Foundation Programs

PATIENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial Assistance: The Foundation provides assistance to families facing economic hardships due to their cancer journey. The emotional and financial costs of cancer can be overwhelming, with the unexpected cost associated with treatment and the inability to continue to work. Cancer puts unique and potentially devastating burdens on patients and their families. This assistance can cover a wide range of needs, from daily living expenses to large grant opportunities. By working with our social workers to identify patients who may be in need, the Foundation is able to assist with some of these burdens by providing funding. Below are some examples of financial assistance:

• Health Care Cost
• Household Expenses - Rent/Mortgage/Utility Expenses
• Food/Instcart
• Transportation - Gas Cards & Metro Transportation
• Child Care
• Medical Needs - Wheel Chair, Ramps, Post-Surgical Garments

Other Programs

• Thanksgiving & Angel Programs: The physical and emotional effects associated with cancer treatment can be difficult. For families who also face financial struggles, the stress is often magnified, especially during the holidays. It is a Foundation tradition to help support families in need so that they can buy their children gifts or provide a holiday meal with all the trimmings. If you are interested in becoming a Pluta Angel, please contact the Development Office between September and November to receive a wish list of needs from a Pluta Cancer Center patient and their family. If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the program, we will shop for a family for you!
• Comfort Bags: Comfort bags are given to patients who are about to begin their first chemotherapy treatment, with the hope that they will provide the patient comfort. Each comfort bag is filled with a journal, coloring materials, hand warmers, a blanket, hard candy and other items that may be useful during treatment. The program, which initially started as a pilot program for patients with breast cancer, took off and expanded to all patients in just six months! If you would like to donate to this project, give the Development Office a call!
• Poncho Project: Started by one of Dr. Marilyn Ling’s patients, the poncho project aims to help breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy stay warm and comfortable during their treatment. Patients with breast cancer who are beginning radiation receive a fleece poncho to use instead of standard-issue hospital gowns.

If you are interested in learning more about these programs, please call the Development Office at 585-486-0607

MOVEMENT

Exercise during and after treatment can help manage symptoms of nausea, fatigue, depression, muscle wasting and boosting cognitive function.

• LIVESTRONG: A researched-based physical activity program offered by the YMCA of Greater Rochester but taking place at the Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center. The program is designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health by building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. The 12-week program is offered twice a week and requires patients to be able to attend all classes unless ill.

• The ReNEW Program, a research-based fitness program that offers a personalized approach for cancer patients. Staff evaluate each patient's current fitness level and tailor a program to meet your needs. Their goal is to help patients love exercise so they do more of it! In addition to the individualized program, ReNEW trainers offer the following classes: 

  • ReNEW Begin, a supervised group exercise class with trainers certified by the American College of Sports Medicine for patients starting out. Patients must complete the initial ReNEW program before participating in ReNEW Begin. 
  • ReNEW Open Fit, a time to use equipment in the fitness center with certified staff on site for extra support. Patients must complete ReNEW and ReNEW Begin before participating in Open Fit. 

TOUCH

Evidence suggests that therapeutic touch can be a valuable tool to decrease symptoms such as pain, fatigue and nausea in cancer patients.

• Massage Therapy: Our massage therapists are oncology-trained and are able to provide a gentle massage to help manage symptoms such as pain, stress, anxiety and nausea. Table massage is only available to patients who are in active treatment and a referral from your provider is required. 
• Acupuncture: This has been shown to relieve symptoms of nausea, anxiety, hot flashes and pain. It's only available to patients in active treatment and requires a referral from your provider. 

For more information, please call (585) 486-0630

NUTRITION

Research suggests that healthy eating habits and support from a Registered Oncology Dietitian can be helpful in alleviating some of the side effects of cancer treatment.

• Cooking for Wellness Class, a hands-on cooking class, focuses on whole food, plant-based cooking. The menu features plant-based proteins, whole grains and seasonal fruits and vegetables. The class prepares at least two recipes. 
• Monthly nutrition lectures on topics such as nutrition during chemotherapy, menu planning and healthy cooking demonstrations. To learn more, call (585) 486-0630
• Nutrition Consultations: Wilmot Cancer Institute has registered dietitians who are board-certified in oncology nutrition and who provide counseling and other advice to adult cancer patients on how to eat well before, during and after treatment. Nutrition consultations are free and do not require a referral from a provider. To schedule an appointment at this location, call (585) 486-0654

The following nutrition education programs are offered on a rotating basis throughout the year.

• Chef Demonstrations: A community chef demonstrates how to prepare whole food, plant-based recipes while showcasing basic culinary skills.  
• Cooking Basics - Knife Skills: Led by a professional chef, this hands-on program teaches you how to efficiently prepare produce in your own home. Participants learn how to select a chef's knife, as well as how to dice, julienne and mince. 
• Plan Your Way to a Cancer-Fighting Diet: In this class, participants learn the steps to efficiently plan, shop and prepare a healthy, plant-based menu. Participants leave with a weekly menu and recipe packet to use at home. 
• Healthy Foods to Increase Calories and Protein: For patients who have difficulty maintaining body weight during or after cancer treatment, this class reviews tips to incorporate plant-based ingredients into nutrient-dense foods. Several recipes for smoothies and sauces are demonstrated and tasting samples are provided. A take-home recipe packet is included. 
• Nutrition During Chemotherapy: This class provides an overview of nutrient needs during chemotherapy as well as tips to manage nutrition-related side effects of treatment. Easy-to-prepare recipes are demonstrated and tasting samples are provided. 

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness refers to being intentionally present in the current moment, without judgment. It involves being aware of where you are and what you are doing. With any of these programs, no previous experience is needed. 

• Yoga: Through our gentle yoga program, a certified yoga instructor is able to modify postures and positions to assist any person's special limitations and needs. Yoga mats and other equipment are provided.  
• Caregiver Yoga and Meditation: These two classes are held for caregivers of patients who have cancer. 
• Open Art Therapy: This art studio group format is designed to provide comfort, relaxation and inspiration while connecting with others who've been impacted by cancer. Participants explore a variety of visual arts, including drawing, painting, collage and sculpture for self-expression, relaxation and growth. Each session is facilitated by a credentialed and board-certified art therapist. All materials are included with registration.
• Group Art Therapy: This mindfulness-based art therapy group welcomes individuals who have been affected by cancer to engage in the creative art-making process for personal healing while also to regain a sense of empowerment and to strengthen resiliency. Participants learn self-care practices, discover personal strengths, and cope with illness and change. The group is facilitated by a credentialed and board-certified art therapist. All materials are included with registration.
• Qi Gong: Our Qi Gong program uses a gentle system of coordinated body posture, movement, breathing and meditation to help bring balance and life energy. 
• Tai Chi: Integrating elements of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts conditioning, Tai Chi features slow, gentle movement, awareness and regulation of breathing as well as intentional direction of thoughts, attention, imagery and sensation. 
• Meditation Class: Meditation serves as a way to help manage stress by quieting and relaxing the mind and body. Many find it helps lower stress, increase energy, improve sleep, and decrease pain and discomfort. No prior experience is required. 
• Cancer Survivor and Caregiver Yoga: This is a research-based program measuring the effectiveness of partner yoga on sleep problems. It's offered two times per week for a four-week period and all eight sessions must be attended. Offered multiple times per year. 
• Managing Stress and Anxiety Group: This group teaches cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage stress. 
• Yoga and Meditation Programs: The Foundation supports the weekly yoga and meditation classes that are available to patients and care partners. Yoga can be a valuable tool, changing and growing with you on your cancer journey and helping you find wellness. Yoga helps to strengthen the body and increase range of motion, flexibility and balance. Meditation has been shown to improve mood, sleep, quality of life and anxiety, as well as enhance the functioning of the immune system. Both classes will help enhance your sense of control and empowerment.