Cancer affects your body, but it can also affect your spirit. Spiritual services can help you cope with spiritual questions that don’t have easy answers — Why did I get cancer? How has my life impacted others? What happens if my treatment doesn’t work?
The good news is you don’t have to handle these thoughts alone. At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, your religious and spiritual needs are important to us. We’ve supported countless families navigating the rough waters of cancer treatment. And we’re ready to offer you the same spiritual counseling, comfort, and support.
What Is Spiritual Care?
Spiritual care can help you process your feelings around your cancer diagnosis and the treatment you receive. It can help you better understand your illness and cope with any discomfort you feel. While other support services focus on your physical well-being, spiritual care concentrates on your spirit, mind, and emotions. All patients and their families can access our spiritual care services.
Who Provides Spiritual Care?
At Sylvester, a chaplain will be part of your health care team. These spiritual care experts also have special training in providing support in clinical environments. Our nondenominational chaplains are available to you and your family, whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs. This interfaith approach can help you reflect on your concerns and feelings.
What Can Chaplains Do?
Our chaplains can help you work through a wide variety of issues. You can talk with them about:
- Being angry about your diagnosis
- Emerging family problems
- Feeling alone
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Worrying that cancer is a punishment
Our chaplains can discuss finding purpose, life, death, and even legacy planning. These experts can also help you recognize other resources in your life that can be a source of strength and help you cope with your diagnosis and treatment.
If you would prefer to talk with a member of the clergy in the community or your own clergy, our chaplains are happy to make a referral for you. We can also connect you to a counselor or mental health professional. Most importantly, our chaplains will advocate for what is most important to you throughout your cancer journey.
Where Can You Find Us?
Our pastoral care team is your spiritual care partner during and after your cancer treatment. We are committed to nurturing your spiritual well-being.
Our interfaith Jill Selevan Chapel is open 24 hours a day. It is located on the first floor of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center across from the cafeteria.