This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Jamie Halverson and Lauren Sauer
offered in partnership with:
Healing Circles for Parents with Cancer is a peer led virtual support group for parents who are newly diagnosed, in active treatment or in survivorship who experiencing challenges with their role as a parent during their cancer journey. As this is a peer led support group the co-facilitators can best support parents who have children from 0-18 years old.
This group is not about giving advice (although facilitators will share resources after group and encourage this type of sharing outside of group). Instead it is about sharing our stories (the heart ache that comes from parenting with cancer) without judgment and listening with love. There will also be periodic in-person playdates for parents, partners and their kids in the DMV.
What is a Healing Circle?
Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom. Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.
The Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer meets Monthly on the 4th Tuesday of each month (beginning September 2023) from 1:30-2:30pm ET.
Upcoming Dates:
- November 28
- December 19 (due to the holiday)
About Jamie Halverson
Jamie Halverson is a mom of an energetic toddler boy and a sweet baby girl. She is a Communication Professor at a small college in Nebraska. Jamie was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2022, while 18 weeks pregnant. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment, and then delivered a healthy baby girl. Jamie is currently three months out of treatment and focusing on getting her strength back so she can do more activities with her husband and children.
About Lauren Sauer
Lauren Sauer is a two-time osteosarcoma cancer survivor first diagnosed in 2017 when her daughter was 22 months old, and diagnosed with a recurrence in 2022 when her daughter was 6 years old. Her daughter will be 8 in September. Lauren finished active treatment in September 2022. It took Lauren a long time after her active cancer treatment 2017-2018 to know that she was enough for her daughter during treatment and accept that her village parented her child during that time period. She says that she looks forward to the opportunity to accompany others on their journey as they deal with parent guilt and parent grief. She also looks forward to the opportunity to use Circles principles (creating safe spaces for people to share and be heard) to help facilitate this group. She looks forward to walking with you in your cancer journey.
This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing olivia@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Nancy Novack
Free, Fun and Fabulous Opportunities for Persons Living with Cancer and Their Loved Ones
Nancy Novack PhD, Founder and CEO of Nancy’s List, will share opportunities to expand the quality of life for persons who are living with cancer and those who love and care for them.
These will include :
- Retreats for women, men, women and men, and families
- Camps for kids, teens and young adults, and families
- Wish fulfillment adventures
About Nancy Novack
On the evening of my first meeting with my oncologist, he said to me, “This is a challenging diagnosis. The prognosis is bleak. But I do believe I can help you. I am with you.” Those four words sustained me whenever I was in fear. They directed my understanding of the power of relationship in my healing process. I was able to open my heart and receive the love and generosity of family and friends and oftentimes strangers who were there to hold my hand and my heart.
When people ask, and they often do, “What happened? How did you make it when so many others do not survive stage 4 ovarian cancer?” I don’t have any answers to that mystery. I do know, for certain, that the opening of my heart, the receiving of the blessings and the love, the sense of abundance of good will coming my way changed my being — during my cancer and forever more.
I am the luckiest lady in the world. I truly enjoy defying medical statistics and being the poster child for Stanford’s Cancer Center.
I made a vow to make a difference for people living with cancer, for those who love and care for them, and for the children who have a cancer diagnosis or love someone who has. My simple and profound wish is that no one will ever go through cancer alone. I started Nancy’s List to help my community cope with the epidemic of cancer.
For me, cancer changed everything. It generated my growth. It taught me the essence of gratitude. I adore the generosity of strangers. It defined my calling and refined my purpose as a psychologist. It gave me the opportunity to offer hope to those who have lost theirs. I found my courage and resilience.
Read Nancy’s full story here: https://nancyslist.org/name-nancy-novack/
This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Jamie Halverson and Lauren Sauer
offered in partnership with:
Healing Circles for Parents with Cancer is a peer led virtual support group for parents who are newly diagnosed, in active treatment or in survivorship who experiencing challenges with their role as a parent during their cancer journey. As this is a peer led support group the co-facilitators can best support parents who have children from 0-18 years old.
This group is not about giving advice (although facilitators will share resources after group and encourage this type of sharing outside of group). Instead it is about sharing our stories (the heart ache that comes from parenting with cancer) without judgment and listening with love. There will also be periodic in-person playdates for parents, partners and their kids in the DMV.
What is a Healing Circle?
Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom. Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.
The Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer meets Monthly on the 4th Tuesday of each month (beginning September 2023) from 1:30-2:30pm ET.
Upcoming Dates:
- October 24
- November 28
- December 19 (due to the holiday)
About Jamie Halverson
Jamie Halverson is a mom of an energetic toddler boy and a sweet baby girl. She is a Communication Professor at a small college in Nebraska. Jamie was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2022, while 18 weeks pregnant. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment, and then delivered a healthy baby girl. Jamie is currently three months out of treatment and focusing on getting her strength back so she can do more activities with her husband and children.
About Lauren Sauer
Lauren Sauer is a two-time osteosarcoma cancer survivor first diagnosed in 2017 when her daughter was 22 months old, and diagnosed with a recurrence in 2022 when her daughter was 6 years old. Her daughter will be 8 in September. Lauren finished active treatment in September 2022. It took Lauren a long time after her active cancer treatment 2017-2018 to know that she was enough for her daughter during treatment and accept that her village parented her child during that time period. She says that she looks forward to the opportunity to accompany others on their journey as they deal with parent guilt and parent grief. She also looks forward to the opportunity to use Circles principles (creating safe spaces for people to share and be heard) to help facilitate this group. She looks forward to walking with you in your cancer journey.
This playdate has been cancelled. For more information about the Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer or future playdates, please email programs@smithcenter.org.
Offered in partnership with the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, Bright Spot Network, Life with Cancer, Hope Connections, Ourisman Breast Center, Ulman Foundation, and Wellness House of Annapolis.
For more information about our Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer, please read below.
Smith Center’s Healing Circle for Moms with Cancer is being changed to the Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer and will now be hosted in partnership with Brightspot Network, Life with Cancer, Hope Connections, Ourisman Breast Center, Ulman Foundation, and Wellness House of Annapolis.
What will happen next?
In an effort to expand the Healing Circle to more parents with cancer, Smith Center is partnering with Bright Spot Network and other cancer organizations who can connect parents to this program. By broadening participation to all parents (not just moms) and working with several different national organizations supporting parents facing cancer, you’ll be able to participate in Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer.
What is the Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer?
This ongoing healing circle will focus on the unique needs of parents, with children of any age, who are living with cancer. No matter where you find yourself on your journey you will have a chance to be with others who share in your experience. This shared experience will often lead to profound learning and healing.
Some of our children are bound to need us during this program. Please don’t worry about disruptions to care for your child(ren).
What are Healing Circles?
Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom. Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.
This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Jamie Halverson and Lauren Sauer
offered in partnership with:
Healing Circles for Parents with Cancer is a peer led virtual support group for parents who are newly diagnosed, in active treatment or in survivorship who experiencing challenges with their role as a parent during their cancer journey. As this is a peer led support group the co-facilitators can best support parents who have children from 0-18 years old.
This group is not about giving advice (although facilitators will share resources after group and encourage this type of sharing outside of group). Instead it is about sharing our stories (the heart ache that comes from parenting with cancer) without judgment and listening with love. There will also be periodic in-person playdates for parents, partners and their kids in the DMV.
What is a Healing Circle?
Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom. Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.
The Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer meets Monthly on the 4th Tuesday of each month (beginning September 2023) from 1:30-2:30pm ET.
Upcoming Dates:
- September 26
- October 24
- November 28
- December 19 (due to the holiday)
About Jamie Halverson
Jamie Halverson is a mom of an energetic toddler boy and a sweet baby girl. She is a Communication Professor at a small college in Nebraska. Jamie was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2022, while 18 weeks pregnant. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment, and then delivered a healthy baby girl. Jamie is currently three months out of treatment and focusing on getting her strength back so she can do more activities with her husband and children.
About Lauren Sauer
Lauren Sauer is a two-time osteosarcoma cancer survivor first diagnosed in 2017 when her daughter was 22 months old, and diagnosed with a recurrence in 2022 when her daughter was 6 years old. Her daughter will be 8 in September. Lauren finished active treatment in September 2022. It took Lauren a long time after her active cancer treatment 2017-2018 to know that she was enough for her daughter during treatment and accept that her village parented her child during that time period. She says that she looks forward to the opportunity to accompany others on their journey as they deal with parent guilt and parent grief. She also looks forward to the opportunity to use Circles principles (creating safe spaces for people to share and be heard) to help facilitate this group. She looks forward to walking with you in your cancer journey.
This event has been cancelled. We look forward to seeing you in September for our next in-person gathering. Our new Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer will meet virtually on September 26 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
____________________________________________________________________________________
The playdate will be held in-person. For more details about the location, please see below. In order to attend, please register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org
Offered in partnership with the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, Bright Spot Network, Life with Cancer, Hope Connections, Ourisman Breast Center, Ulman Foundation, and Wellness House of Annapolis.
The Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer will have two meet ups this summer at playgrounds/splash parks in DC. It will be an opportunity for the adults to talk while the kids have fun on the playground/splash park. Parents with cancer (newly diagnosed, active treatment and NED) are welcome as well as their partners. In the fall, a virtual Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer will start with occasional in-person meet-ups.
The August Playdate will be at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center at 1100 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017. The meeting spot will be under the tree right next to the playground/splash park. We will have a table set up with a Smith Center BSN meet up sign with snacks and sparkling water. Please feel free to bring your own lunch and picnic blanket.
For more information about our Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer beginning in the fall, please read below.
Smith Center’s Healing Circle for Moms with Cancer is being changed to the Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer and will now be hosted in partnership with Brightspot Network, Life with Cancer, Hope Connections, Ourisman Breast Center, Ulman Foundation, and Wellness House of Annapolis. Effective July 1, the Healing Circle for Moms with Cancer will no longer be on the Smith Center calendar. We will have play dates in DC during the summer and kick of the Healing Circle for Parents in September.
What will happen next?
In an effort to expand the Healing Circle to more parents with cancer, Smith Center is partnering with Bright Spot Network and other cancer organizations who can connect parents to this program. By broadening participation to all parents (not just moms) and working with several different national organizations supporting parents facing cancer, you’ll be able to participate in Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer.
What is the Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer?
This ongoing healing circle will focus on the unique needs of parents, with children of any age, who are living with cancer. No matter where you find yourself on your journey you will have a chance to be with others who share in your experience. This shared experience will often lead to profound learning and healing.
Some of our children are bound to need us during this program. Please don’t worry about disruptions to care for your child(ren).
What are Healing Circles?
Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom. Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.
The playdate will be held in-person. For more details about the location, please see below. In order to attend, please register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org
Offered in partnership with the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, Bright Spot Network, Life with Cancer, Hope Connections, Ourisman Breast Center, Ulman Foundation, and Wellness House of Annapolis.
The Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer will have two meet ups this summer at playgrounds/splash parks in DC. It will be an opportunity for the adults to talk while the kids have fun on the playground/splash park. Parents with cancer (newly diagnosed, active treatment and NED) are welcome as well as their partners. One will be held on July 8 and the other will be held on August 5th. In the fall, a virtual Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer will start with occasional in-person meet-ups.
The July Playdate will be at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center at 1100 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017. The meeting spot will be under the tree right next to the playground/splash park. We will have a table set up with a Smith Center BSN meet up sign with snacks and sparkling water. Please feel free to bring your own lunch and picnic blanket.
For more information about our Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer beginning in the fall, please read below.
Smith Center’s Healing Circle for Moms with Cancer is being changed to the Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer and will now be hosted in partnership with Brightspot Network, Life with Cancer, Hope Connections, Ourisman Breast Center, Ulman Foundation, and Wellness House of Annapolis. Effective July 1, the Healing Circle for Moms with Cancer will no longer be on the Smith Center calendar. We will have play dates in DC during the summer and kick of the Healing Circle for Parents in September.
What will happen next?
In an effort to expand the Healing Circle to more parents with cancer, Smith Center is partnering with Bright Spot Network and other cancer organizations who can connect parents to this program. By broadening participation to all parents (not just moms) and working with several different national organizations supporting parents facing cancer, you’ll be able to participate in Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer.
What is the Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer?
This ongoing healing circle will focus on the unique needs of parents, with children of any age, who are living with cancer. No matter where you find yourself on your journey you will have a chance to be with others who share in your experience. This shared experience will often lead to profound learning and healing.
Some of our children are bound to need us during this program. Please don’t worry about disruptions to care for your child(ren).
What are Healing Circles?
Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom. Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.
This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Niya Kight
This ongoing healing circle will focus on the unique needs of mothers, with children of any age, who are living with cancer. No matter where you find yourself on your journey you will have a chance to be with others who share in your experience. This shared experience will often lead to profound learning and healing.
Some of our children are bound to need us during this program. Please don’t worry about disruptions to care for your child(ren).
What is a Healing Circle?
Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom. Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.
The Healing Circle for Moms with Cancer meets Monthly on the 2nd Monday of each month from 11:00am-12:00pm ET.
Upcoming Dates:
About Niya Kight
Niya Kight was diagnosed with Stage II, ER/PR + Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in November 2019 on her 31st birthday, while 12 weeks pregnant. Once Niya reached the middle of her second trimester, she underwent a mastectomy and four rounds of chemotherapy before delivering her daughter in May. Niya is currently finishing the last four rounds of chemotherapy and next up on the road to recovery is radiation. When Niya embarked upon this journey, she chose to view it as her rebirth and shared that “she would rise healthier and stronger than ever after this spiritual transformation”. Niya has done just that as she focused inwardly to determine the changes she needed to make in her life, learned to accept help, and shared her vulnerability and experience with others. Niya is passionate about raising awareness about pregnancy and breast cancer because many people do not know that it is possible to have cancer while pregnant, let alone that it can actually be treated during pregnancy. Niya remembers the loneliness she felt while navigating breast cancer while pregnant and wants to help eliminate that additional stress for other women.
This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Niya Kight
This ongoing healing circle will focus on the unique needs of mothers, with children of any age, who are living with cancer. No matter where you find yourself on your journey you will have a chance to be with others who share in your experience. This shared experience will often lead to profound learning and healing.
Some of our children are bound to need us during this program. Please don’t worry about disruptions to care for your child(ren).
What is a Healing Circle?
Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom. Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.
The Healing Circle for Moms with Cancer meets Monthly on the 2nd Monday of each month from 11:00am-12:00pm ET.
Upcoming Dates:
About Niya Kight
Niya Kight was diagnosed with Stage II, ER/PR + Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in November 2019 on her 31st birthday, while 12 weeks pregnant. Once Niya reached the middle of her second trimester, she underwent a mastectomy and four rounds of chemotherapy before delivering her daughter in May. Niya is currently finishing the last four rounds of chemotherapy and next up on the road to recovery is radiation. When Niya embarked upon this journey, she chose to view it as her rebirth and shared that “she would rise healthier and stronger than ever after this spiritual transformation”. Niya has done just that as she focused inwardly to determine the changes she needed to make in her life, learned to accept help, and shared her vulnerability and experience with others. Niya is passionate about raising awareness about pregnancy and breast cancer because many people do not know that it is possible to have cancer while pregnant, let alone that it can actually be treated during pregnancy. Niya remembers the loneliness she felt while navigating breast cancer while pregnant and wants to help eliminate that additional stress for other women.
