The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation will begin hosting a special support group for caregivers of mesothelioma patients, hosted by Lora Mosca and facilitated by Jennifer Bires, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, an oncology social worker. This support group is offered free of charge to caregivers of mesothelioma patients, but does require registration.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 7 PM ET via Zoom
To keep its groups safe for all participants, the registration link is emailed directly to caregivers for whom we have information on file.
To register: Please check your email for a registration link. This link is not available publicly so if you have not received a link to register please contact Shannon Sinclair, RN, BSN, OCN, at [email protected] or(703) 879-3821 to be added. Also, please refrain from sharing the link.
A caregiver is defined as an unpaid family member or friend who provides support to the patient in the form of medical and emotional help. Often, caregivers are tasked with administering medications, purchasing and preparing food, helping a patient eat, arrange and then drive the patient to a medical appointments and procedures, household chores and much more. Sometimes, depending on the relationship between the patient and caregiver, caregivers are the closest person to the patient and can bear the brunt of the emotional ups and downs brought on by a mesothelioma diagnosis.
About the host: Lora Mosca is a caregiver to her husband, Rich, a mesothelioma warrior and former member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. She is experienced in leading groups and counseling from her 30 years as a probation officer in New York state.
About the facilitator: Jennifer Bires has over a decade of experience running groups for people impacted by cancer. Jennifer is the Executive Director of Life with Cancer and Patient Experience for the Inova Schar Cancer Institute. She works to ensure that patients, survivors, and their family members have access to psychosocial care at no cost to them to help individuals cope with cancer, its treatments, and survivorship in the best possible way. She specializes in working with young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer, communication around end-of-life concerns, and sexual health. Jennifer earned her master’s degree from Washington University in Saint Louis and her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University.
