Palmetto State Extra: Your Health And You

**Tidelands Health Launching Breast Cancer Support Group in October**

People battling breast cancer and breast cancer survivors can find comfort and helpful resources through a new, free support group offered by the Tidelands Health Cancer Care Network.

The support group, which is launching during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, will provide a comfortable environment for community members who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer or are undergoing breast cancer treatment to share experiences and find support through open discussion. Breast cancer survivors are also encouraged to attend to share their inspiring journeys and successes.

Anyone in the community who is affected by breast cancer can attend the free monthly support group meetings. No registration is needed, and you don’t have to be a patient at Tidelands Health.

During the monthly meetings, a guest speaker will discuss emotional wellness, coping skills, diet and other topics to help support patients through their cancer journey. Tidelands Health experts also will be available to answer participants’ questions and provide helpful resources.

“Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can bring a range of questions and emotional needs,” said Terry Pickett, director of cancer services at Tidelands Health. “Having the chance to connect with others going through a similar journey provides tremendous support during what can be a troubling and uncertain time. We started this support group to give patients an opportunity to find that invaluable support, important resources and the comfort they need.”

Breast cancer survivor Heather Gainey will share her inspiring journey during the first meetings in October:

Oct. 13, 2-4 p.m., MUSC Health Tidelands Health Radiation Therapy Center, Waccamaw Medical Park East, Suite 106, 4033 Highway 17 Murrells Inlet

Oct. 27, 2-4 p.m., Tidelands Health Francis B. Ford Cancer Treatment Center, 2405 N. Fraser St., Georgetown

The breast cancer support group meetings will continue on the second Thursday every month in Murrells Inlet and the fourth Thursday every month in Georgetown.

The new support group is the latest addition to the comprehensive services and expertise offered to patients and the community through the Tidelands Health Cancer Care Network, a triple-accredited cancer provider and the region’s affiliate of the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Tidelands Health is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

For more information about the breast cancer support group, call 843-652-6607.

**MUSC Health Marion Medical Center Names Executive Director**

MUSC Health Marion Medical Center is proud to announce Shametra Swaringer, MSN, RN, CCRN, has been named Executive Director of MUSC Health Marion Medical Center. Formerly, she served as Critical Care Services Director in the Florence Division.

Swaringer is responsible for ensuring continued excellent care to the community. As the Executive Director, she will have direct responsibility for the hospital, and nursing leadership.
She has more than 16 years’ experience with MUSC Health Florence Medical Center, and the hospital formerly known as Carolinas Hospital System. Swaringer’s clinical knowledge, coupled with her experience as a passionate and trusted leader, ensures MUSC Health Marion Medical Center continued success.

Shametra is a graduate of Florence-Darlington Technical College. She also completed a Bachelor of Science at Francis Marion University and her Master of Science in nursing at the University of Phoenix.

“Please join me in congratulating Shametra on this new role,” said MUSC Health Florence Division Chief Executive Officer Jay Hinesley. “She will focus on bolstering a strong culture, bringing additional efficiencies to operations, and standardizing processes between the hospitals in the Florence Division.”