Colon Cancer Alliance

Living with uncertainty is the biggest challenge for any person faced with a cancer diagnosis.

Even the most close-knit families need outside support — and who better to provide that support than others who have been there or are there now?

Buddies have experienced what you're going through, or are about to experience. They understand because they are colon cancer survivors, caregivers, family and friends.

Buddies are there to listen, offer support, and share their own stories and personal perspectives of the disease. They will be there to provide information on coping with side effects, treatment options, life after a colostomy, or dealing with the many emotional issues that come with this illness, from both a patient and caregiver's perspective.

CCA believes that taking an active role in one's treatment and medical care is beneficial to patients. This requires being educated about the disease and its treatment. The buddy system does not substitute for diagnosis, treatment or information from a medical care provider. However, we have found that encouragement provided by the buddy network can help the patient in the fight against colorectal cancer.

Once you are assigned a Buddy through the CCA Buddy Program, it is up to you and your buddy to determine the frequency and the best method for contact. Since the buddy relationship will take place outside of any monitored environment, CCA can assume no responsibility or liability for any interaction between buddies. Those who participate in buddy relationships are entirely responsible for their own participation and for the use of information placed on the buddy list.

CCA's Buddy Program was featured on NBC's Today Show with Katie Couric in March, 2006.

Visit the Buddy Program page on My CRC Connections, our on-line community.

If you have any questions about the Buddy Program or if you would like to volunteer as a Buddy, please contact:

info@ccalliance.org
(202) 434-8980

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