“Vivien’s title may be ‘social worker’ but helping people cope with serious illness is her vocation,” says Maria, a member of Vivien Weiss’ ovarian cancer support group at the Cancer Connection in Florence, Mass. The Cancer Connection provides free, professional counseling to patients and caregivers. Vivien also leads a support group for caregivers, a bereavement group, and a workshop for teens whose loved ones have cancer.
“End-of-life issues are hard to talk about,” says a support group member, “but Vivien made it easy. She helped me with these issues so I can spend my joy and energy on living.”
Vivien also conducts workshops and private sessions as a volunteer at a free, four-day Ovarian Cancer Survivors Retreat held in spring and fall at Camp Make-A-Dream, near Missoula, Mont. “Vivien returned with glowing stories about the incredible women she counseled,” says Becky, a colleague. “She has the right blend of compassion, humor and confidence in people’s capacity to cope with very difficult situations. She is much loved by her clients.”
