Welcome to Mission Matters for May 2007. This month we are highlighting Cancer Survivors Network and Online I Can Cope Classes, both of which are wonderful resources for those personally experiencing cancer and the loved ones who are supporting them.

Please join us for the Mission Matters Conference Call on Tuesday, May 15 at Noon and 8:30 PM Eastern. Please call 1-800-910-2399, passcode 487160.

Please note, this month is our final Mission Matters Conference Call until September 18, 2007. Please be sure to check the Mission Matters Blog throughout the summer for more information about your American Cancer Society's programs, services, and the advances we are making in the fight cancer. You can also find monthly editions of the Mission Matters newsletter each month in the Relay Library at http://library.relayforlife.org .

Cancer Survivors Network

Created by and for cancer survivors, the Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a first-of-its-kind, Web-based support service.

Survivorship is a family affair. From the time of diagnosis and beyond, anyone dealing personally with cancer (in themselves or a loved one) is welcome in our community. Sometimes only those who have "been there" can truly understand. Read dozens of discussions and stories, find and connect with others like yourself, and much more. Participate as much as you like. It's easy!

You'll find Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) on the American Cancer Society home page at www.cancer.org. While on the Home Page, look for the section called Support Programs and Services and use the drop down menu to find Cancer Survivors Network. It includes transcripts of discussions among survivors and family members.

If you're registered with the site, you can create your own personal page, search other registered users' homepages, participate in live discussion groups, email survivors and family members, create your own online support group, set up and participate in live chats, and share your experiences in the "expressions gallery." You can also search for people who have a similar cancer experience or similar interests.

Discussion topics covered on CSN are chosen by cancer survivors and family members and reflect issues that typically arise in the lives of people affected by cancer. Topics cover a wide range of subjects such as fears of recurrence, caregiver information, talking about cancer, and more.

Visit this wonderful online resource today!

I Can Cope

The I Can Cope® program provides reliable information and practical coping skills to cancer survivors and caregivers. I Can Cope is a component of the American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Network, a free, comprehensive resource to help patients and their caregivers manage the impact of cancer on their lives through up-to-date cancer information and referrals to Society programs and other community resources.

Traditionally, I Can Cope classes have been delivered in a community setting by trained facilitators. In an effort to extend the reach of the program, the Society is providing interactive online versions of these classes. The free online classes allow cancer survivors and caregivers to learn in the privacy of their home or in a location of their choice at a time that is convenient for them.

If you or someone you love is facing cancer you probably have a lot of questions about diagnosis, treatment, and coping with the daily challenges cancer can bring. The American Cancer Society's free, interactive online I Can Cope classes are a quick, convenient way to answer them!

Classes are self-paced. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes to complete a class, but it may take longer if you watch the videos and read the linked information. A simple and confidential registration is all you need to do to get started.

The following I Can Cope online classes are available at www.cancer.org/onlineclasses:

• Communicating Concerns and Feelings
• Exploring Self-Esteem and Intimacy
• Learning About Cancer
• Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue
• Managing the Effects of Illness and Treatment
• Nutrition During Cancer Treatment: Nutrition Basics
• Nutrition During Cancer Treatment: Managing Side Effects
• Relieving Cancer Pain
• Understanding Cancer Treatments
• Keeping Well in Mind and Body
• Mobilizing Resources and Support

Be sure to visit www.cancer.org as more I Can Cope on-line classes will be added in 2007.