Tag: Cancer Support

WEEK 52

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. If you have any questions, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Phebe Duff

A community for those who want to explore ways to be present in their lives. This group will examine a different topic each week relevant to members’ lives. We will explore meditation and mindfulness practices that can be applied to life experiences in a supportive way. The group is open to people at any level of experience with meditation and mindfulness. This is a drop-in class, so you can join at any time as topics will differ each week. This is a year-long weekly class that will meet every Monday from 11:30am-12:30pm EST from August 19th, 2024 – January 27th, 2025.

Please Note: This class will begin at Week 34 on August 19th.

Suggested Donation: $15/session

Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Phebe Duff

Phebe Duff is a long-time meditator and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator. She completed the Community Dharma Leader program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA and the Dharmacharya program offered by the Venerable Pannavati at Heartwood Refuge in Hendersonville, NC. Phebe has facilitated MBSR courses for a wide variety of populations since 2005. Since retiring after a 30+ year career in human resources and as a professional musician, Phebe has taught meditation and MBSR for Wellness House of Annapolis and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. Working with the cancer community and sharing the practices of meditation and mindfulness to support their healing journey has been the best experience of her teaching career.

Please email Olivia at programs@smithcenter.org for further information about the program.

with Carole O’Toole

A small, almost inaudible voice will say what lies ahead. By Sheila Petruccelli

Cancer often initiates an intense transformational process that can raise more questions than answers, leading us to re-examine our beliefs and approach to life. We may feel called to explore opportunities for spiritual growth, feeling a desire to connect with the sacred in a more conscious way and define more deeply life’s meaning in the face of cancer.

Regardless of your personal beliefs or faith system, working with a spiritual companion offers you an opportunity to reflect with another on what is going on for you spiritually, and explore how to integrate your cancer experience with your personal beliefs.

Spiritual Companions:

  • Provide a safe, trusting environment that invites stillness and reflection.
  • Support your spiritual growth and exploration, your unique and personal journey.
  • Listen, deeply and with compassion, honoring your sacred story. This deep listening helps you to connect with your most authentic self and illuminate your unique spiritual path.

    “Your soul already knows the way to wholeness and healing, but often speaks to us in a small, still voice. In our time together, we create a nest for your soul to rest awhile, allowing space for your sacred truth to be revealed.”

    Carole invites you to explore with her how to make meaning of your cancer experience and to look for where the holy is in your life. Currently, limited space is available for new clients. Individual appointments are available via Zoom or by telephone. 

Please Note: We kindly ask for a $20 donation to support the 3 sessions of Spiritual Companioning with Carole.

About Carole O’Toole

Retreats, Integrative Navigation and Spiritual Companioning Consultant

Carole, a survivor of advanced cancer since 1994, is the author of two books on integrative cancer care: “Cancer Community Healing Network”, and “Healing Outside the Margins”. She began her work with Smith Center in 2006, creating our integrative cancer care navigation model, and introducing integrative navigation services to Howard University Cancer Center and the city’s medically underserved community. Carole went on to develop and direct the Center’s Institute for Integrative Oncology Navigation, and co-created and led our professional training program in integrative cancer care navigation, offered to navigators nationwide and now available online through our partnership with the Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Carole has been an integral part of Smith Center’s Cancer Retreat Programs throughout her tenure, staffing the weeklong residential retreats for many years and leading one day retreats at our offices. Carole assumed leadership of the retreat program in 2015, where she developed our 3 day in-person retreats and 6-week virtual retreat programs.

Carole continues her retreat work alongside her coaching individuals on integrative cancer care decision-making and complementary resources. Most recently, Carole became a certified Spiritual Director, offering spiritual companioning services to adults with cancer and their loved ones.

To learn more about Carole and her work in integrative navigation and spiritual companioning, visit her website: www.cohealing.net.

Please email Olivia at programs@smithcenter.org for further information about the program.

with Carole O’Toole

A small, almost inaudible voice will say what lies ahead. By Sheila Petruccelli

Cancer often initiates an intense transformational process that can raise more questions than answers, leading us to re-examine our beliefs and approach to life. We may feel called to explore opportunities for spiritual growth, feeling a desire to connect with the sacred in a more conscious way and define more deeply life’s meaning in the face of cancer.

Regardless of your personal beliefs or faith system, working with a spiritual companion offers you an opportunity to reflect with another on what is going on for you spiritually, and explore how to integrate your cancer experience with your personal beliefs.

Spiritual Companions:

  • Provide a safe, trusting environment that invites stillness and reflection.
  • Support your spiritual growth and exploration, your unique and personal journey.
  • Listen, deeply and with compassion, honoring your sacred story. This deep listening helps you to connect with your most authentic self and illuminate your unique spiritual path.

    “Your soul already knows the way to wholeness and healing, but often speaks to us in a small, still voice. In our time together, we create a nest for your soul to rest awhile, allowing space for your sacred truth to be revealed.”

    Carole invites you to explore with her how to make meaning of your cancer experience and to look for where the holy is in your life. Currently, limited space is available for new clients. Individual appointments are available via Zoom or by telephone. 

Please Note: We kindly ask for a $20 donation to support the 3 sessions of Spiritual Companioning with Carole.

About Carole O’Toole

Retreats, Integrative Navigation and Spiritual Companioning Consultant

Carole, a survivor of advanced cancer since 1994, is the author of two books on integrative cancer care: “Cancer Community Healing Network”, and “Healing Outside the Margins”. She began her work with Smith Center in 2006, creating our integrative cancer care navigation model, and introducing integrative navigation services to Howard University Cancer Center and the city’s medically underserved community. Carole went on to develop and direct the Center’s Institute for Integrative Oncology Navigation, and co-created and led our professional training program in integrative cancer care navigation, offered to navigators nationwide and now available online through our partnership with the Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Carole has been an integral part of Smith Center’s Cancer Retreat Programs throughout her tenure, staffing the weeklong residential retreats for many years and leading one day retreats at our offices. Carole assumed leadership of the retreat program in 2015, where she developed our 3 day in-person retreats and 6-week virtual retreat programs.

Carole continues her retreat work alongside her coaching individuals on integrative cancer care decision-making and complementary resources. Most recently, Carole became a certified Spiritual Director, offering spiritual companioning services to adults with cancer and their loved ones.

To learn more about Carole and her work in integrative navigation and spiritual companioning, visit her website: www.cohealing.net.

The Energy Balancing team continues to offer distance sessions. If you wish to receive, please email olivia@smithcenter.org.

with the Energy Balancing Team

Energy Balancing

Our Energy Balancing Program addresses the subtle energies of our body. When these energies are out of balance, all our body systems can become askew. One key to bringing us back into balance is deep relaxation. This is just what our volunteers provide – a half-hour of stress reducing relaxation to calm the body and enhance our well-being.

Most likely you are familiar with many of the body’s systems such as the respiratory system, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the skeletal system and so on. But are you aware that we also have subtle energy systems, systems that cannot be seen, cannot be measured, cannot be felt. Perhaps you know of some; the most familiar are the aura (also known as the biofield), the meridians, the chakras.

These subtle energy systems were very familiar to the ancients. They used them regularly to bring the body into energetic balance. When the body’s energies are in balance, we function at a higher vibration and are more relaxed, more joyful, more centered and able to enjoy life more productively. Many of the age-old techniques are now being used to bring calm to the body and to optimize one’s well-being.

Energy Balancing is offered Weekly on Thursdays in 1/2 hour appointments.

By appointment only. 

Time slots:

  • 1:00-1:30pm
  • 2:20-2:50pm

Suggested Donation: $5/session

About the Energy Balancing Team

About Anne Molofsky

Anne has always been interested in promoting health and wellness. She had a forty-year career as a nutritionist, beginning as a research nutritionist in several NIH-funded clinical trials, then working for the federal government in policy and education, and subsequently counselling clients in her private practice. She received her reiki training over 10 years ago and was able to offer reiki sessions to her nutrition clients as part of their treatment. Since 2013 Anne has also volunteered at Walter Reed offering reiki sessions to Wounded Warriors and their families. She became a Reiki Master Teacher in 2017. Anne is thrilled to be joining the wonderful Energy Balancing Team at the Smith Center!

About Margaret Haggerty

It is a privilege to be part of the energy balancing team for Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.
Having had a long and gratifying career as a registered nurse, I bring a wide range of experiences. Before my retirement nine years ago, I had worked for 47 years as a nurse in a variety of capacities. Whether I was taking care of a tiny two-pound NICU infant or doing diabetic teaching for a centenarian, I realized that there was a larger Presence who was always guiding me. And I believe deeply that whatever experience of healing we receive, involves body, mind and spirit. I became a massage therapist and Reiki Master in order to incorporate a more deliberate approach to healing touch. It was a privilege to work with many clients who were dealing with cancer. What a joy it was to offer some hope and gentle touch as they faced many medical and emotional challenges. Now in my later years I am happy to bring the soft, caring touch of energy balancing to help those who come to Smith Center, to relax in order for. their bodies to mend and their spirits to heal.

About Pat Spellman

Pat Spellman

Pat studied English literature and has a special interest in reading and writing poetry. She has been certified as a Reiki master and as a practitioner of reflexology and Feldenkrais movement. She is a long-time member of the Self-Realization Fellowship, which teaches meditation methods and principles for harmonious living. After a career in publications in DC, Pat retired in Baltimore where she continues her active interest in the Smith Center and its clients.

About Sylvia Sturm

Sylvia Sturm

Sylvia Sturm, EEM-CLP, RM/T, heads our Energy Balancing volunteer team. Sylvia is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Clinical Practitioner and a Reiki Master Teacher. For many years she has managed a Reiki Volunteer group at a seniors’ residence and has served for 6 years as a Reiki volunteer in GWU Hospital. She is delighted to now work with a dedicated and wonderful team to address the balancing of one’s subtle energies in order to allow the body to completely relax. She has an independent practice in Kensington, MD. To learn more about Sylvia and subtle energies, please visit her website www.sylviasturm.com.

We offer 2 in-person Energy Balancing appointments weekly. Registration is first-come-first-served. 

Please specify which of the two time slots you prefer (see below). To reserve an appointment, please email Olivia at olivia@smithcenter.org.

with Sylvia Sturm

Energy Balancing

Our Energy Balancing Program addresses the subtle energies of our body. When these energies are out of balance, all our body systems can become askew. One key to bringing us back into balance is deep relaxation. This is just what our volunteers provide – a half-hour of stress reducing relaxation to calm the body and enhance our well-being.

Most likely you are familiar with many of the body’s systems such as the respiratory system, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the skeletal system and so on. But are you aware that we also have subtle energy systems, systems that cannot be seen, cannot be measured, cannot be felt. Perhaps you know of some; the most familiar are the aura (also known as the biofield), the meridians, the chakras.

These subtle energy systems were very familiar to the ancients. They used them regularly to bring the body into energetic balance. When the body’s energies are in balance, we function at a higher vibration and are more relaxed, more joyful, more centered and able to enjoy life more productively. Many of the age-old techniques are now being used to bring calm to the body and to optimize one’s well-being.

In-Person Energy Balancing is offered Weekly on Thursdays in 45 minute appointments.

By appointment only. 

Time slots:

  • Time slot #1: 9:45-10:30am ET
  • Time slot #2: 10:45-11:30am ET

Suggested Donation: $25/session

About Sylvia Sturm

Sylvia Sturm

Sylvia Sturm, EEM-CLP, RM/T, heads our Energy Balancing volunteer team. Sylvia is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Clinical Practitioner and a Reiki Master Teacher. For many years she has managed a Reiki Volunteer group at a seniors’ residence and has served for 6 years as a Reiki volunteer in GWU Hospital. She is delighted to now work with a dedicated and wonderful team to address the balancing of one’s subtle energies in order to allow the body to completely relax. She has an independent practice in Kensington, MD. To learn more about Sylvia and subtle energies, please visit her website www.sylviasturm.com.

In order to participate, click the RSVP button above or please email programs@smithcenter.org.

with Renee Sandell, PhD

Join Renee Sandell for a hands-on, interactive art “workout,” designed to strengthen your sense of unity as a virtue for freedom. We will use her Balanced Way of Seeing® method to explore multiple layers of meaning in Norman Rockwell’s 1961 painting “Golden Rule,” created as part of his Four Freedoms series. We will consider this work and its timely relevance to our lives. Reflecting on past and present moments in our history, we can rediscover sources of our own unity and freedom.

  • Experience a hands-on, interactive art “workout” on Zoom
  • No previous art experience necessary
  • Simple supplies: White paper and a black Sharpie marker
  • Emailed post event: Unity Resource PDF

Suggested Donation: $20

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Renee Sandell

Renee Sandell

Renee Sandell’s art, teaching, and research focus on Visual Fitness 4 All: Engaging Creativity and Insight® for EVERYONE. Renee is founder/director of the expeditionary, museum-based SummerVision DC Program, which she designed and has delivered for the National Art Education Association (NAEA) for 10 years since 2010. Previously Professor of Art Education at George Mason University (2004-2014) and at Maryland Institute College of Art (1990-2003), she is co-author of two books on gender issues and has published numerous articles, book chapters and art curricula. Winner of the 2019 Lowenfeld Award, Sandell was recognized as 2015-2016 Distinguished Lecturer in Art Education at Miami University and 2013 NAEA National Art Educator. Renee has received numerous awards for her leadership and scholarship on her Form+Theme+Context (FTC)® and her Marking & Mapping®, an accessible form of visual meaning-making. Sandell’s Visual Fitness 4 All® for Engaging Creativity and Insight® workshops are designed to nurture envisioning skills for individuals within professional development programs, organizations, health spas, businesses, and other venues. She has been offering Art & Virtues workshops since early in the Pandemic. Renee’s Smithsonian Associates studio courses include: “Curating a Life: Art as Memoir,” Seeing More: Art, Virtues, and Our Lives, and Visual Journaling: Creativity Workshop.

Learn more about Renee’s teaching at www.visualfitness4all.com Renee’s artwork includes artistic installations of multi-media markings on paper, board, and silk, to explore the human condition in time, space, and place. To learn more about Renee’s artwork, visit her website www.reneesandellart.com

Visual Fitness 4 ALL

This program is being offered in a virtual format. In order to participate, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing olivia@smithcenter.org. 

with Sara Corckran (Author)

Welcome to a community of book lovers diving into current and relevant book material.

We will be reading Grit and Grace by Sara Corckran. On Tuesday, March 11th, the author will lead us in a lively discussion about the book. Please join us no matter how much or little of the book you have read. You are welcome to join even if you have not read the book.

Read below for a description of the book:

12 PILLARS TO BUILD RESILIENCE, REFRESH YOUR MINDSET,  AND MOVE FORWARD

Life is filled with adversity—the job loss, a breakup, infertility, divorce, death, illness, financial challenges—yet the human spirit holds a remarkable capacity to overcome and grow from challenges.

In Grit and Grace, Sara Corckran shares her powerful personal health journey, revealing the mindset required not just to endure but to thrive in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

Drawing on her background in education, positive psychology, and coaching, Sara blends personal experience with science-backed insights on resilience. Her journey shines a light on the deep connections between mind, body, and soul. Her story will inspire you to harness your inner strength.

In Grit and Grace, you’ll work through 12 Pillars of Strength to find—

  • Inspiring anecdotes about hope that illustrate the power of facing the challenges in life with courage and grace

  • Techniques to identify and tackle the mental and emotional barriers that arise with health challenges- or any challenge

  • Actionable science-based strategies to foster a positive outlook that supports both mental and spiritual well-being, enhancing physical recovery.

  • Practical steps for incorporating positive psychology and spiritual practices into everyday life as you forge a resilient path to healing

  • Here’s a hint: You don’t have to get it right all the time, you just have to keep showing up.

Whether you’re navigating a personal battle or seeking inspiration, Grit and Grace offers both motivation and a roadmap for embracing life’s challenges with courage and tenacity.

Pop-Up Book Club will be held from 12:00-1:00pm ET.

COMING SOON: Link to purchase the book

Suggested Donation: $20

About Sara Corckran (Author)

Sara Corckran, a former educator with 20 years of teaching experience, now channels her passion for learning and growth into her work as a mindset coach, author, and speaker. Holding a bachelor’s from Penn State and a master’s from Johns Hopkins University, Sara combines her background in education with her certifications in positive psychology to empower others to navigate life’s challenges.

As the author of Grace and Grit: How to Find Clarity and Optimism in Overwhelming Situations, Sara empowers readers with twelve transformative pillars to shift from victimhood to empowerment. A breast cancer survivor and caregiver, she brings a compassionate and authentic perspective to her work, drawing from her personal journey to inspire others. Sara offers one-on-one coaching, group programs, and speaking engagements, equipping her clients with practical tools for resilience, purpose, and strength. Connect with Sara to learn how she can inspire your next event or guide your journey toward clarity and hope.

Please Note: At this time, the program is full. To be added to the waitlist and be notified if any spots become available, please email Olivia at olivia@smithcenter.org.

A Day of Renewal: Grounding after Cancer

Saturday, February 8 from 9:45am to 4pm

with Kiersten Gallagher, Erin Price, Kara Garrett, and Olivia Gonyea

Registration fee: $50

(If cost is a barrier to your participation, please email programs@smithcenter.org to discuss reduced fee options).

A Day of Renewal: Grounding after Cancer is a one-day retreat designed to help cancer patients & survivors reconnect with themselves and restore balance. Through mindfulness practices, yoga nidra, radical writing, and connection to other survivors, you will tap into inner strength and discover ways to ground and center yourself after a cancer diagnosis. This retreat offers a safe, supportive space for reflection and processing, allowing you to feel empowered as you move forward in your healing process. Whether seeking emotional release, physical relaxation, or connection to a community, we will offer you tools and space for renewal and growth. A healthy, nourishing lunch is included as part of your registration fee. Space is limited!

  • Pre-retreat Connection Circle (VIRTUAL on Zoom):  Thursday, February 6, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
  • One-Day Retreat (IN-PERSON at Smith Center): Saturday, February 8, 9:45 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Post-retreat Connection Circle (VIRTUAL on Zoom):  Tuesday, February 18, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.

Please note that all participants that register for this One-Day Retreat are required to attend a 2-hour pre-retreat Connection Circle on Thursday, February 6, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. AND a post-retreat Closing Circle on Tuesday, February 18, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. See below for agendas for each day.

PROGRAM AGENDA

Pre-retreat Connection Circle Agenda (Thurs, Feb 6, 4:30p – 6:30 p.m. on ZOOM)

  • Welcome & Meditation
  • Agreements
  • Share Your Story
  • Closing

One Day Retreat Agenda (Sat, Feb 8, 9:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. IN PERSON)

  • Welcome Circle
  • Yoga Nidra & Meditation
  • Lunch and Nutrition Q&A
  • Radical Writing
  • Closing Circle

Post-retreat Connection Circle Agenda (Tues, Feb 18, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. on ZOOM)

  • Welcome & Meditation
  • Agreements
  • Reflections & Moving Forward
  • Closing

This program is being offered over Zoom.

In order to participate, register by emailing Stephanie Stern at stephanie@hopeconnectionsforcancer.org.

Hosted in partnership with Hope Connections

 

with Mara Levy MSOT, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, SEP

After a cancer diagnosis, our relationship with our body changes. Unlike contagious illnesses or injuries, cancer develops inside our bodies. It can be hard to trust our body after what can feel like a profound betrayal. Let’s talk about how to repair our relationship with our bodies, learn to be friends with our bodies again, and rebuilding a sense of safety in our own bodies.

About Mara Levy MSOT, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, SEP

Mara Levy MSOT, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, SEP is a certified lymphatic therapist and somatic experiencing practitioner, and blends these areas to provide body-based mental health care and trauma-informed bodywork. They’ve been working with cancer survivors for over a decade. Their approach is neurodiversity affirming, fat positive and HAES-aligned, queer and trans affirming, antiracist, and liberation centered. They offer in-person care in downtown Silver Spring, MD and telehealth in DC, MD, and VA through their private practice Rainbow Spring Wellness at www.rainbowspringwellness.com.

Social media:  @rainbowspringwellness on Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram

WEEK 17

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. If you have any questions, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Phebe Duff

A community for those who want to explore ways to be present in their lives. This group will examine a different topic each week relevant to members’ lives. We will explore meditation and mindfulness practices that can be applied to life experiences in a supportive way. The group is open to people at any level of experience with meditation and mindfulness. This is a drop-in class, so you can join at any time as topics will differ each week. This is a year-long weekly class that will meet every Wednesday beginning September 18th from 5-6pm EST.

Beginning in January 2025, this class will meet from 5-6pm EST.

Please Note: This class will begin at Week 1 on September 18th.

Suggested Donation: $15/session

About Phebe Duff

Phebe Duff is a long-time meditator and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator. She completed the Community Dharma Leader program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA and the Dharmacharya program offered by the Venerable Pannavati at Heartwood Refuge in Hendersonville, NC. Phebe has facilitated MBSR courses for a wide variety of populations since 2005. Since retiring after a 30+ year career in human resources and as a professional musician, Phebe has taught meditation and MBSR for Wellness House of Annapolis and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. Working with the cancer community and sharing the practices of meditation and mindfulness to support their healing journey has been the best experience of her teaching career.