Research shows that cancer patients who participate in support groups and other enriching activities statistically have a longer rate of survival. However, patients and families in the West Sound area living with cancer must currently make the stressful commute to Seattle in order to participate in such support programs.

Haven Cancer Resource, a new non-profit corporation located in Poulsbo is planning to change that. HCR was started by Bainbridge Island residents Mickey Gibson and Leigh Feisthammel. They recently filed for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status and plan to open a new agency in Poulsbo called Humble Abode.

Humble Abode will be a place for cancer patients and their families to go to receive life-enhancing support in an emotionally healing environment. All services at Humble Abode will be offered at no expense to the client.

Humble Abode is currently seeking a location in Poulsbo to lease or purchase.

“The location and atmosphere needs to be spiritually healing and restorative,” Gibson said. “Participants at similar agencies express gratitude for being able to go somewhere that is not medical or clinical feeling, especially since that can become the primary focus of life when you are fighting cancer.”

Feisthammel, who lost her own father to pancreatic cancer while living in Chapel Hill, NC before moving to Bainbridge Island, utilized the services of a local cancer support agency in Chapel Hill which helped her through the stressful time

Services provided will target many individual needs, including patients with specific types of cancer, newly diagnosed patients, children of parents with cancer, spouses and other members of the cancer patients support network and metastatic or advanced cancer patients. Resources to enhance the quality of life such as Yoga, Massage Therapy, breathing and relaxation techniques will provide proactive coping skills for the mind and body.

A research library containing reference materials and a computer station with Internet access will be available for all participants seeking answers to health related issues.

To reach Humble Abode or to make a donation contact: Haven Cancer Resource, PO Box 974, Poulsbo, WA 98370, www.humbleabode.us or call Mickey Gibson at 206-842-7904.