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Jason Pfeifer
Jason Pfeifer

This document summarizes an interview with Jason Pfeifer, the program coordinator of Cancer Support Services of Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, New Mexico. The summary is: Pfeifer describes the various services provided by Cancer Support Services, including navigation assistance, support groups, yoga/tai chi classes, massage, and transportation assistance. He explains that the program aims to provide non-medical support to cancer patients and their families to reduce stress and promote healing. Pfeifer also discusses fundraising efforts, his background and family, and how he became involved in this work after receiving cancer support himself.

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B9THE TAOS NEWS Local News March17-23,2016 Picuris Smokes CONGRATULATIONSPEASCO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES 587-2374 Zekes Auto Supply & Machine Shop 116 Alexander St. Taos 758-8895 Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Same Day Service Zekes sINCe 1963 Know Your Neighbor: Jason Pfeifer By Kathy C坦rdova For The Taos News U nfortunately, far too many people living in the Taos area have experienced cancer or has a loved one with the disease. If and when this occurs, what and how do the patient and his/her support system do regarding the sit- uation? In this area, Cancer Support Services of Holy Cross Hospital remains ready to provide assistance. Program Coordinator Jason Pfeifer gen- erously shared helpful details during a recent interview at his 413 Sipapu St. office. We provide non-medi- cal alternative support for families (not just the patient) experiencing cancer. Our program is based on provid- ing services to reduce stress and promote healing, shared Pfeifer during the interview. Q: Please describe the Cancer Support Services Program. A: We serve area residents in Taos and Western Colfax County from early in the diagnosis up to a year after their last treatment. Those joining the program receive a welcome packet. Participants soon learn that, while we offer services ourselves, we also connect people experi- encing cancer with business- es and other organizations whenever we cant help them. We offer health care nav- igation, including leads to support groups and house cleaning. Personal care, errands, massage and week- ly yoga are also part of our offerings. Other services include: fitness, health and cancer coaching, assistance with transportation, lodging and food and grief and loss support. Participants receive a $25 gift card for food from Super Save. We provide Market Bucks for farmers market and brochures with informa- tion on personal wellness and health awareness coaching. We live in a rural area, so transportation is sometimes tricky and costly. The Amer- ican Cancer Society helps by providing gas cards for patients who require help with transportation costs as well as the Road to Recovery Program, in which volunteers drive cancer patients to treat- ments. We currently have six volunteers on board now, but if others wish to participate, they may drop by the office for a brochure, call (800) 227- 2345 or visit www.cancer.org for more information. We offer support groups, and I feel that these are extremely important. The Cancer Caregiver Support Group provides a safe and confidential space to discuss challenges and topics associ- ated with someone who has cancer. Meetings occur at our office Monday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. The Cancer Support Group focuses on helping people connect with others in similar situations to discuss diagnosis, treat- ment and life after cancer. The group meets on Tuesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at our office. Interested persons may call (575) 751-8927 or click on to the website www.TaosHealth. com. Our Navigation Program, coordinated by my wife, Molly Robertson, includes helping cancer patients understand and work through the insurance pro- cess. We also provide infor- mation regarding physical well-being through tai chi and Santosha Yoga classes and information on massage. Other brochures discuss home health, grief and loss retreat and the upcoming spring 2016 Family Cancer Retreat, a free educational program scheduled April 22-24 at the Marriott Pyramid Hotel in Albuquerque. The Good Look Feel Better Pro- gram, provided by Spirits of Beauty, gives patients beauty tips and $500 worth of beauty products to enhance their well-being. We will work with our par- ticipants to navigate through their many questions and needs and seek help from elsewhere, if necessary, free of charge. Cancer Services of New Mexico and the Amer- ican Cancer Society help us provide information and help. If Im not available for a call or visit, my assistant and co-facilitator of the support groups, Liz Fox, is happy to help. Our main message to patients and their families is, Youre not alone. Q: How are the various aspects of Cancer Support Services financed? A: Holy Cross Hospital sponsors the program. Im an independent contractor, hired to run the program for a two-year period. On June 11, we plan to host For the Health of It, a primary fundraising effort. Flex Your Chest is an event begun in September 2015. In October, the program Paint the Town Pink helps raise funding through a silent auction, loft party, community yoga, Zumba and other fitness donations and contributions from a local theater company production. We are always willing to accept donations and volunteers. The program has grown from 35 new clients and fam- ily members in 2012 ($6,151 in services) to 120 new cli- ents and family members ($19,400 in services) in 2015. Of this funding, 99 percent serves people in need, local businesses and staff, and 1 percent covers out-of-town lodging during treatment. Cancer Support Services part- ners with Casa Esperanza in Albuquerque for lodging. Q: Please state your background, including how you become involved with your current position. A: I grew up in Chicago. I completed a degree program in criminal justice at Harper College and then took a road trip out West with a friend. I lived in my car as I sought seasonal employment in Utah, Nevada and Idaho, river guiding and working at ski areas. I found my way through by realizing that a person can do what one wants to do with effort. I also worked as a reporter in Idaho. Seventeen years ago, I came to Taos as a ski bum, worked as an instructor at Taos Ski Valley and continue to do so part-time as a ski and snow- board instructor. I missed structure and consistency in my life and decided to settle down here. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and received much support. After recovery, I decided I wanted to give back. I work for the program thats been built up based on what community members need most. Q: You mentioned your wife. Please share family information. A: My wife, Molly Robert- son, was born in Pilar to Mark and Annie. The rest of my family lives in Chicago. Q: Besides helping those with cancer, what else have you done to support the community? A: I was a youth care work- er at DreamTree Project for three years and New Wave Rafting. Im a certified profes- sional co-active coach, spe- cializing in leadership coach- ing. Ive also spearheaded TEN (Taos Entrepreneurial Network). I host a radio show on KNCE Radio Wednesdays from 7-9 a.m. I was also a department chair for the Green Technology Program at UNM-Taos for 2 遜 - 3 years. Q: How do you spend spare time? A: I love the theater and filmmaking. In the past, I appeared in Taos Onstage and mystery dinner theater. Currently, Im appearing in Speaking in Tongues at the Mural Room at the Old County Courthouse March 3-20, Thursdays and Satur- days at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door. Im starting a business Improv Medicine Show using acting to help teach care, health and healing for patients and caretakers. I love to travel and plan to con- tinue to do so. I love to get on the river, stand up, paddle- board and clear my head. I find connecting with people invigorating. If I can use those interests to help others and grow the Cancer Support Program, thats even better. Honors for Taos Pueblo student Samuel Smith III, of Taos Pueblo, has been selected as Southwestern Indian Poly- technic Institutes 2016 recip- ient of the American Indian College Fund and Adolph Co- ors Foundation Outstanding Student of theYear Award. The fund awards one stu- dent from each of the 34 trib- al colleges and universities. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Smith has a 4.0 GPA, and he is enrolled in the pre-en- gineering and geo-spatial information technologies programs. He is expected to graduate in April 2017 and plans to transfer to New Mex- ico State University to contin- ue his education in surveying engineering. He aspires to eventually open his own land survey- ing company with a focus on planning and zoning to aid in developing the lands of Taos Pueblo and other indig- enous nations. He is a tutor atSouthwestern Indian Poly- technic Institutes Academic Coaching Center. Katharine Egli Jason Pfeifer poses for a portrait with the cast of Speaking in Tongues before a show Saturday (March 12). Courtesy Photo Samuel Smith Courtesy photo Carlos F. Romero, son of Bob and Alice Romero of Ranchos de Taos, was selected as a 2016 Latino Screenwriting Project lab fellow for his script, titled Red Chile Sushi. As part of the program, he attended a writing workshop last month sponsored by the Sundance Institute and Cinefestival, the longest-running Latino film festival in the U.S., in San Antonio, Texas. APRIL 14 Mix & Meet Hear from Board of Director Candidates Host: UNMTaos Location: Harwood Museum ofArt,5:30pm -7:00pm MAY 11 Mix & Meet Meet the newBoard Members, Host:FridayMotors www.taoschamber.com 575-751-8800 M e m b e r s h i p M a r c h Join theTaosCounty ChamberofCommerce! ReferaFriend! Hearwhatourmembershavetosay: As a longtime member of theTaos CountyChamber of Commerce mybusiness has prospered because of the networking opportunities provided bythe wide varietyof activities theyorganize and sponsor. Myhat is off to Susan Cadyand LindseyElliott for the outstanding job theyhave accomplished. Taos County is luckyto have such talented and dedicated people working for us. FRANCISCO GUEVARA, President. Los Rios River Runners Contact the Taos County Chamber of Commerce to start your membership with this dynamic organization today! Taos County Chamber of Commerce Makes Business Better!

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  • 1. B9THE TAOS NEWS Local News March17-23,2016 Picuris Smokes CONGRATULATIONSPEASCO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES 587-2374 Zekes Auto Supply & Machine Shop 116 Alexander St. Taos 758-8895 Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Same Day Service Zekes sINCe 1963 Know Your Neighbor: Jason Pfeifer By Kathy C坦rdova For The Taos News U nfortunately, far too many people living in the Taos area have experienced cancer or has a loved one with the disease. If and when this occurs, what and how do the patient and his/her support system do regarding the sit- uation? In this area, Cancer Support Services of Holy Cross Hospital remains ready to provide assistance. Program Coordinator Jason Pfeifer gen- erously shared helpful details during a recent interview at his 413 Sipapu St. office. We provide non-medi- cal alternative support for families (not just the patient) experiencing cancer. Our program is based on provid- ing services to reduce stress and promote healing, shared Pfeifer during the interview. Q: Please describe the Cancer Support Services Program. A: We serve area residents in Taos and Western Colfax County from early in the diagnosis up to a year after their last treatment. Those joining the program receive a welcome packet. Participants soon learn that, while we offer services ourselves, we also connect people experi- encing cancer with business- es and other organizations whenever we cant help them. We offer health care nav- igation, including leads to support groups and house cleaning. Personal care, errands, massage and week- ly yoga are also part of our offerings. Other services include: fitness, health and cancer coaching, assistance with transportation, lodging and food and grief and loss support. Participants receive a $25 gift card for food from Super Save. We provide Market Bucks for farmers market and brochures with informa- tion on personal wellness and health awareness coaching. We live in a rural area, so transportation is sometimes tricky and costly. The Amer- ican Cancer Society helps by providing gas cards for patients who require help with transportation costs as well as the Road to Recovery Program, in which volunteers drive cancer patients to treat- ments. We currently have six volunteers on board now, but if others wish to participate, they may drop by the office for a brochure, call (800) 227- 2345 or visit www.cancer.org for more information. We offer support groups, and I feel that these are extremely important. The Cancer Caregiver Support Group provides a safe and confidential space to discuss challenges and topics associ- ated with someone who has cancer. Meetings occur at our office Monday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. The Cancer Support Group focuses on helping people connect with others in similar situations to discuss diagnosis, treat- ment and life after cancer. The group meets on Tuesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at our office. Interested persons may call (575) 751-8927 or click on to the website www.TaosHealth. com. Our Navigation Program, coordinated by my wife, Molly Robertson, includes helping cancer patients understand and work through the insurance pro- cess. We also provide infor- mation regarding physical well-being through tai chi and Santosha Yoga classes and information on massage. Other brochures discuss home health, grief and loss retreat and the upcoming spring 2016 Family Cancer Retreat, a free educational program scheduled April 22-24 at the Marriott Pyramid Hotel in Albuquerque. The Good Look Feel Better Pro- gram, provided by Spirits of Beauty, gives patients beauty tips and $500 worth of beauty products to enhance their well-being. We will work with our par- ticipants to navigate through their many questions and needs and seek help from elsewhere, if necessary, free of charge. Cancer Services of New Mexico and the Amer- ican Cancer Society help us provide information and help. If Im not available for a call or visit, my assistant and co-facilitator of the support groups, Liz Fox, is happy to help. Our main message to patients and their families is, Youre not alone. Q: How are the various aspects of Cancer Support Services financed? A: Holy Cross Hospital sponsors the program. Im an independent contractor, hired to run the program for a two-year period. On June 11, we plan to host For the Health of It, a primary fundraising effort. Flex Your Chest is an event begun in September 2015. In October, the program Paint the Town Pink helps raise funding through a silent auction, loft party, community yoga, Zumba and other fitness donations and contributions from a local theater company production. We are always willing to accept donations and volunteers. The program has grown from 35 new clients and fam- ily members in 2012 ($6,151 in services) to 120 new cli- ents and family members ($19,400 in services) in 2015. Of this funding, 99 percent serves people in need, local businesses and staff, and 1 percent covers out-of-town lodging during treatment. Cancer Support Services part- ners with Casa Esperanza in Albuquerque for lodging. Q: Please state your background, including how you become involved with your current position. A: I grew up in Chicago. I completed a degree program in criminal justice at Harper College and then took a road trip out West with a friend. I lived in my car as I sought seasonal employment in Utah, Nevada and Idaho, river guiding and working at ski areas. I found my way through by realizing that a person can do what one wants to do with effort. I also worked as a reporter in Idaho. Seventeen years ago, I came to Taos as a ski bum, worked as an instructor at Taos Ski Valley and continue to do so part-time as a ski and snow- board instructor. I missed structure and consistency in my life and decided to settle down here. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and received much support. After recovery, I decided I wanted to give back. I work for the program thats been built up based on what community members need most. Q: You mentioned your wife. Please share family information. A: My wife, Molly Robert- son, was born in Pilar to Mark and Annie. The rest of my family lives in Chicago. Q: Besides helping those with cancer, what else have you done to support the community? A: I was a youth care work- er at DreamTree Project for three years and New Wave Rafting. Im a certified profes- sional co-active coach, spe- cializing in leadership coach- ing. Ive also spearheaded TEN (Taos Entrepreneurial Network). I host a radio show on KNCE Radio Wednesdays from 7-9 a.m. I was also a department chair for the Green Technology Program at UNM-Taos for 2 遜 - 3 years. Q: How do you spend spare time? A: I love the theater and filmmaking. In the past, I appeared in Taos Onstage and mystery dinner theater. Currently, Im appearing in Speaking in Tongues at the Mural Room at the Old County Courthouse March 3-20, Thursdays and Satur- days at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door. Im starting a business Improv Medicine Show using acting to help teach care, health and healing for patients and caretakers. I love to travel and plan to con- tinue to do so. I love to get on the river, stand up, paddle- board and clear my head. I find connecting with people invigorating. If I can use those interests to help others and grow the Cancer Support Program, thats even better. Honors for Taos Pueblo student Samuel Smith III, of Taos Pueblo, has been selected as Southwestern Indian Poly- technic Institutes 2016 recip- ient of the American Indian College Fund and Adolph Co- ors Foundation Outstanding Student of theYear Award. The fund awards one stu- dent from each of the 34 trib- al colleges and universities. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Smith has a 4.0 GPA, and he is enrolled in the pre-en- gineering and geo-spatial information technologies programs. He is expected to graduate in April 2017 and plans to transfer to New Mex- ico State University to contin- ue his education in surveying engineering. He aspires to eventually open his own land survey- ing company with a focus on planning and zoning to aid in developing the lands of Taos Pueblo and other indig- enous nations. He is a tutor atSouthwestern Indian Poly- technic Institutes Academic Coaching Center. Katharine Egli Jason Pfeifer poses for a portrait with the cast of Speaking in Tongues before a show Saturday (March 12). Courtesy Photo Samuel Smith Courtesy photo Carlos F. Romero, son of Bob and Alice Romero of Ranchos de Taos, was selected as a 2016 Latino Screenwriting Project lab fellow for his script, titled Red Chile Sushi. As part of the program, he attended a writing workshop last month sponsored by the Sundance Institute and Cinefestival, the longest-running Latino film festival in the U.S., in San Antonio, Texas. APRIL 14 Mix & Meet Hear from Board of Director Candidates Host: UNMTaos Location: Harwood Museum ofArt,5:30pm -7:00pm MAY 11 Mix & Meet Meet the newBoard Members, Host:FridayMotors www.taoschamber.com 575-751-8800 M e m b e r s h i p M a r c h Join theTaosCounty ChamberofCommerce! ReferaFriend! Hearwhatourmembershavetosay: As a longtime member of theTaos CountyChamber of Commerce mybusiness has prospered because of the networking opportunities provided bythe wide varietyof activities theyorganize and sponsor. Myhat is off to Susan Cadyand LindseyElliott for the outstanding job theyhave accomplished. Taos County is luckyto have such talented and dedicated people working for us. FRANCISCO GUEVARA, President. Los Rios River Runners Contact the Taos County Chamber of Commerce to start your membership with this dynamic organization today! Taos County Chamber of Commerce Makes Business Better!