Volunteer Offers Support to Anxious Families

Joan Cavanagh is a bright and cheerful presence for concerned family members in Fox Chase's surgical waiting area.

Waiting while a loved one undergoes surgery can make anyone apprehensive. Even with the reassurance of expert surgeons, worrisome questions can persist such as "Why is it taking so long?," "What did they find?," "Is mom having any side effects from anesthesia?"

Fortunately, when families are overwhelmed with concern and anxiety, volunteer Joan Cavanagh is there in the family surgical waiting area to keep the family updated on the progress of the surgery and offer emotional support.

An international marketing consultant, Cavanagh has a thriving career. Yet her staunch commitment to Fox Chase is fulfilled each Wednesday, as the memory of her own breast cancer nine years ago is still fresh in her mind.

"I wanted to give something personal," she says.

Cavanagh orients people to the facility; updates the family on the patient's surgery (when it starts and ends); keeps track of the family; connects the family with the surgeon for the post-op report; and provides companionship.

"This work is very worthwhile to me," Cavanagh says. "There were people waiting for me. I know what it's like."

Cavanagh is certainly the most popular person in the waiting area. Families look to her for updates, which she can access through the computer system. They also let her know when they are leaving the area for some time.

"It's challenging, because it is very busy, but every day I learn more about surgery outcomes and family dynamics," says Cavanagh. "It also is a one-to-one opportunity to offer empathy."

Volunteers serve in a multitude of capacities at Fox Chase. If you'd like to become a volunteer, please send your name, phone number and a brief description of how you would like to contribute to Tina McDonnell, director, volunteer services, at Tina.McDonnell@fccc.edu; or call 1-888-FOX-CHASE.