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 The
Campbellsville/Taylor County Chapter of Make
Today Count
(MTC)
was formed in 1990. It is a support organization for people
who face a life-threatening illness and is also for their families
and friends. The group offers information, support through Group
Meetings, a telephone network, and a Newsletter.
People attend
MTC meetings because
they have common concerns and feelings. Participants often
comment on the importance of sharing experiences with others “who
have been there.” Those who attend are assured that they can share
their feelings openly with the knowledge that their words will be
received with compassion and understanding and kept in confidence.
Make Today Count
is not a religious organization, and does not offer medical advice,
but members of the group frequently talk about their faith and medical
experiences.
Although MTC
originated as a cancer support group, many people with other serious
or life-threatening illnesses have found understanding people at
MTC
meetings with whom they could share their feelings. Patients,
family, and friends are all welcome.
Our Purpose:
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To promote
openness and honesty when
we must deal with serious illness. Talking honestly about
illness leads to understanding. Silence results in the isolation
of the patient from friends and family.
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To help
the patient and family
cope with a life-threatening illness by sharing feelings and
concerns. Those who attend know what it is like because many
have been there themselves.
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To improve
the quality of life for
all persons with serious illness by helping to develop an
awareness in the community of the needs of the seriously ill.
To
assist health
professionals in communicating with both patient and family
members when a life-threatening illness is involved.
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To share
with others our personal
experiences in making each day count. We believe in living
each day in spite of illness, rather than dying each daybecause
of that illness. We consider each day we live to be a special
day, a gift, to be enjoyed as completely as possible.
Meeting Format:
The meetings are
informal. The facilitator begins by bringing the meeting to
order, making announcements about coming events and activities, and
may provide news about friends and members of the group not able to
be present. Guests introduce themselves and may talk about why
they came to the meeting. Each person, in turn, offers his or
her name and as much information as they wish to share. Many
use the occasion to provide a “weather report” on their own
situations. No one is expected to speak, or participate
actively, unless he or she wishes to do so. No demands are
made on any individual. Many people benefit greatly from the
opportunity to simply listen to others talk about their experiences
and feelings. Meetings usually adjourn a few minutes early to
provide time for people to speak individually to others, to discuss
concerns in a less intimidating situation, or simply to get
acquainted. MTC maintains a telephone network for
members who would like to keep in touch with each other between
meetings.
Meeting Information:
Where:
Taylor Regional
Hospital Meeting Room
When:
The 2nd Thursday of each month
Time:
6:00 p.m.
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Taylor
Regional Hospital provides a meal for the regular monthly
meetings.
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The June
meeting is replaced by the
American Cancer
Society’s Relay For
Life weekend celebration in Taylor County on the 2nd Friday and
Saturday of the month.
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All cancer
survivors are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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Look for
information regarding this event in the
Central Kentucky
News Journal or on
the local radio stations of Q-104, K-Country, and WTC-Oldies.
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The August
meeting is usually a picnic. (Call for
date/time/location/meal information)
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The November
and December meetings are combined for a holiday celebration.
(Call for date/time/location)
Contact Information:
James Graham Brown
Cancer Center at Taylor Regional Hospital
Medical Oncology Department
125 Greenbriar Drive
Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718
Phone: 1-270-465-6402
Fax: 1-270-789-5871
E-mail: chemo@tchosp.org
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