Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), with support from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, joined the Philadelphia
Phillies and Minding Your Mind to raise awareness around the physical, social and emotional needs of children coping
with cancer. Strike Out The Stigma, presented by Kitay Law Offices, is a Philadelphia Phillies community outreach initiative
that features conversations about wellness, social support and reducing mental health
stigma to strengthen the well-being of our local communities.
“This program is really special because it creates discussions that reveal how we can thrive in the face of extraordinary obstacles in life,” explained Scott Glassman, PsyD, faculty in the School of Professional and Applied Psychology. “It’s so important to hear about the lived experience, along with the perspectives of those in helping roles, to truly understand the full impact of illness and what we can do to help.”
The September panel featured Christina Conlan, a child life specialist who has worked extensively with children and families coping with cancer; Dan Hill, a childhood cancer survivor and advocate; and Jordan Burnham, a speaker from Minding Your Mind, who shared his personal story about living with depression.
“Strikeout the Stigma highlights the importance of mental health wellness which is exactly the type of programming we are looking for with PCOM's President's Community Wellness Initiative,” said Necie Liggeons, Deputy Chief Advancement Officer at PCOM. “I am honored that we were asked to participate.”
Other panels in Strike Out the Stigma have addressed work/life balance, parenting during the pandemic, the mental health of veterans and stress related to returning to in-person education. PCOM looks forward to continued involvement with this critical initiative in the year to come.
“When organizations like PCOM, the Phillies, Minding Your Mind, and Kitay Law Offices work together, it’s like hitting a home run,” said Dr. Glassman. “With different disciplines at the table, we are better able to empower people who may feel alone with what they are going through.”
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