Accessing healthcare and resources is particularly difficult when information isn’t in your native language. That’s why the Amigos Unidos support group at Cancer Support Community North Texas is so important to our Spanish-speaking participants.
“There’s often a stigma about sharing personal information outside of families in Hispanic communities, but family may not understand what they’re going through,” shares Patricia Callahan, CSCNT Spanish Services Manager and Cancer Resource Specialist. “Talking with people from the same culture and language makes it feel like family.”
Many participants don’t have family in the United States, so to have this network of support they can call on is vital in a way that’s different than it is for people from this country.
“A lot of people don’t want to tell family members about their cancer diagnosis because they’re not in the country and they don’t want to worry them,” Patricia says. “That contributes to isolation and a lack of emotional support until they get connected at CSCNT.”
Research shows having emotional support produces better health outcomes, reduces stress and leads to a better experience with any medical condition, Patricia adds.
Amigos Unidos is offered in person on the third Saturday and virtually on the first Thursday of each month. People with cancer and their families are welcome to attend. Topics discussed by the group members include nutrition and other health-related education, resources for paying bills when experiencing high medical costs, coping with a diagnosis, the physical effects of treatment and more.
A Spanish-language presentation about clinical trials and why it’s important for the Hispanic community to participate in them is planned for Amigos Unidos at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Dallas clubhouse. Learn more and register here.
For more information about Amigos Unidos and other Spanish-language programs and resources, contact Patricia at pcallahan@cancersupporttexas.org or 214-345-8428.