By: Ryan Duey

Photo Courtesy of Meadowlark Hills

Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan has started a Cancer Program for anyone in the surrounding region. Built off their Parkinson’s and Memory Program, the Cancer Program offers resources and community gatherings for those struggling with this chronic illness.

Sarah Duggan, Community Relations Director, said the goal of the program is to support the cancer community.

“We started the Cancer Program to support the community at large.”

“Whether people are new to a cancer experience, in the middle of the battle, or beyond, and in the survivorship phase.”

“The goal is education, community, and outreach resources. We aim to provide people with something that’ll fill that gap between their diagnosis, what they’re getting from their medical doctors, and overall, just living well.”

Along with offering resources, different groups meet monthly to connect, educate, and converse, supporting one another as they navigate the disease. No registration is required, and all services are provided free of charge. Duggan emphasized that this program is for everyone.

“One of the most important things to share with people is that although we’re a retirement community, this program is open to any adults.

“They can be as involved as they want, so come to one thing, come to everything.”

“We just want it to be something that helps people during a chronic illness or a tough time.”

Details, resources, and a program calendar are available on Meadowlark’s website. They also have a program mailing list that interested patrons can sign up to be part of to keep up with dates and times of program offerings in the area.

To learn about the cancer program and all it has to offer, visit meadowlark.org and search under Community Programs.