Cancer Coach Sara Sade speaks to a patient in the Resource Center - 2017

The Cancer Coach Program

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Request a Cancer Coach

The Cancer Coach Program connects Roswell Park patients with cancer survivors who know firsthand how a cancer diagnosis changes your life. Talking with someone who has lived with cancer can reduce anxiety and isolation. Cancer Coaches are trained Roswell Park volunteers who provide comfort and practical information for patients. While Cancer Coaches can provide valuable information about their own personal experiences and supportive services available at Roswell Park, they do not provide medical advice.

At no cost to you, a program coordinator will match you with a Cancer Coach who has coped with a similar diagnosis (cancer type, stage, etc.) We will also look for other potential commonalities that coach and coachee may have, including shared interests, cultural/religious backgrounds, and basic demographic information.

Request a coach


Become a Cancer Coach

Now that you have completed your treatment for cancer, you may find yourself wanting to “pay it forward.” You remember what it was like being newly diagnosed and you have learned so much along the way, both in terms of logistical management of your journey and what cancer can mean for the whole family. This hard-won knowledge can be a new motivation for you as you continue through survivorship. Giving back can be your way of moving forward. We would be honored to have you join us as a Cancer Coach.

To become a Roswell Park Cancer Coach, you must:

  • Be at least two years out from active cancer treatment*.
  • Have been treated at one of Roswell Park’s locations, which includes Care Network locations.
  • Complete Roswell Park’s Volunteer Training. Once this training is completed, you will have the opportunity to take on additional Roswell Park volunteer roles, if desired.
  • Attend a Cancer Coach Workshop.

In addition to initial onboarding, you will receive ongoing training to support you in this important role.

Become a coach

*We recognize that some patients’ treatment requires long term medical care. We don’t want this to deter you from applying to become a Cancer Coach, since active treatment can mean many things. Please use the link above to apply and a staff member will contact you to learn more about your cancer journey.

Please call The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center at 716-845-8659 (option 1) with any questions you may have about the Cancer Coach program.

The Cancer Coach Program is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.