Cancer patients and their families often find themselves reluctant to share their personal journey against this feared disease. The Cancer Support Community of South Bay’s (CSCSB) Executive Director (ED) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jillian Van Leuven states, “We are there to uplift and strengthen individuals and families impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care.”

*CSC Board President, Kelli Vieweg, and CSC ED/CEO, Jillian Van Leuven*

As a non-profit organization the CSCSB is part of a global affiliate network of 190 locations including the Cancer Support Community/Gilda’s Club Centers and provides no cost support groups and services focusing on the emotional and mental toll cancer and the related treatments can have on the individuals diagnosed and their family and close friends.

Recently, CSCSB recognized two of their clinical psychologists, Dr. Ruth Schriebman, PsyD*, LMFT^, and Dr. Stephen Lottenberg, PsyD*, MD∞, for each of their 25 years of service to the CSCSB community. Dr. Schriebman oversees support groups focusing on individuals diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Lottenberg’s support groups focus on bereavement.

*Dr. Steve Lottenberg, Nancy Lomibao, Program Director, Jillian Van Leuven, ED/CEO,*
*and Dr. Ruth Schriebman*

Although they come from different backgrounds their journey to the CSCSB has similarities. Dr. Schriebman was a manager of a law office and once her daughters were in college she decided to go back to school to get her master’s degree in clinical psychology before securing her doctorate in clinical psychology. As part of her master’s degree, she needed to perform an internship. After reviewing her options, she decided to accept an internship with CSCSB and 25 years later, she continues to serve the CSCSB community. Dr. Schriebman also maintains a private practice in Redondo Beach.

Like her group, members Dr. Schriebman learned about cancer when she was 12 years old, and her mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Later in life her father was diagnosed with leukemia, and a year after her assuming her position with CSCSB her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout these situations she has been able to come to terms with their circumstances. Fortunately, her husband is now cancer free. Also, Dr. Schriebman was diagnosed 18 months ago with a brain tumor. Fortunately, her surgery was successful, and pathology revealed that her tumor was benign.

Dr. Lottenberg’s motivation to work with individuals facing a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones was ignited after learning that his wife had been diagnosed with cancer shortly after celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Dr. Lottenberg was so moved by the emotional and mental impact the disease has on patients and their loved ones that despite being the Clinical Director of the Brain Imaging Center at UC Irvine, he decided to return to graduate school and pursue his doctorate in clinical psychology. It was after earning his doctorate, and while he was working with the CSCSB, that Dr. Lottenberg learned that cancer once again struck his family, when he received the news that his 15 year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer.

Dr. Lottenberg states that he is driven by his life experiences as he continues his work at the Simms/Mann-UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology in addition to working with support groups at CSCSB and We Spark, a non-profit cancer support community in Sherman Oaks.

Dr. Schriebman and Dr. Lottenberg acknowledge that some individuals may not find support groups suitable to their situation. But with time, their mindset may change. However, both strongly agree that most individuals find that their support groups are an invaluable resource. Also, with the advent of Zoom meetings, participants find it much easier to participate in support groups.

Dr. Schriebman and Dr. Lottenberg agree that the success of the support groups comes from creating a “safe environment” and developing an understanding that each participant comes from a variety of different backgrounds, but a strong bond between participants quickly develops because they share one important experience.

Some almost immediately recognize it and others take a bit of time to understand that cancer does not define them as a person. Also, they face the fact that it is important to comprehend that they must establish a new normal in their lives which leads them to a focus on what they really want to do or get out of life.

*Since COVID, Dr. Schriebman, Dr. Lottenberg and all of the Support Group Facilitators conduct their session via Zoom.*

In Dr. Schriebman’s groups many participants deal with the fear of the unknown and overcoming the unknown. Other challenges individuals face are depression, anxiety, intimacy issues, and the question, “Why did this happen to me?”

*Dr. Schriebman and Dr. Lottenberg were recognized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for their commitment to CSCSB and their clients.*

In support groups for spouses and loved ones, participants toil with coming terms to with “this is not about you or your partner, it is about both of you,” and “what and how it will have an impact on your relationship.”

*At their Annual Celebrate Wellness Event, Dr. Lottenberg and Dr. Schriebman were recognized for their dedicated service to CSCSB.*

In Dr. Lottenberg’s bereavement groups’ participants come feeling that their lives have been shattered. Many struggle with accepting this new facet of their life and have difficulty with determining how to cope with this new transition in their lives.

Dr. Schriebman and Dr. Lottenberg report that they frequently see positive outcomes as individuals continued participation in the support groups. As the sessions continue, barriers breakdown and deeper relationships develop between the participants. On the personal side, they develop a meaningful, caring, and supportive community. Although individuals receive care and support from their family and friends, because group participants share such a unique common bond, that level of support cannot be matched outside of the group.

*In addition to support groups CSCSB hosts a number of activities for cancer patients and their loved ones.*

Dr. Schriebman shares that as participants become more acclimated, they become more accustomed to their situation and draw strength from the other members of the group. The group allows participants an opportunity to share their experiences and through these interactions participants gain a collective knowledge that each member utilizes to take a more active role in their conversations with their doctors and other caregivers. Participants are not afraid to seek clarification and ask questions to develop a deeper understanding of their treatments. This knowledge also reduces their levels of anxiety. Dr. Schriebman shares that she sees participants grow with a stronger spirit to keep fighting. Also, when facing a setback or tough times, members of the group are there to rally around an individual.

As for the bereavement group, individuals find similar experiences. Members of the group are there to assist the surviving spouse or loved ones and are there to remind them that their loved one would want them to live as meaningful of a life as possible. Participants learn from one another as they deal with a significant change in their lives and develop a collective knowledge from their experiences. Also, group members are there to help individuals move past the feelings of guilt or betrayal when they engage in activities or have feelings of happiness or joy when they engage in activities.

*Group activities are not just for adults.*

During our conversations, Dr. Schriebman and Dr. Lottenberg took time to share some of the words of advice and exercises they use with their groups.

As for Dr. Schriebman, she reminds patients and their families to be proactive and assertive when it comes to their treatments. In addition to asking questions and seeking understanding, patients and family members are encouraged to become their own advocate when it comes to dealing with doctors, insurance companies and other entities involved in their treatments. Also, she advises not to be afraid to seek out another doctor if you feel your doctor is not providing the care you believe is necessary or is not listening to your concerns or aliments.

As far as dealing with the death of a loved one, human beings have the ability to adjust to a variety of situations. Dr. Lottenberg suggests journaling your everyday thoughts. If you find yourself laughing or smiling over a situation, do not push away from the moment, take the time to enjoy it.

Both Dr. Schriebman and Dr. Lottenberg, as well as all of the staff members at CSCSB want everyone to know that if you are an individual diagnosed with cancer or attempting to cope with a loved one’s diagnosis, the CSCSB is here for you!

Want to learn more about the Cancer Support Community South Bay, telephone (310) 376-3550 or visit their website at www.cscsouthbay.org.

* Doctoral degree designating a psychologist trained for clinical work in a wide range of settings.

^ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

∞ Doctor of Medicine

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Steve Tabor

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve began his photography career photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. His experiences have led him to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics in his portfolio. As a contributor and photojournalist, he has published stories about the people, places and events in and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula and beyond.

Interested in seeing more of Steve’s work, visit website at: www.stevetaborimages.com