This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, please click the RSVP button above or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

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

With Angelina Genovesi

Gut health is crucial to overall well-being, influencing both our physical and mental health. This student-led, research-based program ‘Maintaining Gut Health’ hosted by the Smith Center for Healing & the Arts will explore the importance of gut health. The session will dive into how gut health affects various bodily functions and how different foods can promote either beneficial or harmful bacteria in the gut.

The presentation will offer an overview of gut functions, gut-friendly food suggestions, and practical tips for maintaining a healthy gut. While the subject matter is research-driven and may be information dense, the content will be broken down into an easy-to-understand format so participants can feel well-informed.

Disclaimer: This is a supportive program focused on gut health designed to complement but not replace medical treatment/advice from the care of your physician. Held at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC, the program provides general research information without recommending any substitutes for effective medical treatments/advice. Participants will engage in a presentation that addresses gut health information and how to be mindful, with participants taking full responsibility for evaluating and safely adapting these options to their needs, please always consult a medical professional first.


About Angelina Genovesi

Hi, my name is Angelina, and I am currently an undergraduate student at American University in my senior year, studying Public Health with an interest in nutrition. Originally from New Jersey, I’ve been passionate about health and wellness throughout my undergrad journey. I am particularly interested in developing strategies for maintaining a balanced lifestyle and diet to enhance overall well-being. Outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, exercising, and spending time at the beach. I look forward to seeing you at my upcoming program on gut health!

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, please register through Life With Cancer: https://events.lifewithcancer.org/class/110850.

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

With Lauren Broschak, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

In Partnership with Life with Cancer and Hope Connections

 

The sexual impacts of a cancer diagnosis and treatment for young people can greatly impact overall quality of life. One of the most common experiences is medically-induced menopause. Menopause can have a complex impact on the whole person – from sexual function and relational challenges to emotional well-being and physical changes. In this talk, we’ll explore the various impacts menopause can have on young people and discuss a variety of strategies to help manage the bio-psycho-social experiences of medically-induced menopause.


About Lauren Broschak, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Lauren Broschak

Lauren is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC and Virginia. She has both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social Work, and has been working full-time in oncology social work for over six years. She developed her passion for oncology in Michigan where she worked at Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit supporting those touched by cancer. Since moving to the Metro DC Area she has worked at the GW Cancer Center in Washington, DC and is now an Oncology Clinical Therapist at Life with Cancer in Virginia. Lauren is passionate about supporting this community, and specializes in sexual wellness after cancer and working with Adolescents and Young Adults.

To register, visit https://2unstoppable.org/events/month/2023-07/.

Moving Meditation with Elyce Neuhauser

Everyone has their own style and rhythm, and this unique class of movement, breath, and energy helps you understand and make peace with your natural flow.  Consider meditation your personal inner sequence, just like a vinyasa.  In this practice, we’ll learn to align our outer movements with deeper, intuitive energies.  Join Elyce as she guides you through breathing, moving, and relaxing so that you can thrive.


About 2Unstoppable

2Unstoppable is a non-profit whose mission is to encourage and support exercise among women who have had a cancer diagnosis. Free online fitness buddy matching, oncology fitness resources, and community events at www.2unstoppable.org. Please visit https://2unstoppable.org/events/ for a list of upcoming events.

To register, visit https://2unstoppable.org/events/month/2023-06/.

Moving Meditation with Elyce Neuhauser

Everyone has their own style and rhythm, and this unique class of movement, breath, and energy helps you understand and make peace with your natural flow.  Consider meditation your personal inner sequence, just like a vinyasa.  In this practice, we’ll learn to align our outer movements with deeper, intuitive energies.  Join Elyce as she guides you through breathing, moving, and relaxing so that you can thrive.


About 2Unstoppable

2Unstoppable is a non-profit whose mission is to encourage and support exercise among women who have had a cancer diagnosis. Free online fitness buddy matching, oncology fitness resources, and community events at www.2unstoppable.org. Please visit https://2unstoppable.org/events/ for a list of upcoming events.

To register, visit https://2unstoppable.org/events/month/2023-05/.

Moving Meditation with Elyce Neuhauser

Everyone has their own style and rhythm, and this unique class of movement, breath, and energy helps you understand and make peace with your natural flow.  Consider meditation your personal inner sequence, just like a vinyasa.  In this practice, we’ll learn to align our outer movements with deeper, intuitive energies.  Join Elyce as she guides you through breathing, moving, and relaxing so that you can thrive.


About 2Unstoppable

2Unstoppable is a non-profit whose mission is to encourage and support exercise among women who have had a cancer diagnosis. Free online fitness buddy matching, oncology fitness resources, and community events at www.2unstoppable.org. Please visit https://2unstoppable.org/events/ for a list of upcoming events.

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 Michelle Stravitz & Ilana Gamerman of 2Unstoppable

Are you newly diagnosed, in treatment, or a recent or long-term survivor?

Exercise is so important! Especially if you’ve had cancer.

Give yourself the gift of movement and help improve your own outcome through exercise! Join Michelle Stravitz and Ilana Gamerman of 2Unstoppable, a nonprofit organization helping women improve cancer outcomes through exercise, for an interactive workshop about the latest research and why exercise is so important after a cancer diagnosis. We will share practical guidance, tips, and resources to help you keep moving and stay strong.

This workshop includes an opportunity to participate in some gentle exercises, so please wear comfortable clothing. You will leave this workshop inspired and motivated to build a fitness foundation for life.

We know it’s hard, let us help you get started! Register today!


About 2Unstoppable

2Unstoppable is a non-profit whose mission is to encourage and support exercise among women who have had a cancer diagnosis. Free online fitness buddy matching, oncology fitness resources, and community events at www.2unstoppable.org. Please visit https://2unstoppable.org/events/ for a list of upcoming events.

To register, please fill out <this form>

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by filling out the form below. Please reach out to olivia@smithcenter.org with any questions.

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

With three young adults (Jasmine, Lauren & Elise) and a nurse navigator (Jude)

In Partnership with Life with Cancer, Hope Connections, and the Ulman Fund

 

Join us for a panel discussion with three young adults and a nurse navigator.

Topics include: menopause symptoms and emotions, working with your gynecologist and sharing resources. This will be an interactive discussion.

Please bring your thoughts, feelings, and questions.


About Jasmine Ebron

Jasmine, who is positive for the BRCA-1 gene mutation, was initially scheduled to have a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction on March 27, 2020. However, due to COVID-19, her surgery was postponed. When she went for her mammogram in July 2020, the doctors found a mass that had not been detected on her previous mammogram in December of 2019. Jasmine was diagnosed with triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma and was scheduled for a double mastectomy with reconstruction on August 13th. After surgery, Jasmine underwent 14 rounds of chemotherapy over a 5-month period.  Following recovering from chemotherapy Jasmine chose to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to remove her risk of ovarian cancer. As a breast cancer survivor, Jasmine enjoys connecting with and supporting others who have similar experiences. In her survivorship journey, Jasmine has remained committed to being as healthy as possible and dedicates her time to encouraging others to get routine mammograms and other appropriate cancer screenings.

About Lauren Sauer

Lauren is a two time osteosarcoma cancer survivor. She has found her faith, family,  friends and sense of humor are her biggest sources of strength. She is dedicated to facing the challenges that cancer has left her with whether it’s mental health, early menopause, or weakness in her left leg from two major surgeries. She has a master’s in conflict transformation and peace building and is a program management professional.  In her free time she enjoys spending time with her 7 year old daughter and husband. Her happy place is being at the beach or in a pool.

About Elise Gordon

Elise was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2018. She also has the BRCA1 genetic mutation and opted for a double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction after chemo. About 1 year later, she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. She is passionate about connecting with other cancer survivors, especially young adults. Her partner, family & friends provide her with a very supportive network. Her most favorite people in the world are her nieces & nephews!

About Jude Davis

Jude Davis is an Oncology Nurse Navigator at the Inova Fair Oaks Breast Care Center. She grew up in the DC area and got her nursing degree from Catholic University. She is certified in oncology nursing and has over 35 years of experience in cancer care, with a focus in gynecologic and breast cancers.

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 Megan Solinger

In Partnership with Life with Cancer, Hope Connections, and the Ulman Fund

 

Fertility Preservation

Fertility Preservation is a complicated, dynamic and challenging topic.  This presentation will briefly cover what are the Standards of Care for male and female fertility preservation and the process to pursue.  However science and technology is constantly changing, so are our perspectives, circumstances, and we need to keep up with the changing landscape of fertility preservation.  Attendees will walk away understanding what fertility preservation is at a basic level, newer options, and the importance of keeping the conversation going with your medical team to address your desires for family planning and building.

 


About Megan Solinger

Megan Solinger, MHS, MA, OPN-CG has always had a passion for human development.  She holds two master’s degrees, from Johns Hopkins and the George Washington University, as well as a certificate in Maternal and Child Health. She was an Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Patient Navigator for over 3.5 years through a partnership with the Ulman Foundation and the University of Maryland Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, and has become a content expert in fertility preservation for this specific population.  She’s currently the Director, Provider Relations and Navigation at the Ulman Foundation, a long-standing NPO that provides a community of support to the AYA oncology patient population and is based in Baltimore, Maryland.

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 carla@smithcenter.org.

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

with Heather Chorzempa

Fertility Preservation

Receiving a cancer diagnosis and/or transitioning is likely to be overwhelming – there is a lot to figure out. Because of this, something like fertility preservation can seem both unimportant and confusing. Many doctors give limited information on the subject since it isn’t their area of expertise.

 

If you do choose to freeze sperm or eggs, you might only receive information about the current process, and not about the long-term potential for actually having kids with or without a future partner. I have noticed that patients doing fertility preservation for medical reasons could use extra consultation as they make decisions for fertility preservation in the early stages of cancer treatment and/or transitioning.

 

You may have already gone through treatment to freeze sperm or eggs, or you may not have even thought about it yet. I look forward to providing information for those at any stage of this process in a short presentation, and answering specific questions you might have.


About Heather Chorzempa

Heather Chorzempa

Heather Chorzempa grew up in Minnesota, and now works in an IVF lab in Germany. Her grandmother fought cancer six times over almost twenty years, so Heather is passionate about helping others who might be going through something similar. A close friend also went through four rounds of IVF, and through her support of this friend her interest was sparked to pursue a career in the field.