For me as a social worker I can go
to Beverly and Lyn without having
to fill out applications and wait for
several weeks for approvals. I can get
immediate assistance. For patients
in the community I can help them
get financial assistance. If you don’t
have access to the oncologist, or the
medicine or the treatment that you need
it’s frightening. You can get approval
quickly for treatment, medication or
insurance premiums for whatever the
patient needs quickly,” she said.
Since her successful treatment,
Kehoe has been busy completing a
nine-month intensive training program
to become a yoga instructor. In fact,
she had just returned from Costa Rica
where she had gone for a yoga retreat,
which she described as, “Not like a
vacation.” She is looking for ways to
use her yoga training to help others
who might not have access to the
study, which can help with stress and
relaxation. She’s been talking with local
community groups that might benefit
from her expertise.
As a thirteen-year survivor herself,
Kehoe has a special insight that helps
her patients and their families.
“Having gone through it myself, I
thought I could give something back to
patients and care givers, through my
experience with my dad and losing a
family member. Being a social worker
and just knowing that it’s a process.
Things never happen as quickly as
you want them to. You’re waiting for
test results, lab results. Knowing the
process a little bit and knowing about
resources, counseling and financial,
that are available. Understanding how
important that connection is,” she
continued.
“Having been through it makes me
a much better social worker. I don’t
think I would have gone into oncology.
I wouldn’t have been able to help as
much. Everyone’s story is different.” n
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