us at New Day are addressing both the emotional and financial impact of COVID-19 on our community this year. From loss of income and delayed treatment to food instability and increased risk of contracting the disease, our families are facing more obstacles than ever before. We are so grateful to all of our volunteers for stepping in when we need them.”
To volunteer for the program or for more information, contact heather@newdayff.org or visit www.foundationforfamilies.org/grocery-shop-deliver/. The New Day Grocery Delivery Program is supported in part with grant funding from United Way of Southeastern Michigan. The Kroger Co. of Michigan and BSP Law are also proud supporters of the program.
New Day Foundation for Families, a 2020 Top-Rated NonProfit by GreatNonprofits and Gold Level Guidestar organization, is a Rochester Hills, Mich. nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the effects of financial toxicity and emotional stress caused by cancer. Programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship. To donate, visit our website, text NEWDAYFF to 56651 or Venmo @newdayff.
Therapists with Personal Connections To Cancer and Grief Offer Insight
ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH., June 9, 2021 – For families and patients coping with a cancer diagnosis, the emotional impact of the fear, anxiety, uncertainly and time sensitive decisions that occur in the immediate aftermath of the diagnosis can push a person past their emotional threshold. New Day Foundation for Families, a Michigan nonprofit dedicated to reducing the financial burden and stress caused by cancer, announces the expansion of its Emotional Support Program to serve more families who may be eligible. The nonprofit has added grief consultant Jenny Perez to its staff as program coordinator.
Perez herself has a very personal connection to grief, having lost her husband to cancer in 2013. At the time, she could not find emotional support from anyone with a shared experience. Today she is working to fulfill the need for emotional support which exists for so many families facing cancer. She sees New Day’s Emotional Support Program as more than a counseling service because it’s personal for the therapists who are offering their expertise. Three of the program’s new therapists are either cancer survivors or are stable and in treatment, while others lost a family member to cancer.
“Grief happens for the family at the moment of a cancer diagnosis,” said Perez. “It’s important that we start talking and recognizing it at that point. Our goal is to offer emotional support, guidance, and action steps to help families cope. Our therapists can also be a third party in challenging conversations that need to happen,” added Perez. “The sessions can be an outlet for things that a parent, spouse or child need to discuss but can’t talk about with the person facing cancer.”
New Day is partnering with licensed therapists to provide mental health services for qualifying families across Michigan in a caring, confidential environment. Families who have a member in active cancer treatment and are facing financial toxicity as a result of the diagnosis may be referred by their individual oncology social worker at their respective hospital. Sessions may take place in the location where the therapist sees patients as well as through HIPAA-approved TeleHealth programs.
The intake session and the first two 50-minute sessions are free of charge for families facing financial toxicity as a result a cancer diagnosis. After the first three sessions, each session is offered at a discounted rate for up to five additional sessions. For more information visit the Emotional Support web page, or contact Jenny Perez at four-one-two-304-3567 or via email at jenny@newdayff.org for guidance. New Day’s Emotional Support Program is funded in part by a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, providing support for mental health services and resources for caregivers affected by cancer in southeast Michigan.
New Day is also creating a video support library that patients undergoing cancer treatment, as well as their caretakers, can access online. The videos and webinars covering a range of topics will be produced by Emmy award-winning television and film personality Kim Adams, who is a breast cancer survivor and was recently named fundraising and development executive for New Day Foundation.
“When I was going through cancer treatment, I was just so tired,” said Adams. “There are SO many good books out there, but you’re just too tired to read them! Watching a short video is much easier.”
Research from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network indicates that, for cancer patients, “early evaluation and screening for distress leads to early and timely management of symptoms, which in turn improves adherence to treatment, communication between patient and medical team, and fewer calls and visits to the oncologists’ office. Evidence from randomized trials shows that psychological interventions in cancer patients with distress may lead to a survival advantage over those who do not receive psychosocial care. However, less than half of distressed patients with cancer are identified and referred for psychosocial help.” (National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Distress Management (Version 1.2019). Accessed February 27, 2019.)
New Day Foundation for Families, a 2020 Top-Rated NonProfit by GreatNonprofits and Gold Level Guidestar organization, is a Rochester Hills, Mich. nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the effects of financial toxicity and emotional stress caused by cancer. Programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship. To donate, visit our website or text NEWDAYFF to 56651.
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a full-service philanthropic organization leading the way to positive change in our region. As a permanent community endowment built by gifts from thousands of individuals and organizations, the Foundation supports a wide variety of activities benefiting education, arts and culture, health, human services, community development and civic affairs in the seven counties of southeast Michigan. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan honor Mr. Wilson’s charitable legacy by supporting efforts across the region in caregiving, design & access, and youth sports, as well as for community assets in Mr. Wilson’s home community of Grosse Pointe. For more information, please visit www.cfsem.org.