2008 Programs at Cancer Connection
Cancer Connection offers programs and
support free of charge for men, women and children living with a cancer diagnosis, their families and friends. You are welcome to attend as many programs as you would like. Pre-registration is helpful but not mandatory. Call 586-1642 to register or for more information. All programs are held, unless noted, at Cancer Connection at 269 Locust Street in Florence. Our entrance is on Route 9 at the corner of Straw Avenue. Office hours are Mon.-Thurs. 10-2, Weds. 10 a.m.-noon. Drop in!
Support Groups at Cancer Connection Sharing feelings and fears with others who understand helps reduce stress. Call 413-586-1642 to confirm time and place of all meetings. All Cancer… A group for people with all types of cancer. The Florence group is facilitated by Deborah Burkhalter, LICSW. A new group in Amherst/South Hadley will open in the fall. Living with Breast Cancer… This support group is facilitated by Katherine Walsh, MSW, PhD. and Kit Langdon. Melanoma Support Group… Pat Riggs, MSW, LICSW leads this group of men and women who have experienced melanoma. Meeting dates: Sept. 25, Oct. 16, Nov. 13, Dec. 4 and 18. Men Living With Cancer… This group is facilitated by Diedrick Snoek, PhD. Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancer Support Group… This group is led by Vivien Weiss, LMHC. Caregivers and Families… A support group for families and caregivers of people with cancer, facilitated by Vivien Weiss, LMHC. This group meets at Vivien's office, 100 King St., Northampton. Bereavement… This group alternates with the Caregivers & Families group. Vivien Weiss, LMHC, is the facilitator. Lymphedema… Lymphedema is a side effect of some cancer treatments. Join Kit Langdon to learn ways to cope. Lending Library Cancer Connection maintains a library of books, CDs and tapes for participants to borrow along with lists of Internet resources. Learn about cancer diagnoses, testing and treatment, side effects of treatment and coping with recurrence. There are books about spirituality, the emotional impact of cancer on patients and their families, strategies for survivorship, suggestions for explaining cancer to children, nutrition, exercise and complementary therapies. Find autobiographies and novels, poetry collections and inspirational works. Participants are welcome to borrow music and narrative CDs and tapes to help meditate, to soothe anxiety and to promote positive thinking. 10-WEEK PROGRAMS begin on October 1 Knitting with Wendy Sinton
Mondays, 2-4 p.m.
Knitting can be meditative, relaxing and a lot of fun. Come learn how to knit and purl at your own pace. No experience necessary -- all levels welcome. Please bring needles size 6-8 and a ball of medium weight (worsted) yarn. Wendy Sinton teaches knitting to children and adults and has 30 years of knitting experience. Aqua Aerobics with Craig Collins
Mondays and Wednesdays, Oct. 6, 8, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29; Nov. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, Dec. 1, 3, 10, 15 from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Classes held at the Clarke School pool.
Low impact, gentle stretching in warm water. Flotation devices provided. Participants do not need to know how to swim or get their heads wet! Craig R. Collins is a Certified Aquatic Professional and owner of the Valley Swim School. Spirit of the Written Word with Pam Roberts
Tuesday: 2-4 p.m.
Come and experience the transformational power of writing. In a safe and supportive environment we will use writing as a healing tool and as a means of connecting with ourselves and others. No writing experience is necessary. Pam Roberts is a writer and breast cancer survivor who has found deep meaning in writing about her experiences with cancer. Expressive Movement with Robin Diamond
Thursdays, 12:45 to 1:45 pm
Warm up with stretching and breathing exercises, dance with gently guided movements, learn simple yoga postures, cool down with a relaxing meditation. this class accommodates everyone, no dance or yoga experience required. Robin Diamond, MSN, is a Certified Kripalu DansKinetics Instructor, a volunteer for Hospice and Road to Recovery. She teaches classes at ServiceNet, The Arbors Center for Extended Care and the Whalen Apartments. Her mother is a 14-year ovarian cancer survivor. Painting for Joy, etc. with Lucy Mueller Young
Wednesdays, 10:30-noon
Lucy Mueller Young, an art therapist, believes art to be a healing therapy and invites cancer survivors and their caregivers to come and have fun experimenting with paint and color. No expectations or experience necessary. Easy parking and accessible. Held at The Studio, 71 Washington St., Northampton. Funded by Art Angels of Community Foundation of Western MA. Gentle Restorative Yoga with Mary Ann Kelly
Wednesdays, 12 to 1:15 pm at Smart Moves in the Arts & Industries building, Pine St., Florence.
A mindful approach to yoga for added strength, flexibility and balance along with relaxation and meditative techniques. For all levels. May Ann Kelly is a certified yoga instructor. Reiki Master, Reflexologist. She has a private practice in relaxation therapy using Reiki and Reflexology in Northampton. Introduction to Pilates with Rosalie Peri
Saturdays, 9 am
Feel stronger, increase your regular day to day function and your ability to move more freely with less discomfort. Doctor’s permission to exercise required at first class. Rosalie Peri, RN, is a certified Level II Pilates mat certified teacher in addition to being a certified personal trainer and Fitness Director at the Northampton Athletic Club and Adjunct Faculty at Smith College. Funded by Xeric Foundation. COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY SESSIONS INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS by Appointment. Please call 586-1642 to schedule. Professional skin care and cranio-sacral therapy with Jennifer des Cognets
Appointments Mondays and Tuesdays
Come put yourself in the caring hands of Jennifer who has a background in oncology, emergency care and home care. Ear Acupuncture with Barbara Weinberg, Lic., Ac., RN By appointment at Cancer Connection and in Leverett
Acupuncture is an ancient healing art. Endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and traditionally a preventive medicine, it continues to be used by over one-third of the world’s population as primary medicine. Acupuncture works by balancing the vital life energy present in all living beings. This energy, called Qi (or Chi), circulates throughout the body in channels, or meridians, in daily and seasonal cycles that reflect nature’s principles of balance and harmony. Treatment is based on the premise that health is maintained by the free flow of Qi. A block in the flow may cause disease much like a blocked coronary artery may cause heart disease. Illness and symptoms are associated with some imbalance in the flow of Qi. Touching the Qi energy with acupuncture needles is like opening a gate or releasing congested areas, allowing the Qi to once again circulate freely. Acupuncture is recognized as effective in treating a wide range of medical problems, including, but not limited to: respiratory and digestive disorders; menstrual, reproductive, and menopausal problems; neuromuscular and circulatory problems; anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders; and insomnia. In addition, acupuncture can strengthen the immune system, provide relief from chronic conditions, and promote overall well-being, personal growth and inner strength. At Cancer Connection, Barbara Weinberg offers an individual 45-minute an auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol that is effective for anxiety, depression, trauma and high levels of stress. These private sessions take place on a table and include a check-in. Barbara is licensed in acupuncture by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine. Reflexology with Mary Ann Kelly Thursday afternoons Reflexology is a gentle thumb-pressure technique that stimulates nerve endings in the feet and hands, corresponding to various parts of the body inducing deep relaxation. This soothing massage of the lower legs, feet and hands, combined with Reiki, help strengthen the immune system, activate circulation and restore a state of balance and calm. Mary Ann Kelly is a certified reflexologist and Reiki Master. Energy Sessions with Jeanne Schubmehl Monday afternoons Experience a powerful way to relieve the stress and pain that you hold in your body. Jeanne Schubmehl has worked as an occupational therapist for many years and is pursuing her degree as an Energy Medicine Practitioner. For her internship at Cancer Connection, she is offering the WISE method (Wholistic Integrated Spiritual Energy) of energy therapy to balance energy throughout the body, paying particular attention to moving any energy blocks that can be caused by stress or illness.  Reiki with Nancy Carter-Price or Karen Olander
Friday mornings Reiki is a gentle but powerful hands-on technique that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and healing. Reiki Master Teachers Nancy Carter-Price and Karen Olander together have more than 15 years of healing experience. Nancy is Team Adviser and Karen is co-facilitator of the Reiki Team for Monthly Reiki Night; they altenate offering private individual Reiki sessions on Friday mornings. Massage Therapy with Ann G. Wetherbee Friday afternoons Massage Therapy by skilled licensed therapist Ann G. Wetherbee has many benefits for people with cancer, such as reducing anxiety, easing pain and fatigue, and improving sleep. Physician approval required. Monthly Reiki Nights Mondays: October 20 and December 29 Thursdays: September 18 and November 20 Pre-registration is helpful, but not mandatory. Reiki is an excellent complement to conventional medical treatment and psychotherapy. Experience this gentle but powerful method of relaxation and stress reduction with our phenomenal Reiki practitioners. A team of Reiki practitioners offers Reiki treatments for individuals and family members. Drop in anytime between 6:30-8:30 p.m. Our Reiki Team Reiki is a gentle but powerful hands-on technique that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and healing. Reiki Master Teachers Nancy Carter-Price and Karen Olander together have more than 15 years of healing experience. Nancy is Team Adviser and Karen is co-facilitator of the Reiki Team for Monthly Reiki Night as well as offering private individual Reiki sessions on alternate Fridays. They also teach Reiki to cancer patients, their caregivers and others throughout the Pioneer Valley.  Major funding of our programs and complementary therapies is provided by Rays of Hope.
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