Mayo employees start support group | News, sports, jobs

Above: Tami Stegge, Marisa Voss and Darla Lytle in the chapel of the Lutz Cancer Center of the Mayo Clinic in Fairmont.

FAIRMONT – In order to offer patients additional support, some of the Mayo Clinic employees founded a new cancer support group in Fairmont, which meets in the lobby of the Lutz Cancer Center.

The Lutz Cancer Center will be six years old this summer, although Mayo previously had a cancer center in Fairmont, although it was much smaller. Mayo in Fairmont also had a cancer support group, but Covid changed that.

“During Covid, the self -help group became virtual and we thought that there was a separation of patients. They did not get the personal feeling of a self-help group and not many people used the online offer. “ said Marisa Voss, a nurse. “We saw the need for it.”

The Lutz Cancer Center offers chemotherapy, antibiotic and hydration admiration and other infusions. Every day it sees about 20 to 30 patients looking for these services and more patients to see their oncology provider.

In so many patients who receive treatment, employees wanted to be able to enter into their other needs.

“We don't want you to feel alone. You can connect to other patients. That is our goal “,” said Darla Lytle, an oncological certified nurse.

The self -help group is intended for patients with all types of cancer diagnosis and their nursing staff. First they meet in the lobby of the Lutz Cancer Center.

“We will have guest speakers and there will be a new topic every month. We will also open it so that the patients can share their stories. “ Said Voss.

Future guest speakers who provide information on various relevant topics are a pharmacist, nutritionist, oncologist, social worker and physiotherapist.

The meetings will be up to a team of nurses, including Tami Stegge, Darla Lytle, Marisa Voss, Melissa Garry, Brenda Jones, Amanda Johnson and Mary Helgeson.

So far, they have informed people through word of mouth about the group. The first meeting took place in February, and although not many people were present, Lytle said that she saw how two patients made a connection during that.

“They helped each other. It was nice to see “,” Said Lytle.

Registration is not necessary to participate, and you do not have to receive treatment from the Lutz Cancer Center to take part.

Oncology -certified nurse Tami Stegge said its general goal was “To get together patients and to support each other outside of visits to doctors.”

Voss added, “Sometimes you get rushed places and have no time to decompress and have a safe space to talk.”

The group will meet on the first Tuesday of the month from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The next meeting will take place on March 4th. Those with questions can call 507-594-2929.