How do people access The Gathering Place for the first time?
The rule of thumb is that the referral comes from an oncologist, oncology nurse, social worker, or [a hospital’s] child life coordinator. The literature shows that it almost takes an average of seven [suggestions] before someone is able to [decide to access outside support]. To do so, it means that they have accepted the reality of a cancer diagnosis. Do you need a medical referral? No. There is no request to see confirmation of diagnosis. All it takes is the courage to come through the doors. Where does The Gathering Place fit in with other cancer centers? We’re working closer and closer with The Wellness Community [a center founded in California in 1982 that now has multiple locations in the United States] and other independents across the country. We’re in this together. We’re consulting with groups in the Cleveland area. We’ve helped start a center in Akron [Stewart’s Caring Place, which opened in 2003], and we also helped The Caring Place in Las Vegas [The Gathering Place served a
