In collaboration with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, Manheim Township Public Library is set to unveil their Cancer Survivorship Collection on June 26th, 2024.
This carefully curated book selection by staff and patients of the Cancer Institute is designed to offer knowledge, validation, humor, spiritual reflection, and personal growth for cancer survivors, families, caregivers, and supporters. The book collection will serve as a hub of information, a path to connect to others, and an entryway to personal inner strength and resilience. A partnership between the Manheim Township Public Library and the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute brought the collection to life.
“It (cancer) can be a lonely and long journey,” said wellness physician and mother of a cancer survivor, Jennie Barbieri. “Information to help answer the many questions parents and children have and hearing others share how they got through it can be a tremendous help.”
“When I was sick with breast cancer, books were a haven for me and a place to find inspiration, healing, solace, and hope. Even on challenging days, I could still read or listen, allowing my mind to explore and escape,” said cancer survivor, Sara Marian Lucking. “Beyond simply a diversion, books have transformative powers and were integral for my personal growth during and after cancer treatment.”
“Thanks to ongoing medical advances, the number of cancer survivors in the United States continues to increase, along with the need to educate the public about how best to thrive as a cancer survivor… the philosophy that cancer survivorship can be an opportunity for post-traumatic growth as cancer often highlights areas / aspects of life that may need a “tune-up” and the titles that have been curated support that mission,” said clinical psychologist Elizabeth Bejgrowicz.
The Cancer Survivorship Collection will be unveiled at MTPL on June 26th, and then the collection will be available to borrow.