Workshops & Seasonal Programs
Throughout the year, we offer workshops, talks 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
Your Creativity Matters Art Workshop
April 4th 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.
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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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:
- 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.
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play with Sharon Rudnitzky
Every 3rd Saturday of the month. Next class: Saturday, April 18th, 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!
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.
Ayurvedic Oil Self-Massage
Ayurvedic Oil Self-Massage
Wednesday, May 6th, 5:30-6:30pm. In person only
Learn simple Ayurvedic oil self-massage techniques to help balance the body, calm the mind, and support everyday well-being.
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.
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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Amanda is a breast cancer survivor, mental health therapist, retreat leader, wellness educator, and artist who founded ONE LIFE. LIVE IT., an organization that builds meaningful communities through international retreats and creative healing experiences.
She is now in the process of creating a nonprofit to support women affected by cancer in attending nourishing retreats at no cost, and also leads the Play It Forward backpack program, delivering art, school, and athletic supplies to children worldwide.
Amanda finds joy in yoga, meditation, prayer, savoring delicious food, creating murals, and belly laughing with her loved ones.
Mirrors: Equine Assisted Mindfulness Workshop
Mirrors Equine Assisted Mindfulness Workshop with Colleen Campbell and Cris Carl
Sessions are held twice a month on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, from 10am- 11:30am.
Choose from one of these dates (participants can attend multiple sessions, space permitting)":
May 9 & 23
June 13 & 27
July 11 & 25
August 8 & 22
September 12 & 26
October 10
Spend time at the Heroes, Horses & Hounds farm in Sunderland learning from and connecting with one of the wisest, most patient and forgiving teachers around, Horses. This workshop focuses on finding peace with your body, connection with yourself and others, sharing and processing lessons learned while going through treatments and finding not only joy but simple fun. Rediscovering play as a way of healing and building resilience. The workshop will consist of mindfulness and journaling exercises, hands on time with the horses and group sharing time. These workshops often help bring clarity and a shift in thinking. Helping people regain a part of themselves that may have been lost along their journey through cancer.
Mirrors takes place outdoors on a farm, so appropriate clothing and footwear will be required. Program details will be provided upon registration. Space is limited. Priority will be given to those that have not attended an Equine workshop before.
Call Cancer Connection on 413-586-1642 to register.
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Colleen Campbell is a certified trainer with the IAABC (international association of animal behavior consultants) and a graduate of UMASS Amherst with an Equine studies degree. At two years old she began asking for a horse. Needless to say Colleen was born with her passion of working with animals and has spent her life following that dream.
Mirrors and Paws for Joy equine and canine assisted therapy and service dog training programs have been developed from years of observations of and working with human and animal teams.
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Cris Carl, LADC1, is a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma, addiction and grief. She has been studying the brain and the effects of trauma and how the brain heals from trauma for over 25 years. Cris has a wonderful way of sitting with people and allowing them to open up in their own time. Allowing people the space they need to feel comfortable sharing whatever they want to share.
Cris loves the animals and has experienced the healing power of horses in the Mirrors program herself, originally starting as a student of the program in 2019. Then lending her gifts to help transform Mirrors into what it is today.
Author Talk & Discussion:
Preparing For End of Life For Dummies
Author Talk & Discussion: Preparing For End of Life For Dummies with Virginia Chang
Tuesday, May 19th, 5:30-6:30pm. This is a remote program, and is open to the general public.
Join us for a thoughtful and accessible one-hour virtual author talk and discussion of the newly released book "Preparing For End of Life For Dummies" by Virginia Chang, certified end-of-life doula, educator, and writer.
This conversation-style program will highlight key themes from the book, share insights, and explore practical guidance for navigating end-of-life planning with clarity and compassion.
Whether you are beginning to think about advance care planning, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking greater understanding around end-of-life preparation, this program offers a supportive space to learn and ask questions.
The discussion provides participants an opportunity to engage directly with the author.
The program is free of charge to anyone in the community, regardless of a cancer diagnosis. Registration required.
Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104
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Virginia is a certified end-of-life doula, educator, and writer. She supports the dying and their loved ones to approach dying in a positive, affirming way. She teaches at the University of Vermont, for the End-of-Life Doula certification program. She was written extensively on death, mortality, and doula work.
All Out Adventures programs
Join a program at All Out Adventures and Cancer Connection will pay your fees. This summer season they will have paddling, cycling, hiking, and pickleball.
Warm Weather schedule:
- Pickleball every Tuesday afternoon in Holyoke
- Kayaking in Goshen, Hopkinton, Worcester, and Northampton
- Cycling in Hadley
These activities are a great way to move your body, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of summer in good company.
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.