For Britton and Jen Thomas, MyLifeLine, now a part of the Cancer Support Community (CSC), was a major source of social and emotional support after their significant others passed away from cancer.

After their spouses passed away, the two serendipitously met each other through the free digital platform and bonded over shared caregiving experiences. In time, they fell in love and got married to begin a new life together and they now have a baby daughter, Ashlyn, who recently turned one.

On Friday, July 13, Lieutenant Governor Donna Lynne honored them and thousands of other caregivers by reading a proclamation declaring Cancer Caregivers Day in Colorado.

As the proclamation read, “cancer caregivers provide significant support to their loved ones and may face their own quality of life, financial, physical and/or emotional challenges.”

From helping a loved one understand their treatment options, to navigating the health care system and providing financial and emotional support, cancer caregivers often go unpaid for the assistance they give to people living with cancer.

That’s why at the State Capitol we were proud to announce our new partnership with Colorado’s largest provider of cancer care, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC), to expand its supportive care for patients and caregivers.

Thanks to the generous financial support of the Barbara Bradley Baekgaard Family Foundation, this agreement will make services available across RMCC’s 13 primary clinic locations with our satellite hubs being established at RMCC’s clinics in Lone Tree and in Colorado Springs.

Now, patients at RMCC will have access to our comprehensive, scientifically validated psychosocial support programs, including professionally facilitated support groups, education, social connections, healthy lifestyle classes, and other resources.

Jen, Britton, and baby Ashlyn attended the ceremony – along with CSC CEO Kim Thiboldeaux, CSC National Board Member Rich Mutell, and RMCC Executive Director Glenn Balasky. We also were thrilled that representatives from the offices of Sen. Cory Gardner and Rep. Diane DeGette joined us as well.

“Today marks a major step forward for cancer patients and caregivers in Colorado,” said Thiboldeaux on Friday. “We are honored to work with RMCC to provide free supportive resources that will help patients gain a sense of control at a time when a medical diagnosis can make life seem so chaotic.”