GBM Research Project: Caregivers/Patients Requested

I got this email today from Rachel Geltman of the Video Chat Network. She wants to interview GBM victims/caregivers. I don’t know Rachel or her company, but I want to help out victims and caregivers. As such, I’m posting this. Since I suspect many of you could use a bit of extra cash, here’s some quotes from her request:

“Hello John,

By way of introduction, my name is Rachel Geltman and my company is Video Chat Network (videochatnetwork.net).  We are an online marketing research company using the latest in video chat technology to conduct virtual market research interviews.  We have been engaged by many health care agencies and pharmaceutical clients to conduct research on their behalf for a wide range of medical conditions with health care professionals, caregivers and patients.

We are currently engaged in a project among Caregivers of patients and patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme (Brain Cancer).  We would like to speak with 4-5  anywhere in the US.”

Now here’s the part that involves some $. 

“We will also compensate the Caregivers/Patients $125 to participate in a 45 minute interview via webcam.  We could conduct these interviews with just one of them by themselves or both of them together.  All they will need to have is a working webcam/microphone and a strong internet connection to participate.  Ideally we would like to start these interviews this coming week (week of 9/15) but can also conduct them the

following week as well (week of 9/22) and will schedule them at their convenience. 

We have a lot of experience conducting health care/pharmaceutical research (http://videochatnetwork.net/pharmaceutical.php) and will take good care of the participants throughout the process. 

Please shoot me back an email, or call me at 917-207-7740, if you are interested in helping us out.

Best regards,

Rachel Geltman”

I think this is first come, first interviewed.

John

PS – She wants to compensate me if any of you sign up, but I told her to donate whatever $ she would give me to the American Brain Tumor Association – www.abta.org. If you have an extra nickel or two, consider doing the same.

PPS - I'm also a big fan of Meningioma Mommas - http://www.meningiomamommas.org/ and It's Just Benign - http://www.itsjustbenign.org/ 

Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_orson'>orson / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

Yes, I think they really are angels

I just heard of Imerman Angels today and couldn’t wait to write about them.

“Imerman Angels - http://www.imermanangels.org/index.php - carefully matches a person touched by cancer with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer (a Mentor Angel). Additionally, personalized matches are provided for cancer caregivers (family and friends of fighters) to benefit from other experienced caregivers. These relationships provide hope and comfort from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience. This personalized matching service is absolutely free and is available to anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world.”

How great is that?

I want to repeat a few things in this:

• You get to talk to somebody that’s your age, your gender and who has beaten the same type of cancer.  “A Mentor Angel is walking, talking, living proof, and inspiration that cancer can be beaten.”

• It’s Free! “Our service is absolutely free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world.”

• And (AND) caregivers also get somebody to talk to. These folks have thought this through.

Here’s a link to some poignant (Heartfelt? Unedited? Revealing?) testimonials: http://www.imermanangels.org/about-us/testimonials/cancer-survivors.php

And while you’re at it, check out their activities and events: http://www.imermanangels.org/news-and-events/upcoming-events.php

John

PS - I haven’t met Jonny Imerson who founded Imerman Angels, but I will find some way to meet him, shake his hand and thank him for what he's done.

ABTA Seminar: “Coping with Caregiver Stress”

Did my wife have a bit a stress when I came home from the hospital? You betcha! Does stress increase for caregivers because they now need to minister to their loved one, but also need to sort out all the drugs, rehab trips, doctor visits, etc.? Well, duh!?

Thankfully, the American Brain Tumor Association is holding an online webcast about all this.  According to the website, “Taking on the role of caregiver for a loved one with a brain tumor is something that you may not have expected. Your new role comes with many responsibilities that can challenge a caregiver in ways never imagined.  You will need to become an expert not only in attending to a patient’s physical needs, but also in managing the details and communication with doctors, pharmacists, insurance companies, employers and others.  This webinar will explore and discuss practical strategies for recognizing and managing stress throughout your caregiving role.”

Does this sound like something you want to attend?  Or maybe something you’re desperate to attend? Well now you can watch the presentation charts and hear the presenter through your own computer. It’s free and all you have to do is register online and the ABTA will explain the rest. Here’s a link to do so: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/365153158