Countywide : Cancer Group Offers Spiritual Support

Support groups for women with breast cancer typically have emotional and educational components. But a 7-month-old group at Jewish Family Service of Orange County offers an additional dimension--a spiritual one.

According to facilitator Nancy Raymon, the frightening experience of contemplating one’s mortality can lead to spiritual growth when people embrace their religious traditions for solace. “But many people need help with that,” Raymon said.

Some Jews “find it hard to relate to their religion as a source of strength,” she said, even though they “feel very socially Jewish and feel very culturally Jewish.”

“But when faced with a serious illness or a disaster in their family, they look for something and they want to go back to their heritage,” she said.

Mel Roth, executive director of Jewish Family Service, said the group is open to anybody, regardless of their religious beliefs, but “we do emphasize the Jewish approach to healing.”

“Judaism places great value on life and the human body,” Roth said. “Rather than dwelling on the tragedy of the illness, one can take the tragedy and find gains in it. We learn from life’s pain how to enhance the quality of life.”

Raymon, a clinical nurse specialist who has worked exclusively with breast cancer patients for the past nine years, said she found comfort during a personal crisis by turning to her faith.

“I had a serious illness myself, and when I was going through that I was looking for help,” she said. “I had a very positive experience with my rabbi. It was a very growth-inducing experience for me.”

The 44-year-old Irvine resident describes her work with the group as a “wonderful experience” that has helped her spiritual growth process continue.

For group member Laura Rosenbaum, a 49-year-old Laguna Beach resident, exploring breast cancer within the context of Judaism “has helped me sort it all out.”

“The most poignant and most important of the sessions, the one I’ve gotten the most out of, has been the most spiritual one,” she said, referring to a meeting led by Rabbi Elie Spitz of Congregation B’nai Israel in Tustin.

Rosenbaum visited several non-spiritual support groups after her cancer was diagnosed but found they did not meet her needs. She said the orientation of the Jewish Family Service group is beneficial, “even if we don’t discuss anything spiritual at a session.”

Raymon said the need for support groups is particularly strong in Orange County, because the breast cancer incidence rate here is twice the national average. About one in seven local women will develop breast cancer during their lifetimes, she said.

The support group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays at Jewish Family Service’s main office, 2029 W. Orangewood Ave. in Orange. The fee is $10 per session.

To preregister, call (714) 939-1111.