Tag: AYA Cancer

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Christina Tian, DACM, CMD, MAOM, L.Ac., Dilp.O.M

Acupressure is an easy-to-use home therapy based on the traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture. When performing acupressure, you put pressure on specific places on your body for different conditions and symptoms. Stimulating these points can help alleviate many common side effects of chemotherapy and cancer. These points may also be stimulated to increase blood circulation and decrease inflammation, muscle tension and pain. Acupressure may be performed at home using your fingers or other massage tools. Please join us to learn how to relieve common symptoms such as nausea, pain, headache, anxiety, insomnia and more.

About Christina Tian, DACM, CMD, MAOM, L.Ac., Dilp.O.M

Dr. Christina Tian is a second generation doctor of Chinese medicine specializing in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She grew up watching her father, a physician and Chinese medical doctor, care for his patients as if they were his own family. Her unofficial education in Chinese medicine started with orthopedics and pain management at age eight.​​

She has advanced oncology training and clinical experience which she shares with patients and medical professionals through national and international speaking engagements. Dr. Tian has over ten years of clinical experience in treating olympic and professional athletes. Her clinical interest spans adolescent, adult and geriatric medicine. She employs a range of acupuncture techniques including gentle acupuncture methods, which all patients young and old appreciate.

Dr. Tian was recruited by Sibley Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine, as Chief Acupuncturist to pioneer acupuncture services in 2015.  During her five year tenure, she provided Traditional Chinese Medicine services such as acupuncture to oncology patients. In 2018, Dr. Tian expanded acupuncture services into the newly established Sibley Integrative Medicine department.  She treated patients for a variety of complex and challenging conditions associated with women’s health, palliative care, pain management, and neurological disorders. ​

In 2020, she founded Bethesda Acupuncture & Wellness Medicine. Here, she shares her integrative knowledge and experience with the community she was raised in. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was able to advance her knowledge and clinical experience of treating infectious diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine. ​

As an avid meditator, gardener and cook, Dr. Tian is passionate about self-care and regularly teaches patients the benefits of meditation and the medicinal properties of foods and spices. She travels to further develop her understanding of various medical systems. She works and volunteers for various acupuncture societies in both the United States and China and participates in international Chinese Medicine conferences to ensure she bridges cutting edge findings with the ancient wisdom of this medical system.  Enjoying her close work with oncology patients, Dr. Tian remains a volunteer for several oncology organizations. 

This program is being offered virtually via Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Kiersten Gallagher and Mindy Brodsky, LCSWA

SC Writes for Young Adults (1)

This program was born out of our SC Writes program offered to young adults living with cancer. The effect of writing and sharing our writing in a safe and sacred space with each other has been healing and inspiring. In SC Writing Space, each week, there will be a writing prompt, fifteen-minutes of off-screen writing time, and the remainder of the hour will be left for reading and sharing. This healing program offers a place for supporting one another and we stay clear of writing critique. Come and experience writing and sharing together.
All ages, people living with cancer and non-cancer program participants are welcome. This program will be limited to 6 participants. Register for one, or as many sessions as you would like. Please let us know if you are unable to attend, as space is limited.

SC Writing Space will be offered bi-monthly on Tuesdays from 1:30-2:30pm. 

Each session is limited to 6 participants, so register early!

Upcoming Dates:

  • March 2 & 16
  • April 20 & 27
  • May 4 & 11

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten has served as the Cancer Support Program Director for Smith Center since 2014. Before coming to Smith Center, she had the privilege to serve individuals and families living with cancer at Wellness House of Annapolis. Kiersten aims to offer programs to reduce stress and help participants to see the world we live in from different perspectives. She thoroughly enjoys teaching yoga and creativity classes at SmithCenter and encourages gentle movement and creativity in the healing process. Kiersten is a certified yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance and also has her YCAT (Yoga Therapy in Cancer and Chronic Illness) Professional Certification through the Integral Yoga Academy. She has completed Patient Navigation training through Smith Center’s Institute for Integrative Oncology Navigation and has also completed the Commonweal Healing Circles: Advanced Cancer Support Training. Kiersten is also certified in CLIMB®(Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) a program that aims to build upon the strengths of children and increase his/her ability to cope with stress associated with a parent’s illness. She believes in a holistic approach to healing, human relationships and is grateful for each and every day. In her spare time, you may find Kiersten laughing with friends, cycling, taking art classes, practicing yoga and spending time with her husband Shane, son Liam, and dogs Hooper and Pablo.

About Mindy Brodsky, LCSWA

Mindy Brodsky

Mindy Brodsky specializes in trauma-informed, strengths-based counseling with a passion for integrative health and healing. Mindy honors her clients as the experts of their lives, and she strives to provide a supportive and safe environment.
After a career in social justice advocacy and her own challenging health journey, Mindy aspires to meet her clients where they are to help them achieve their goals.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Erin Price, LICSW

Jackbox Party Pack 3

Looking for more opportunities to connect socially with other young adult cancer survivors? Join us for our February social.

This month we will be playing Jackbox Party Pack games. Games include Quiplash, Trivia Murder Party, and Guesspionage.

Play using your phone, tablet, or computer.

YA Social Hour will be hosted monthly on Fridays from 6:00-7:00pm. Each month will have a new “theme” – please see below for the currently scheduled social hours.

  • February 26 – Jackbox Party

DC Young Adult Cancer Community: https://youngadultcancerdc.org/

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Chef Kara Garrett

Rosemary Orange Scones

Chef Kara is delighted to return and kick off 2021 with you! She will lead us in making vegan Rosemary-Orange Scones together while sharing some baking tips to make your baked goods healthier. You are welcome to watch & learn if you prefer not to bake along. Scones are quick and easy to make and are delicious with many flavor profiles, savory and sweet.

Please arrive at class with all ingredients and supplies out and ready to use. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about substitutions or equipment needed.

Shopping List: 

  • Whole wheat pastry flour (can use all purpose flour or gluten-free APF)
  • Baking Powder
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Fresh Rosemary (or thyme/oregano/any herb on hand)
  • 1 orange
  • 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (currants, raisins, cranberries, apricots)
  • Milk of choice (oat or almond work well)
  • Maple syrup (or honey)
  • Coconut oil (butter can be used for non-vegan)

Supplies Needed: 

  • 2 mixing bowls
  • Small ramekin or bowl that will fit in fridge
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Microplane/zester
  • Mesh strainer (optional but helpful)
  • Whisk
  • Pastry cutter or 2 forks
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper (optional but makes cleanup easier)
  • Cookie cutters (optional)

Suggested Donation: $10

About Chef Kara Garrett

 

Kara is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. She has adopted a flexible diet plan that focuses on plant-based, sustainable whole foods, but does not restrict indulgences of things she loves. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices that energize the body and the soul.

Kara graduated in August 2017 from the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC and spent one month as the sous chef at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York in Monroe, NY. She is currently enrolled in the Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity graduate program at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Erin Price, LICSW

YA Trivia Night
Looking for more opportunities to connect socially with other young adult cancer survivors? Join us for our monthly social. This month we will be hosting virtual trivia night – come test your luck and meet other young adults.

YA Social Hour will be hosted monthly on Fridays from 6:00-7:00pm. Each month will have a new “theme” – please see below for the currently scheduled social hours.

  • December 18 – Trivia Night

DC Young Adult Cancer Community: https://youngadultcancerdc.org/

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Erin Price, LICSW

Pictionary
Looking for more opportunities to connect socially with other young adult cancer survivors? Join us for our monthly social. This month we will be hosting virtual Pictionary – come test your luck and meet other young adults.

YA Social Hour will be hosted monthly on Fridays from 6:00-7:00pm. Each month will have a new “theme” – please see below for the currently scheduled social hours.

  • November 20 – Pictionary Night
  • December 18 – Trivia Night

DC Young Adult Cancer Community: https://youngadultcancerdc.org/

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Erin Price, LICSW

Bingo Night
Looking for more opportunities to connect socially with other young adult cancer survivors? Join us for our monthly social. This month we will be hosting virtual BINGO – come test your luck and meet other young adults.

YA Social Hour will be hosted monthly on Fridays from 6:00-7:00pm. Each month will have a new “theme” – please see below for the currently scheduled social hours.

  • October 23 – BINGO Night
  • November 20
  • December 18

DC Young Adult Cancer Community: https://youngadultcancerdc.org/

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Erin Price, LICSW

Looking for more opportunities to connect socially with other young adult cancer survivors? Show off your chemo brain and join us for a virtual Trivia Night! Participants will be broken out into teams of no more than 4 people (if you have a team of people in mind that you’d like to play with, please indicate that in the notes when registering).

YA Social Hour will be hosted monthly on Fridays from 5:30-7:00pm. Each month will have a new “theme” – please see below for the currently scheduled social hours.

  • June 19 – Trivia Night
  • July 31 – Creativity Night
  • August 21 – Game Night

DC Young Adult Cancer Community: https://youngadultcancerdc.org/

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Erin Price, LICSW and Mindy Brodsky

We’ll spend this time exploring our creative sides and engaging in an art project together. Don’t consider yourself an artist? No Problem! This night is for anyone who wants to just play and have fun while connecting with other young adults impacted by cancer.

Join us for an evening of art journaling and creative expression. Fuse words, images, and everything in between and practice self-care and self-awareness together.

Materials needed (gather whatever you have/want to use from the list below – you do not need ALL of these supplies; the project is easily customizable to what you have on hand to create with):
  • something to create on – examples: a journal, cardstock, or recycle a box, any type of canvas you want!
  • things to create with – magazines, images, drawings, old books, newspapers
  • creativity supplies – paint, crayons, scissors, glue sticks or tape, pens, colored pencils, stamps, markers
  • anything else that inspires you! there are no rules here!

YA Social Hour will be hosted monthly on Fridays from 5:30-6:30pm. Each month will have a new “theme” – please see below for the currently scheduled social hours.

  • June 19 – Trivia Night
  • July 31 – Creativity Night
  • August 28 – Game Night

DC Young Adult Cancer Community: https://youngadultcancerdc.org/

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Erin Price, LICSW

Looking for more opportunities to connect socially with other young adult cancer survivors? Show off your chemo brain and join us for a virtual Trivia Night! Participants will be broken out into teams of no more than 4 people (if you have a team of people in mind that you’d like to play with, please indicate that in the notes when registering).

YA Social Hour will be hosted monthly on Fridays from 5:30-6:30pm. Each month will have a new “theme” – please see below for the currently scheduled social hours.

  • June 19 – Trivia Night
  • July 31 – Creativity Night
  • August 28 – Game Night

DC Young Adult Cancer Community: https://youngadultcancerdc.org/