A Model for Dealing With Life's Crises
John Donne's often quoted line, "No man is an Island,” speaks volumes and captures something that is very true of the human condition, especially when we face one of Life's Crises - our very survival depends on our ability to reach out and receive the support of a circle of family, friends and community. This is perhaps most true when facing the trauma of life threatening and/or chronic diseases. Our ability to cope, to deal with the trauma of diagnosis, to comply with often difficult and sometimes painful treatments and to accept with equanimity and dignity prognoses and outcomes depends on the support of our family, friends and community, our "Co-Madre"™. This is especially true for those of us who come from and have grown up in communal-centric cultures, those that place emphasis on the family and community above individual self interest. Dr. Marlena Vega, having had to cope with the ravages of Breast Cancer first as teenager witnessing her mother and grandmother succumb to this disease and then having experienced its ravages herself formulated and teaches the "Co-Madre Model"™ through her lectures, writing and public speaking. Her outreach program has established Co-Madre Chapters™ across the country and amongst people around the world.
What is a Co-Madre Chapter™? It is a group of people, family, friends and community members who have experienced or are experiencing the trauma of a life crisis. Dr. Marlena teaches, by her example, that no man or woman is an island. Reach out and join together with your loved ones and your community. Seek their support and approval for what you have to do. Join together and support your loved ones, friends or neighbors who are in crisis. Help them meet the challenge. Find the time and the love - that's what it takes, time and love - to see that they get the treatment they need and have the courage see it through. Advocate for yourself and your Co-Madre™; by joining together the seemingly impossible becomes only unlikely, and the unlikely becomes tomorrow's reality.
For more information about the Co-Madre program contact by using the button below.
marlena Vega, MSW, PhD
Psycho-Oncologist
Dr. Marlena Vega, a pioneering psycho-oncologist, is a third generation breast and skin cancer survivor. She uses her own stories of success and survival to teach others about how they can reach their goals as well. In addition to cancer, she has spoken about other topics such as Diabetes in the Latino community--a multi generational familial approach to the disease and its onset with suggestions on how to keep compliant.Dr. Vega was educated at Hunter College, Smith College School for Social Work, Pacific Western University Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies, The Center for the Advancement of Group Studies, and the Post-Graduate Center for Mental Health.