About Peer Support Network
What is Peer Support Network?
Peer Support Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing Internet-based peer support services for newly diagnosed cancer patients, cancer survivors and their caregivers coping with the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Our free, global network connects people impacted by cancer with others that have undergone similar experiences and is available to anyone seeking or offering support.
How did Peer Support Network begin?
Peer Support Network was founded on the premise that peer support is essential to improving the quality of life, healing and recovery of those coping with cancer and together, peers gain hope, understanding, encouragement, inspiration and greater self-empowerment from those that have already embarked on this journey. Our founders have 25 years combined nonprofit experience with a national cancer organization. Recognizing the need and benefits of peer support, it is their personal goal to make a positive impact on all people affected by cancer.
Directors
Cathy Hylinski
Mary McNulty
What is Peer Support?
Reaching out to a family member, friend, neighbor, colleague or someone you barely know for advice, assistance, or simply to talk with, are all forms of peer support. Most of us have experienced peer support at some point in our lives. People who have had similar experiences can better relate to one another and therefore offer genuine support, empathy, and practical advice that even healthcare professionals might not be able to. They can provide each other with resources, information and coping mechanisms that were successful for them. Peer support is essential to helping people restore a sense of community and self-confidence when they have had a life-changing experience that makes them feel isolated.
Our Goals
- To educate the general public and medical community about the benefits of peer support;
- To develop and maintain a state-of-the-art, comprehensive peer support website;
- To be an established “go to” organization for peer support in the cancer community;
- To engage in seminars, health fairs, community events and other activities;
- To have programs, services, and pursuits incidental to a fully recognized and operational nonprofit for peer support.