UCSF Neuro-Oncology Gordon Murray Caregiver Program
Spring Newsletter
Greetings Caregivers -

If you are receiving this newsletter you are already aware that life is not​ always fair and that things in life ​can happen that are beyond our control. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a reminder to people around the globe that life is full of uncertainty. If you are caring for a loved one with a brain tumor, this may intensify the uncertainty that you've already been living with since the diagnosis.  
 
Not knowing exactly what will happen may lead to ​feeling overwhelm​ed and stirring up uncomfortable feelings. This is understandable and even to be expected. The Gordon Murray Caregiver Program is here for you now more than ever! We can offer suggestions and provide resources or simply be “a shoulder to lean on” (from six feet away). This month’s letter focuses on ways to garner support from the comfort and safety of your own home. 
Connect Remotely
We know that connecting with others in a similar situation can be a powerful method of support. While it's imperative to maintain physical distance at this time, connecting with others can be an antidote to feeling isolated during this time of "social distancing." Use the recent shelter-in-place mandate as motivation to reach out and access the many types of remote support. 
NBTS Brain Tumor Support Conversations
Online support groups run by the brain tumor community for the brain tumor community. This group is attended and run by patients and care partners who have had firsthand experience with the challenges and effects of a brain tumor diagnosis.
ABTA Peer Support & Online Community
ABTA CommYOUnity™ Connect is a free mentor matching service that pairs brain tumor caregivers with mentors who have been through a similar situation.Trained volunteer mentors offer social-emotional support and share their experience with brain tumor diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Look After Yourself
You may not be able to control the situation, but you can control how you respond to it. Remember to consider your own well-being during this time by practicing self-care and self-compassion. Try gentle movement, meditation, breathing practices, creative pursuits, reading for pleasure, music, movies, board games and puzzles or journaling.
Weekly Meditation & Guided Imagery
Free class for cancer patients and their caregivers, offered weekly online via Zoom starting March 31. This is a drop-in class offered by the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center with no need to pre-register.
Video: Self-Compassion
Mary Doane of Zen Hospice discusses tools for practicing self-compassion throughout the caregiving journey.
Other Resources
Mental Health & COVID-19
Access resources to support your well-being during this challenging time. Developed by UCSF Psychiatry.
"Time for Me" Resources
Browse helpful articles, videos, movies, and books from the Caregiver Resource Center of Orange
UCSF Neuro-Oncology
Gordon Murray Caregiver Program

(415) 514-5674
GordonMurrayCaregiverProgram@ucsf.edu