As the Spiritual Support Coordinator at Cancer Care Services, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals navigating cancer. One thing I have learned is this: healing is never just physical.
While medical treatment is essential, many of our clients also need emotional and spiritual support to process the fear, stress, and uncertainty that cancer brings. That’s why Cancer Care Services is committed to offering non-denominational spiritual care. We believe in a holistic approach — creating space for anyone to connect, regardless of background, beliefs, or traditions.
Spirituality vs. Religion: Why the Difference Matters
It’s important to understand that spirituality and religion are not the same.
Religion often involves shared beliefs, structured practices, and traditions within a specific faith community. Spirituality, on the other hand, is centered on meaning, connection, purpose, and inner peace. It can be practiced within a religion, or completely outside of one.
At Cancer Care Services, our approach is intentionally spiritual rather than religious. We focus on helping patients, caregivers, and survivors reconnect with themselves, find grounding, and experience moments of peace during one of the most challenging seasons of their lives.
It’s natural for individuals facing cancer to begin searching for deeper meaning and purpose after diagnosis. The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation explains that spirituality is often how people make sense of their world, values, and place in life during illness (Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation, 2019). For some, this may look like meditation, time in nature, journaling, reflection, or strengthening relationships. All are unique expressions of spirituality that help individuals navigate the emotional impact of cancer.
Why Spiritual Support Helps
A cancer diagnosis affects every part of a person’s life and sometimes spirituality is the area that is most shaken. Spiritual support creates space to breathe, reflect, and re-center.
It offers emotional grounding, a sense of connection, and moments to quiet the mind and spirit. At Cancer Care Services, we offer ongoing events designed to foster spiritual reflection for those impacted by cancer.
I have seen clients walk into an event feeling overwhelmed and leave calmer, lighter, and more supported. A moment of stillness, prayer, meditation, or reflection can shift not only their day, but their perspective on their journey.
Research supports the importance of integrating spirituality into healthcare. A large review led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that when spirituality is overlooked, patients may feel disconnected from the healthcare system and their care teams (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2022). The study emphasizes that thoughtfully integrating spirituality into patient care can improve overall well-being and contribute to a more complete model of holistic health.
How Cancer Care Services Provides Spiritual Support
At Cancer Care Services, we host ongoing spiritual wellness events designed to help cancer patients and their loved ones reconnect with themselves and with one another.
Some of our recent activities include:
· Trips to botanical gardens
· Guided meditation sessions
· Optional non-denominational Bible Study
· Aromatherapy and candle-making workshops
· Nutrition and grounding classes
· Sound bowl therapy
· A day-long Spiritual Retreat
In September 2025, we held our very first Spiritual Retreat. The retreat included planting activities, meditation, aromatherapy, grounding practices, and more. It created a peaceful environment where clients could relax, share openly, and simply be present for themselves and within shared community.
All of our spiritual wellness events are offered free of charge and include materials and meals. As patients, caregivers, and survivors face the many hardships that cancer brings, Cancer Care Services provides the space, time, and resources to nurture spiritual connection and community.
This program is open to anyone interested. Events are also at times offered online for those who cannot attend in person. Individuals may participate in our Spiritual Support programs even if they do not live in Tarrant County or do not qualify for financial services.
A Program That Makes a Real Difference
The Spiritual Support Program at Cancer Care Services is more than a service offering: it has become a lifeline for many clients navigating one of the hardest experiences of their lives.
It provides comfort. It builds connection. It fosters belonging.
Spiritual support does not replace medical care, but it strengthens the healing process by caring for the whole person. For many of our clients, that holistic support is exactly what helps them keep moving forward.
Are you interested in joining our spiritual care group? Email Jamie today and come to our next spiritual care event!
Jamie Madrigal, MSW
Case Manager & Spiritual Support Coordinator
817-435-9400
Sources:
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2022). Spirituality linked to better health outcomes and patient care. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/spirituality-better-health-outcomes-patient-care/
Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation. (2019). Spirituality and Cancer. https://netrf.org/2019/12/19/spirituality-and-cancer/
