Befrienders
Befriender support is offered in person or on the phone by our trained staff and volunteers, who know how to listen and support you through a challenging time. They can also connect you with our other services and programs, and make referrals to other organizations and support programs that may be helpful to you.
Please call (413) 586-1642 to speak with a Befriender or leave a message and we will call you back.
Befrienders work with those who have been diagnosed as well as caregivers. If you or a loved one is living with cancer, we’re here for you whether you were diagnosed today, last month, last year or further back in time.
Like all our services, Cancer Connection offers Befriending free of charge for men, women, and children living with a cancer diagnosis, their families, and caregivers.
How can a conversation be helpful?
We can help you clarify priorities and identify questions.
Talking with a trained staff member or volunteer can help you sort out priorities and clarify the most important next steps for you at this time.
If you have questions about your treatment and care, or need to find assistance for the family, work, and supports, we can help you as you determine how to proceed.
Our most important goal is to give our participants time.
Time to figure out what YOU need to cope and to thrive. We can also provide referrals to other information and services.
Our Befrienders are available:
Monday: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Call us at (413) 586-1642
If those times aren’t convenient, or you don’t reach a person, please leave a message. We will call you back as soon as we’re able to and we’ll find a time that fits for you
Meet Our Lead Befriender
Jo-Anna Ross
In 2005, Jo-Anna made her first visit to Cancer Connection when she dropped in to discuss her role as the primary caregiver for her mother who was battling cancer. Despite arriving overwhelmed, upon chatting with the two wonderful women at Cancer Connection, Jo-Anna left buoyed by the caring concern, listening, and encouragement that was given. Now, Jo-Anna has joined the Cancer Connection team and brings with her an extensive background in hospitality and care management. She is happy to have the opportunity to listen and give back to the community in her role as a Befriender. When away from Cancer Connection, Jo-Anna likes to spend time in nature with her rescue pup, Pepper, who also takes pleasure in country rides in the car. Jo-Anna also enjoys designing and creating jewelry and making art.
Call to speak with a Befriender – (413) 586-1642
Learn more about our other services
Integrative Therapies
We offer therapies that treat the symptoms of cancer and offer stress relief and comfort to those living with a diagnoses as well as their caregivers.
Support Groups
Support groups offer a place where we can laugh, cry, celebrate, and use humor to find relief in the universality of our experiences.
Programs
We’ve recently added new programs, including opportunities for Cancer Connection participants to enjoy programs through All Out Adventures.