Governor Katie Hobbs releases official proclamation supporting the recognition of “Cancer Caregivers Awareness Week” across Arizona.
November is National Caregivers Month in the United States. It is a month to reflect on the important, and often thankless, role of those who treat and care for the sick and needy of this country. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2023, an estimated 41,120 Arizonans will receive a cancer diagnosis and up to 13,460 lives will be claimed by cancer. In addition, the National Alliance of Caregiving notes that the vast majority of caregivers (85%) care for a relative or other loved one; and equates caring for a loved one with cancer to a full-time job. With that in mind, Governor Katie Hobbs has worked with the Arizona Myeloma Network and their Cancer Caregivers Education Program (CCEP®) to declare the week of November 11th-18th, 2023 as “Cancer Caregivers Awareness Week” in Arizona.
Cancer Caregiver Barbara Kavanagh with husband Jack Kavanagh
“I have often said that an individual doesn’t get cancer, a family does,” said Arizona Myeloma Network Founder Barbara Kavanagh. “For over 15 years, our organization has proudly served as a resource for those loved ones who can become overwhelmed by their new role as caregiver. We are very thankful for the support from Governor Hobbs and hope to use this week as an opportunity to broaden our reach throughout Arizona and help more cancer patients and their families.”
Caregiving is often a full-time job, with statistics showing that family caregivers spend an average of 40.5 hours per week caring for their loved one. Statistics also show that for every cancer diagnosis, there will be at least one new caregiver to care for that patient. With more than 41,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Arizona each year, that means that there are at least 41,000 new Arizona caregivers each year who sometimes need help in planning, coordinating, and treating their patient.
One of the ways the Arizona Myeloma Network has worked to help those with ALL forms of cancer (not just myeloma) is their creation of an online education program that provides information and resources to support those who are taking on this incredibly stressful and important role of a full-time caregiver, The online Cancer Caregivers Education Program (CCEP®). provides training and education modules that are engaging and interactive and increase caregiving knowledge and skills, along with a resource library, as well as a Cancer Care Community which is a national network of cancer caregivers and patients with similar journeys where caregivers can share information, thoughts and ideas, questions, discussions, and positive support for one another on a confidential platform. The program can be accessed on any electronic device, allowing reach to many underserved populations who cannot attend meetings in person and often feel left out by the cancer treatment system.
ATTACHMENT AVAILABLE: Official proclamation from the Governor’s Office. Please email for copy amanda@amandayega.com.
About Arizona Myeloma Network (AzMN®) is a nonprofit organization Founded in 2004, by Barbara and Jack Kavanagh that conducts cancer outreach events and education programs. Our mission is to promote collaboration, awareness, education and advocacy for improved treatment outcomes and quality of life for multiple myeloma patients, their families and All cancer caregivers with special consideration for the underserved. Learn more at azmyelomanetwork.org
About Cancer Caregivers of America
Cancer Caregivers of America is an AzMN® program which was especially developed to provide the educational ‘tools’ and resources that build critical cancer caregiving skills, in the cancer patient, the cancer caregiver and family, as well as the cancer care professional. The Cancer Caregivers Education Program also promotes collaboration and understanding with the Scientific and Medical Community. Visit cancercaregiversaz.com, or cancercaregiversofAmerica.com
for additional information on how to register for the program.
PRESS CONTACT:
Amanda Vega
(480) 275-9797
Direct Questions can go to: barbarak@azmyelomanetwork.org