Pair Hope to Enlist Churches in Cancer Fight

When Alaine Stevens learned she had breast cancer, she was offered the best medical care, from surgery to chemotherapy, but she wasn't getting everything she needed.

Stevens, only 44 when she was diagnosed nearly three years ago, needed her cancer to be treated, but she longed to have her whole self -- her body, mind and spirit -- treated as well.

She found that holistic treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa. Now she hopes to help others get that kind of care in Springfield.

"We've been blessed," said Stevens, who has been cancer-free for one year. "We want to minister to people in similar situations."

She is not suggesting a new medical facility. Instead, she hopes to help area churches provide much of the care she drove to Tulsa to receive.

To accomplish that, Stevens and her husband, Denny, are holding an "Our Journey of Hope" lay ministry training session on March 11.

The free, eight-hour session will address issues from what to say to a cancer patient to creative physical care tips, said Lyn Thompson, spiritual outreach coordinator for Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

"It's really excellent training and equipping," said Thompson. "It helps congregants feel more confident."

Cancer Treatment Centers of America's "Our Journey of Hope" training program began about a year ago "because of what we have seen happen with patients here who are receiving spiritual care," said Thompson, a 19-year cancer survivor. "We know the impact that can have on their healing."

Thompson will be on the training team here next week. With her will be the Rev. Michael Langham, director of pastoral care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

A naturopathic practitioner from the center will cover basic information about cancer, areas of prevention, diet and exercise.

"We hope churches will start cancer support groups because of this," said Johnson.

The organization is turning to churches because spiritual care is a critical part of recovery, she said. "Churches are where they're going to get that."

Denny and Alaine Stevens are establishing a cancer support group at the church they pastor, Living Hope Fellowship at 2835 E. Division St.

They know firsthand the role faith and spiritual support played in her recovery, as well as his needs.

"We want to support families as well as patients," Denny Stevens said. "They all need hope."

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