One-to-One
Connecting with Someone who's been there
For patients and families dealing with diagnosis, speaking to someone "who's been there" can be a great comfort. That's the purpose of One-to-One.
Composed of cancer survivors, their caregivers and family members who have completed specialized training, One-to-One brings together via telephone those who have already dealt with the complex issues surrounding diagnosis and treatment with those who wish to speak to someone who has had a similar personal experience.
Formed in 1991, the program serves adult patients at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, as well as patients from around the country. The program has grown to include over 140 volunteers covering 27 diagnoses. From their personal experiences with diagnosis and treatment, One-to-One volunteers can help allay fear and concerns, provide information, guide patients through the hospital system and discuss available resources. Perhaps most importantly, volunteers may provide support, understanding and reassurance. The program is available free of charge to patients, caregivers and family members.
"When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they have a treatment regimen prescribed to try to make them better," says cancer survivor and One-to-One volunteer Joe Nies. "There is no protocol for family members affected by cancer to follow. That's why the sharing we do in One-to-One is so important."
