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Michael's Mission, a nonprofit cancer organization, has provided a grant to the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center to create The Patient and Family Support Program.

The program will help colorectal cancer patients and their caregivers cope with the emotional challenges of living with cancer. An oncology social worker will provide biweekly individual counseling for patients as well as facilitate a weekly support group for family members and other caregivers. This facilitated group session will allow caregivers to connect with others going through similar experiences.

"We are proud of our commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care," said Dr. Felice Schnoll-Sussman, director of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health and associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. "This grant will allow us to further enhance our psychosocial support services to help patients and their families as they deal with the physical, social and emotional challenges of a colorectal cancer diagnosis."

"Michael's Mission is thrilled to have created a program that assists both the patient who is going through the struggle with colorectal cancer, and also the family, friends and caregivers who are so integral to the process," said Cindy Price Gavin, executive director of Michael's Mission. "The mental and emotional well-being of patients and their families are equally important to the success of treatment."

Dr. Allyson J. Ocean, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at the Jay Monahan Center, medical chair of Michael's Mission, and associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, said, "A supportive care intervention program like this is expected to have a major impact on both the physical and emotional well-being of patients with colorectal cancer."

About the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health

The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center is a world-class gastrointestinal cancer and wellness center. The Monahan Center serves as a unique model of coordinated and compassionate care, dedicated to public education and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, including cancers of the colon, rectum, pancreas, esophagus, liver, gallbladder and small intestine. The Monahan Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell is located at the corner of 70th Street and York Avenue in New York City. For more information, visit Jay Monahan Center.

About Michael's Mission

Michael's Mission is a nonprofit organization that was founded in memory of Michael Soussa, who lost his 3-year battle with colorectal cancer. Michael's Mission is focused on improving the quality of life and treatment options for those suffering from colorectal cancer through education, research and patient support. For more information, visit www.michaelsmission.org.