I'm Susan Wheatlake and I'm a cancer survivor. Throughout my cancer journey, I found that I wasn't alone. I realized that information in making decisions about cancer treatment is critical. Our experience with a cancer diagnosis prompted my husband and me, along with the encouragement and support of Mecosta County Medical Center and its Foundation, to initiate the Susan P. Wheatlake Women's Cancer and Wellness Fund.
At the Wheatlake Center you will find the safe harbor that is so important to cancer patients and their families. Volunteers provide an overview of resources and services to enlighten, encourage and empower those seeking cancer and wellness information and support. I cordially invite everyone to visit The Wheatlake Center Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday each week from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. or other times by appointment. The Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Center is located in the Professional Office Building just east of the main entrance to Mecosta County Medical Center at 705 Oak Street, Big Rapids. Our pink Leadership Mecosta Year of the Dawg statue,"Hope", welcomes visitors at our entrance.. The Wheatlake Center is home to our Cancer lending library,a comprehensive selection of books,DVDs,and CDs focused on cancer-related topics for women,men and children. These resources provide cancer patients,their families and caregivers with the information that will better equip them to deal with a cancer diagnosis. For visitor convenience a computer is available for free online cancer research. If requested,a volunteer will assist in retrieving the needed information. Connecting with experts: The Wheatlake Center offers a variety of opportunities to learn more about cancer and wellness topics through interaction with on-site speakers. Health care and other professionals share their expertise and offer participants access to information and resources. These informal sessions provide a comfortable environment for questions and answers. Look Good,Feel Better Program: A volunteer licensed cosmetologist will help you with makeup,skin care and appearance through our American Cancer Society endorsed program (www.cancer.org). This is a community-based,free,national service that teaches female cancer patients beauty tips to look good and feel better about their appearance during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The program is conducted in The Wheatlake Center and offers participants a private and supportive environment. To help patients practice what they have learned they will receive free makeup and skin care products.