The Holidays for many of us revolve around family and food. However, if someone in your family is in cancer treatment food can be a tricky issue. Has your loved one lost their appetite? Are you confused about what types of food to have on your holiday table? Each person’s journey through cancer treatment is different, however the one constant is that it is more important than ever that they eat a diet of protein, complex carbs, good fats, and vitamins to build their immune system, increase their strength, and help their body repair. The good news is that these foods are delicious and healthy choices for everyone visiting your home this holiday season.

Put out the nuts! A bowl of mixed nuts contains protein, fiber, and good fat. Want something sweet? That does not have to be a cookie it can be the original sweet treat, which is fruit of course. Citrus fruits and berries have antioxidants, Vitamin C and even fiber and of course they taste yummy. In fact a fruit salad is a wonderful dish to have this holiday season.

Protein builds your immune system, muscles, and repairs tissues so don’t skimp on having plenty of protein. Good protein options include nuts, eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, and legumes. Wild Salmon is a great choice for protein, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids. There are a lot of side dishes that have great health benefits for cancer patients including sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, beans, and whole grains.
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Still craving something a little sweet how about honey in your tear instead of sugar, or try a yogurt which can be found in all sorts of decadent flavors like cheesecake and key lime pie. If you must have the cookie (and let’s face it, your probably will) try ginger cookies. Ginger is a natural antioxidant that supports healthy digestion, alleviates nausea, and helps with inflammation. So I say Happy Holidays and bite the head off of the closest gingerbread man you can find as you enjoy your family feast.

The Cancer Patient Support Foundation (CPSF) is excited to announce a new partnership with Porter Medical Center. CPSF has agreed to underwrite the patient share for local cancer patients to receive nutritional counseling at Porter instead of having to travel to the University of Vermont Medical Center. The funds will be available to offset any out-of-pocket expenses cancer patients might otherwise incur, such as gaps in insurance and deductibles for nutritional counseling.
Sarah Lemnah the Executive Director of the Foundation stated "We look forward to our new relationship with Porter, striving mutually to make the journey cancer patients and their families face a bit easier." For many cancer patients in treatment they face challenges regarding what types of food they are able to eat , how they can maintain the proper weight, and how they can  better tolerate treatment. The nutritional staff at Porter Medical Center is available and is currently seeing local cancer patients to help them with their nutritional needs.
 
"I am excited to have the opportunity for Porter Hospital and the Cancer Patient Support Foundation to partner and be able to provide this service, per our Mission Statement "To Improve the Health of Our Community One Person at a Time", which I truly believe in," stated Laura Brace, the Director of Nutritional Services for Porter.
 
The Cancer Patient Support Foundation is very excited to support Porter Medical Center in bringing this much needed service to Addison County to better support local cancer patients.
 
The Cancer Patient Support Foundation (CPSF) is an independent local nonprofit organization which supports cancer patients and their families in Vermont and Northern New York. Support from CPSF helps patients meet their co-insurance obligations and receive nutritional and psychological counseling.  In addition, CPSF provides emergency financial assistance for patients experiencing hardship due to their illness and treatment.

CPSF has been helping cancer patients and their families for over 15 years. It was inspired by the desire of cancer survivors and other dedicated members of the community to provide a helping hand in a time of extraordinary need. In that same spirit, today's CPSF services are funded entirely by donations and grants. Click here to help support local cancer patients.

Thirteen years ago this November I went in for my first (routine) colonoscopy.  Three days later I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer to the surprise and shock of my entire family.  What followed was four months of doctor’s appointment, further screenings, chemotherapy, radiation treatments and eventually surgery. Through it all I had a huge network of support for meals, rides to treatments (so my husband could work), calls and cards to lift my spirits, visits from friends and loved ones and the luxury of having just sold a business so that I did not have to work for several months.  I was so very blessed.

For many, however, a diagnosis of cancer is devastating and overwhelming for the patient and the family.  There simply is not that network of support.  The medical attention to treat the disease over the next several months or years means a complete change in the daily lives of everyone involved.  And, that is why the Cancer Patient Support Foundation exists – to help make the diagnosis and treatment journey just a bit easier for patients and their families.  From supporting psycho-social counseling, to providing emergency financial assistance and to underwriting mindfulness techniques for health and wellness, CPSF is there.  Please get to know us and contribute your time, talent or dollars to help us be there for thousands of cancer patients each year.  You will be so glad you did!

Bobbe Maynes, President
Cancer Patient Support Foundation

In addition to volunteering at the Board President of CPSF, Bobbe is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman in Burlington.