Tag: Life with Cancer

Este programa se ofrece virtualmente a través de Zoom. Para participar y recibir el enlace de Zoom, regístrese haciendo clic en el botón RSVP arriba o enviando un correo electrónico a program@smithcenter.org. Recibirá la información de Zoom a más tardar la mañana de su programa.

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.

con Alfonso Luis y Charles Domingue

El cáncer de próstata (CP) es una realidad que también afecta a la comunidad LGTBIQIA+. Es el tumor más frecuente en personas con próstata, siendo el segundo más común en todo el mundo y el quinto en mortalidad. No hay evidencias que relacionen el CP con la orientación sexual. La mayoría de los diagnósticos se dan en personas mayores de 65 años, siendo muy poco frecuente en menores de 40.

El colectivo LGTBIQIA+ enfrenta un triple tabú en relación al cáncer de próstata. Por un lado, es un tumor silenciado en nuestra sociedad debido a que afecta el concepto tradicional de masculinidad. Por otro lado, este silencio se agrava por nuestra condición sexual. Esta situación puede afectar los tratamientos que recibimos, debido a la falta de información sobre los efectos secundarios de los tratamientos en relación a nuestra orientación sexual y nuestras prácticas sexuales. Y, para finalizar, existe otro condicionante importante: la edad. La generación que está siendo diagnosticada actualmente ha sido marginada y discriminada por lo que tiene muchas veces miedo a compartir sus dudas.

Lo que proponemos es crear un espacio para hablar de nuestras experiencias, de los tratamientos que recibimos, de nuestras emociones, de cómo nos sentimos, de cómo afecta el CP a nuestras relaciones y de las herramientas que tenemos para afrontar nuestras dificultades. Es muy difícil encontrar un grupo de apoyo para hispanohablantes pertenecientes al colectivo LGTBIQIA+. En este grupo encontrarás apoyo

Desarrollo 1 hora y media máximo, primer lunes de cada mes 19:30-21:00 (zona horaria de Madrid). (13:30-15:00 ET).

Prostate cancer (PC) is a reality that also affects the LGTBQIA+ community. It is the most frequent tumor in people with a prostate, the second most common worldwide and the fifth in mortality. There is no evidence to relate PC to sexual orientation. Most diagnoses occur in people over 65, being very rare in those under 40. The LGTBQIA+ group faces a triple taboo in relation to prostate cancer. On the one hand, it is a cancer that is not often spoken of in our society because it affects the traditional concept of masculinity. On the other hand, this silence is aggravated by our sexuality. This situation can affect the treatments we receive, due to the lack of information on the side effects of treatments in relation to our sexual orientation and our sexual practices. And, finally, there is another important condition: age. The generation that is currently being diagnosed has been marginalized and discriminated against, so they are often afraid to ask questions related to intimacy.

What we propose is to create a space to talk about our experiences, the treatments we receive, our emotions, how we feel, how PC affects our relationships, and the tools we have to face our difficulties. It is very difficult to find a support group for Spanish speakers in the the LGTBQIA+ community. In this group you will find support.

The Healing Circle for Spanish-Speaking LGBTQIA+ Men with Prostate Cancer meets Monthly on the 1st Monday of each month from 7:30 – 9:00PM Madrid Time Zone/1:30 – 3:00 PM EST.

Alfonso Luis

Alfonso Luis Nieves, de nacionalidad española. Es fundador y facilitador del Healing Circle Cáncer de próstata y comunidad LGTBIQ+: un espacio para hispanoparlantes. Fui diagnosticado de ADENOCARCINOMA ACINAR. Después de buscar información y asesoramiento médico de varios urologos se me recomendó la electroporación irreversible, intervención a la que me sometí el 3 de diciembre de 2024.

He trabajado de voluntario en varios ámbitos, empecé con personas con síndrome de Down, más tarde y durante muy poco tiempo en un hospital como traductor, intérprete y acompañante y finalmente en Proyecto Hombre en terapias de familiares de personas con adicciones.

Actualmente estoy jubilado después de trabajar durante más de 30 años como profesor en centros públicos de España.

Alfonso Luis Nieves, of Spanish nationality, is a founder and facilitator of the Healing Circle: LGBTQIA+ Prostate Cancer Support Group for Spanish speakers. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2024. After seeking information and medical advice from several urologists, irreversible electroporation was recommended, an intervention I underwent on December 3, 2024.

I have worked as a volunteer in various fields, starting with people with Down syndrome, later and for a very short time in a hospital as a translator, interpreter and companion, and finally in Proyecto Hombre in therapies for relatives of people with addictions.

I am currently retired after working for more than 30 years as a teacher in public schools in Spain.

Charles Domingue

Charles Domingue, estadounidense residente en España, es cofundador del Healing Circle del Cáncer de Próstata LGTBIQIA+. Tiene licenciatura y maestría en Trabajo Social, y una certificación para enseñar inglés como lengua extranjera. Durante su etapa como trabajador social hospitalario en los EEUU, trabajó con personas con diversos problemas de salud, incluidas personas con cáncer, con esclerosis múltiple y con VIH/SIDA. Durante su tiempo como profesor de inglés en Europa, impartió clases de inglés de negocios en Praga, Barcelona y Madrid. Actualmente está jubilado y vive en Almería, España.

Poco después de jubilarse, a Charles le diagnosticaron cáncer de próstata y se sometió a una prostatectomía radical robótica. Siete meses y medio después de la cirugía, se sometió a radioterapia para tratar una recurrencia bioquímica.

Charles Domingue, an American residing in Spain, is the co-founder of the LGBTQIA+ Prostate Cancer Healing Circle. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work, and a certification to teach English as a foreign language. During his time as a hospital social worker in the US, he worked with people with various health problems, including people with cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS. During his time as an English teacher in Europe, he taught business English classes in Prague, Barcelona, and Madrid. He is now retired and living in Almería, Spain.

Shortly after retiring, Charles was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent a robotic radical prostatectomy. Seven and a half months after surgery, he underwent radiation therapy to treat a biochemical recurrence.

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.

WEEK 7/25

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

On February 10th, the Mindful Cancer Journey class will begin a new series working with the book Neuro Dharma by Dr. Rick Hanson. Rick has written a powerful book that synthesizes 2,600 year old meditation practices with current neuroscience to strengthen the neural circuitry of our brains to enhance contentment and inner peace.  We will do a variety of practices, see videos of Rick explaining his work and a variety of other activities. There is no obligation to purchase the book and each class has been designed as a stand-alone program for those who have to miss a class. We hope you will join us!

This series will run from 02/10 – 08/11/25

Suggested Donation: $15/session

This program is offered for free or at a low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis. Contributions are not required to attend, ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you’re able to donate, we deeply appreciate your support—every contribution directly funds our cancer support programs.

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.

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 Kenneth Johnson

A Healing Circle: Gay Men with Prostate Cancer

We are a group of gay men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or who are recovering from treatment that offer support to each other. In a peer-led community, we share our experiences and understanding to help one another best deal with our own personal situations.

The Healing Circle for Gay Men with Prostate Cancer meets Monthly on the 4th Thursday from 7:00pm – 8:30pm ET.

About Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth Johnson, of Owings Mills, MD, is a founding member and facilitator of the Healing Circle Supporting Gay Men with Prostate Cancer hosted at the Smith Center since October 2018. Kenneth’s prostate cancer diagnosis in 2016 at the age of 50 began, not with any symptoms of a problem, but due to a vigilant doctor who was aware of black men’s higher cancer risk and encouraged earlier screening. Blood tests showed a rising PSA that triggered the need for a biopsy. Kenneth underwent surgery and radiation later in 2016. Before volunteering with the support group, Kenneth volunteered with many LGBTQ+ organizations and community non-profits in Atlanta, GA.

Professionally, Kenneth retired in 2021 after 34 years of federal service as an information technology analyst. Now, he is often on the highways with his octogenarian parents visiting family and friends around the country. You can catch up with Kenneth at the local gym or track working up a good sweat to offset his time in the kitchen cooking for and eating with his parents. At other times, you will find him enjoying his monthly book club selection, stressing over a Ravens game (or Orioles or Alabama football), chuckling at a corny Hallmark movie, or tackling (and possibly regretting) an HGTV-inspired home project.

Despite the cloud of prostate cancer, Kenneth sees the silver lining as the community of wonderful souls that have befriended him through the Smith Center and the healing circle for gay men with prostate cancer.

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 Lennie Naughton, LGSW

In Partnership with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, GW Cancer Center, Medstar Health & Hope Connections for Cancer Support

This monthly support group is designed for adults diagnosed with cancer who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. The group is facilitated by a culturally competent social worker, who provides a safe space to connect with others and explore your own unique experience with cancer.

Caregivers are welcome to attend with their loved one.

The LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday from 6:00-7:00pm ET.

About Lennie Naughton, LGSW

Lennie Naughton, LGSW, is a social worker in Washington, D.C. with over 10 years of direct service experience supporting both adults and young people. Lennie specializes in client-centered and trauma-informed care, particularly highlighting those underserved in healthcare systems including people with disabilities as well as transgender and other LGBTQ+ community members. They are also a senior care coordinator at the National Abortion Hotline and volunteer mentor with Trans Mentor Project.

WEEK 25

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 began at Week 1 on September 18th.

Suggested Donation: $15/session

This program is offered for free or at a low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis. Contributions are not required to attend, ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you’re able to donate, we deeply appreciate your support—every contribution directly funds our cancer support programs.

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.

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 Sara Richman, LICSW and Jessica Gelfarb, MSW, LICSW

 

This monthly support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with Leukemia or Lymphoma. The group will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support.

This group is open to people of all ages (18+) who are at any stage of the disease process.

It is hosted by and offered in partnership with the GW Cancer Center.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday from 11:00am-12:00pm ET.

About Sara Richman, LICSW

Sara Richman, LICSW is a licensed and certified oncology clinical social worker (OSW-C). She received her masters in social work (MSW) at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Prior to working at GW, Sara was an oncology clinical social worker at MedStar Washington Hospital Center where she worked with all types of blood cancers and disorders. She is happy to be a co-facilitator of this group.

About Jessica Gelfarb, MSW, LICSW

Jessica Gelfarb

Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker who has experience working with patients and families facing a range of medical diagnoses in both inpatient and outpatient settings.  She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from University of Michigan and her masters degree in social work from University of Maryland with a focus on clinical and medical social work. Jessica recently joined the team at the George Washington University  cancer center as an oncology social worker. Prior to her role at GW Jessica worked extensively with organ transplant patients at Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute and co-led the institute’s transplant support group. She has also spent time working on cardiology and intensive care units throughout her career.  Jessica initially became interested in pursuing oncology social work after attending the Association of Oncology Social Work’s annual conference a number of years ago as well as observing first- hand the widespread impact that cancer has on so many individuals and families.   She is passionate about partnering with patients in order to provide psychosocial and emotional support as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment.

WEEK 6/25

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

On February 10th, the Mindful Cancer Journey class will begin a new series working with the book Neuro Dharma by Dr. Rick Hanson. Rick has written a powerful book that synthesizes 2,600 year old meditation practices with current neuroscience to strengthen the neural circuitry of our brains to enhance contentment and inner peace.  We will do a variety of practices, see videos of Rick explaining his work and a variety of other activities. There is no obligation to purchase the book and each class has been designed as a stand-alone program for those who have to miss a class. We hope you will join us!

This series will run from 02/10 – 08/11/25

Suggested Donation: $15/session

This program is offered for free or at a low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis. Contributions are not required to attend, ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you’re able to donate, we deeply appreciate your support—every contribution directly funds our cancer support programs.

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.

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 Kathleen O’Toole

Writing Through the Seasons

Summon the Resilience of Spring, Nature and Ourselves

Kathleen O’Toole’s work with haiku and other short poetic forms is deeply rooted in attention to the natural world. In her Writing through the Seasons workshops for Smith Center for the Healing Arts, she guides participants through poems, poetry forms and writing practices that invite us to pay attention to the ways season changes bring special opportunities for healing and creativity.

We’ll mark our own seasonal awareness, just after the spring equinox, and again near Samhain next fall, collecting images and feelings— “word paintings” as described by Yosa Buson, haiku master —to summon the energy needed to heal body & soul.

For these sessions: No previous poetry writing experience required, just an openness to playing with words. Bring an open heart, a notebook or sketchbook; whatever materials you need to respond to poetry and nature. (Previous participants have journaled, created drafts of poems or sketches to capture feelings and insights that have surfaced in our sessions.)

Kathleen O’Toole is a poet whose work with haiku and other short poetic forms is deeply rooted in attention to the natural world. These three workshops will guide participants through poetry forms and writing practices that invite us to explore the ways season changes bring special opportunities for healing and creativity. The ancient Celts celebrated cross-quarter days as moments of magic and openings to spirit and ritual; we’ll mark our own seasonal awareness.

Writing Through the Seasons: The Healing Power of Nature will be offered as a program series, spread over the seasons.

Suggested Donation: $15/session

This program is offered for free or at a low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis. Contributions are not required to attend, ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you’re able to donate, we deeply appreciate your support—every contribution directly funds our cancer support programs.

About Kathleen O’Toole

Kathleen O'Toole

Takoma Park Poet Laureate Kathleen O’Toole is the author of 4 books of poetry (find her at https://kathleenotoolepoetry.com). She has taught writing at Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland Institute College of Art. As evident in her longer work, she often seeks inspiration and consolation in nature. For more than thirty years she has been writing haiku as a spiritual practice of attention, and to deepen her experience of the natural world.