Workshops & Seasonal Programs
Throughout the year, we offer workshops and short-term programs to nurture, restore, and connect—supporting body, mind, and spirit. These workshops and series explore topics like cooking for nutrition, art, sexuality, journaling, sound healing, nature-based practices and thriving after cancer.
Like all our services, Cancer Connection offers programs free of charge for people living with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers.
Confidentiality
All of the confidentiality norms and expectations of the standard Cancer Connection Confidentiality Agreement for participants and facilitators remains in effect for telephone, online, or in person activities. We ask all participants to keep confidential the identity of others they meet in group activities, and not to disclose any personal information that is shared in a support group or program to anyone outside of that meeting. We can talk about ideas outside of the group, but not about people.
Registration
Registration requirements vary by program. Please see below for details on each of our programs and information on how to join them.
Like all our services, Cancer Connection offers programs free of charge for people living with a cancer diagnosis, their families, and caregivers.
In addition to our workshops and seasonal programs, we offer weekly and once monthly classes that foster connection, creativity, and well-being all year long. Join body and movement practices like Embodied Dance & Movement, Feldenkrais and Qigong Yoga, or explore creative and reflective programs such as Gratitude Journaling, Knitting, Creative Writing, Rest to Heal (Yoga Nidra) and Mindfulness.
Visit our Ongoing Weekly Programs page for details, or check our calendar for the full schedule.
Workshops & Seasonal Programs
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play with Sharon Rudnitzky
Saturday, February 14th, 11:00am - 1:00 pm
This program normally meets on the third Saturday of the month but this month we’re meeting on the 2nd Saturday due to logistics. Join one or all of them!
Discover the uplifting power of gratitude, creativity and play in Gratitude Journaling—a unique, hands-on workshop designed to nourish your spirit and bring more lightness into your life. Rooted in the proven benefits of gratitude journaling for mental and physical well-being, this class goes beyond words to engage your senses and spark your inner artist.
These workshops invite you to explore gratitude journaling as a practice for healing and emotional well-being. More than just writing, this joyful approach includes words of thanks, along with photos, colors, doodles, stickers, and inspiring quotes. It's a personal sanctuary you can return to again and again for comfort and delight.
Gratitude Journaling offers a nourishing blend of community connection and personal reflection. We’ll gather in a welcoming, relaxed space to share inspiration and creativity. There will be guided prompts, time to create, and gentle encouragement to help you get started—no experience necessary.
This in-person program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a primary caregiver and is free of charge.
Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104.
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My name is Sharon and I moved to Florence 27 years ago and now I live in Haydenville with two daughters and four very friendly cats.
I seamlessly incorporate many of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) principles and values (i.e. Curiosity, Care, Consideration, Play, etc.) in my workshops.
I love being in nature and I enjoy reading and writing poetry. I am also a photographer and especially enjoy taking close-up pictures of flowers. And, of course, I LOVE to look through and add to my gratitude journals!
Whole food, plant-based Cooking
Whole food, plant-based Cooking with Paul Sustick
Register for one of these Saturday 2026 workshops, from 10am to 1pm:
- February 28
- March 21
- April 18
- May 16
- June 6
Eating a whole foods, plant-based diet is one of the most fundamental and accessible ways of promoting good health and living well through cancer treatment and beyond.
Come join Paul Sustick of Paul & Elizabeth’s restaurant, as we explore making delicious and nurturing foods that focus on nutrition and incorporating healthful eating habits into daily life.
These workshops will provide instructions on how to transform fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains into delicious healthy meals, empowering you to become a more skilled, confident home cook. Each workshop will include cooking demonstrations and hands-on work as well as practical cooking skills, tips and knife skills.
Bring an apron, cutting board and knife and let’s have some fun while making nourishing, supportive food!
Priority will be given to participants that have not attended a cooking workshop before. This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a primary caregiver and is free of charge. Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104.
This program is generously donated by Paul Sustick of Paul & Elizabeth’s, Northampton’s beloved downtown mainstay restaurant, serving up pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan dishes since 1978.
Your Creativity Matters Art Workshop
The first Saturday of the month. Next date: March 7th, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
March Program: Envelope Art Journal
In this creative and engaging art group session, participants will learn how to make a unique Envelope Art Journal using small envelopes. Each person will be provided with four white envelopes, or you’re welcome to bring your own—any color is fine, as long as they are the same size.
This simple, portable journal is easy to assemble and highly customizable. Once constructed, participants can decorate their journals with original artwork, collage materials, or magazine clippings. Each page includes a pocket, perfect for tucking in a special drawing, note, or small keepsake.
These compact journals are ideal for recording thoughts, writing poetry, sketching, or collecting inspiring ideas—and they’re small enough to take anywhere. No previous art experience is needed—just bring your creativity!
Materials will be supplied. Space is limited to 6 participants- attend one or more workshops.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 x104 to register.
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Kate Marion Lapierre is a local mixed media artist and retired art therapist who enjoys doing art using a wide variety of media. She has led groups in both hospital and school settings, as well as having her own art practice. She is excited to gather a group together to allow for creative self-expression and enjoyment.
The Genetics of Cancer and Your Inherited Risk
The Genetics of Cancer and Your Inherited Risk with Page Brody
Monday, March 16th, 6-7:15pm
Brought to you in conjunction with the Greenfield Public Library, this program will be available in-person at the Greenfield Public Library Community room, and remotely as a Zoom Webinar. This program is available to anyone in the community, regardless of a cancer diagnosis. Registration is required.
The cancer journey may sometimes lead to questions about hereditary risks for cancer that can be difficult to navigate without expertise. And while the science of cancer genetics is constantly evolving, important clues can be found by uncovering the past. Genetic counseling is the process of helping you assess and understand your (and your family’s) risks, and providing support and education throughout the genetic testing process. In this seminar led by local Certified Genetic Counselor Page Brody, we’ll explore the basics of cancer genetics and why a well-gathered family history helps your providers better understand if genetic testing may shed light on your hereditary cancer risk.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 ex 104 to register.
The cancer journey may sometimes lead to questions about hereditary risks for cancer that can be difficult to navigate without expertise. And while the science of cancer genetics is constantly evolving, important clues can be found by uncovering the past. Genetic counseling is the process of helping you assess and understand your (and your family’s) risks, and providing support and education throughout the genetic testing process. In this seminar led by local Certified Genetic Counselor Page Brody, we’ll explore the basics of cancer genetics and why a well-gathered family history helps your providers better understand if genetic testing may shed light on your hereditary cancer risk.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 ex 104 to register.
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Page has an undergraduate degree in biology and an MS in Genetic Counseling from Bay Path University. At the start of her career, she worked in non-profit development as the executive director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Western MA. There she worked with inspiring families that sparked her interest in medical genetics and psychosocial care, which later translated well for entry into the field of genetic counseling. Today Page is a board certified clinical genetic counselor in the Cancer Center at Boston Medical Center and coordinates BMC’s high-risk cancer genetics clinic.
This program is generously donated by Page Brody and is brought to you in partnership with the Greenfield Public Library
Watercolor Collage
Water Color Collage with Kaia Zimmerman and Sara Siegel of Dabble Art
Wednesday, March 18th, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
This workshop will lead participants through the process of creating a collage out of hand painted watercolor paper, using handmade, non toxic watercolors. Participants will learn watercolor painting techniques, collage techniques, and will leave with their finished creation -- an 8″ x 10″ watercolor collage!
This in-person program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a primary caregiver and is free of charge.
Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104
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Kaia Zimmerman is an artist and higher education administrator. She works primarily in watercolor and gouache, inspired by dreams, nature, and a love for science and philosophy. In 2024, Kaia and Sara co-founded Dabble, a community-based workshop venture and art supply store for handmade, eco-friendly art products.
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Sara Siegel is a lifelong writer and crafter who has worked primarily in community, education, and arts-based organizations throughout Massachusetts including Mass Poetry; Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program; The Fine Arts Work Center; and Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity. From 2012 to 2020 she was a writer/performer in the Boston-based sketch comedy group Mister Bismuth. Some of their comedy work and her published short stories can be found at sara-siegel.com. Sara co-founded Dabble, a community art market and workshop venture based in the Pioneer Valley, in 2024 with Kaia Zimmerman.
Stronger Together: Team Training for the Western Mass Mother's Day 9 mile Walk/Run
Stronger Together: Team Training for the Western Mass Mother's Day 9 mile Walk/Run
Starting Wednesday, March 11th with an informational meeting from 5:30-6:30pm, and then training every Thursday, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, from March 19th through May 7th- culminating in the Mother’s day walk/run on May 10th.
Finding movement after treatment ends can be hard. Finding movement in a safe space with people who have lived experience similar to your own, can be even more challenging to find.
Cancer Connection is teaming up with My Health Matters Fitness to support and train a Cancer Connection relay team to participate in the Mother's Day Half Marathon 9 mile Walk/Run. Reconnecting with our bodies after treatment in a way that helps us acknowledge everything that may come up on this journey is vital for us to rediscover ourselves. All emotions and bodies are welcome here.
Come join us for an 9 week, running/walking specific strength-based small group located at My Health Matters Fitness in Hadley, MA. This will be a small relay team focused on training for the 9 mile run/walk.
In this program we will be using strength training movements to help support joints and commonly injured areas when training for a walking/running based event in any capacity. Glute, Core, and Lower Body strengthening will be at the forefront, but we may also sprinkle in a few upper body awareness movements as well! Balance will be an essential component to this programming as well as brief moments of cardio such as Ball Slams, Boxing, and Battle Ropes. The goal of this class is to have fun learning about the "Why" behind each movement and how we can best support ourselves as we navigate into training for any length of running/walking. Plus! It's fun to do it with a group of people who have similar goals in mind!
Because this is a small group of 7 people forming a team for a relay of the 9 mile, it is important to be there for all 9 weeks (or as many as you can make!) to help develop team encouragement and support regardless of where you are on your movement journey. Please note that a doctor’s note clearing for exercise is required to participate in the program.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 x104 to register.
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Mary Howell (she/her). I became a personal trainer to try to help others find a joy in movement that I struggled for so long to find myself. I never felt like I belonged in regular gyms and had too long suffered the consequences of "no pain, no gain." I want exercise and moving to be a celebration of what our bodies can do, both today and in our potential for greater strength and mobility and resilience.
Ask the Oncologist: Cancer Care Q & A
Ask the Oncologist: Cancer Care Q & A with Ahmad Daniyal Siddiqui, MBBS
Wednesday, March 25th, 5:30 - 7:00 pm Hybrid
Join us for an open and informative Q&A session with Dr. Ahmad Daniyal Siddiqui, MBBS, as he answers your questions about cancer care. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from an oncologist about treatment options, managing side effects, communicating with your care team, and more. Bring your questions—or just listen in—for a supportive and educational conversation. Join us in-person or remotely via webinar.
Dr. Ahmad Daniyal Siddiqui is the Medical Director of Medical Oncology and Chief Hematology and Medical Oncology Division Mass General Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital
The program is free of charge to anyone in the community, regardless of a cancer diagnosis. Registration required.
Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104.
Your Creativity Matters Art Workshop
The first Saturday of the month. April 4th 7th, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
April Program
Join together to create your own art for expression and relaxation using a variety of art materials (watercolor, ink, pencil, collage, etc). The act of creating art allows for individualized expressions and personal viewpoints of what you are seeing, feeling, and how you choose to express yourself visually.
No art skills are needed, just an interest and desire to use art materials and create something for yourself while together with others in a group.
Materials will be supplied. Space is limited to 6 participants- attend one or more workshops.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 x104 to register.
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Kate Marion Lapierre is a local mixed media artist and retired art therapist who enjoys doing art using a wide variety of media. She has led groups in both hospital and school settings, as well as having her own art practice. She is excited to gather a group together to allow for creative self-expression and enjoyment.
Sexuality After Cancer: Cultivating Connection Through Touch and Communication
Sexuality After Cancer: Cultivating Connection Through Touch and Communication with Linda Tumbarello, LMHC and Ron Freshly
A Two-Part Experiential Workshop for Couples. Wednesday, April 8 & 22, 5:30 — 7:30 pm
A cancer diagnosis often arrives unexpectedly—sometimes from a routine screening, without any warning signs. The urgency to begin treatment can leave little time to process the shock, grief, and fear. You may have had to put your emotions, your needs, and much of your life on hold—pushing through treatment, no matter how difficult.
When facing a life-altering illness like cancer, the focus often shifts to medical treatment and physical recovery—leaving intimacy, touch, and physical connection on hold. Many couples find it difficult to reestablish any kind of touch, even affectionate or comforting, after treatment ends. But this lost connection can be rebuilt—gently, intentionally, and together.
This two-part, small-group workshop is designed for couples who want to reconnect physically and emotionally after cancer has changed the landscape of their relationship. Facilitated by Linda and Ron—partners in both life and work—this series blends practical skills with emotional support, drawing from Linda’s 40+ years as a hands-on practitioner and psychotherapist, as well as their personal experience navigating prostate cancer as a couple. And Rons experience as a psychotherapist and facilitator of the Men’s group for over 12 years.
Through guided touch exercises, thoughtful conversation, and supportive practice, couples will:
Recognize and explore the ways you like to be touched—and how those preferences may have changed
Learn skills to effectively communicate about touch, including what feels good and what doesn’t
Deepen connection through shared touch to restore emotional closeness and bring romance back into the relationship
Practice gentle, therapeutic techniques that can help with pain relief, comfort, calming, and relaxation
Begin letting go of limiting beliefs, such as “my partner should just know what I need now”
Discover the wonders of your skin—and how touch supports physical and mental health, improves sleep, and helps the nervous system regulate
Learn simple, hands-on tools like hand massage in a safe and respectful setting
Receive support in talking about what has been difficult, what is possible, and what can be rebuilt
This is not a workshop focused on sexual activity itself, but it does provide a meaningful foundation for restoring intimacy. Whether you're looking to reconnect after a long pause or deepen a connection that already exists, this program offers a gentle and hopeful path forward.
This in-person only workshop will be held at Cancer Connection Center. It is free of charge, but registration is required by calling 413-586-1642 ext. 104
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Linda is a highly experienced, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Body-Mind Centering Practitioner and Teacher. She leads workshops and has a private practice in Northampton where she specializes in healing from physical and emotional issues and trauma.
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Papercut Workshop: Tree of Life
Papercut Workshop: Tree of Life with Tamar Shadur
Sunday, April 26th, 10 am - 12 pm. In person
Explore the art of papercutting, a beloved folk tradition found across many cultures. In this hands-on workshop, artist Tamar Shadur will introduce the basics of papercutting through the Tree of Life motif, a symbol of growth, connection, and renewal.
Using simple tools and techniques, you’ll create your own papercut with space for personal expression. No prior art experience is needed, and you’ll leave with at least one finished piece to take home.
This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a caregiver and is free of charge. Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104
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Tamar Shadur is an experienced teacher with degrees in Art Education and MEd.ESL. She is a tapestry designer and weaver who offers papercut workshops as a way to pass on her late mother’s expertise and legacy. Tamar offers power-point presentations, and her articles have appeared in various publications.
All Out Adventures programs
Winter offerings include cross-country skiing, sit cross-country skiing, ice skating, sled skating and snowshoeing.
These activities are a great way to move your body, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of winter in good company.
This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a caregiver and is free of charge. Call Cancer Connection to find out how to register for one of All Out Adventures Programs: 413-586-1642 x104
Learn more about our other services
Befrienders
Befrienders are trained staff and volunteers who listen and support both those who have been diagnosed and caregivers through challenging times.
Integrative Therapies
We offer therapies that treat the symptoms of cancer and offer stress relief and comfort to those living with a diagnoses and the effects of treatment
Support Groups
Support groups offer a place where we can laugh, cry, celebrate, and use humor to find relief in the universality of our experiences.