Tag: Young Adults

This Meet Up & Support Group will be meeting online with a Zoom community. All participants must register through this page or email Erin at erin@smithcenter.org.

with Erin Price, LICSW, Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSW-C, and Sara Field, LICSW

This monthly gathering is an opportunity to meet other young adult cancer survivors in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. This program is a collaborative initiative of local hospitals, health organizations and cancer support groups.*

Click here to review our Online Group Participation Rules.

DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up & Support Group meets Bi-Monthly on Sundays from 5:00-6:30pm.

Our monthly Young Adult Caregiver Support Group meets simultaneously. Please indicate when registering if a caregiver will be joining you.

*A warm thank you to our partners that have allowed us to provide a supportive community to more young adults in the DC region:

  • Bella Warrior
  • Cancer Support Community
  • GWU Medical Faculty Associates
  • First Descents
  • Hope Connections for Cancer Support
  • Howard University Hospital
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
  • Life With Cancer
  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  • Nueva Vida
  • Sibley Memorial Hospital
  • Stupid Cancer
  • Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
  • Virginia Hospital Center
  • Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  • Young Survival Coalition

About Erin Price, MSW, LICSW

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A seven-year breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through Young Survival Coalition, Critical Mass, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the DC Cancer Action Partnership.

About Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSC-W

Cheryl Ann Hughes, LICSW creates a safe and supportive environment from which individuals can define their goals, as well as the means by which they can be achieved. Cheryl tailors each treatment plan using a variety of modalities including EMDR, strengths-based and solution-focused techniques, and with recognition of– and a deep respect for — the strong connection between mind and body. Cheryl infuses her work with mindfulness-based techniques to assist her clients in recognizing their own ability to create a reality that will lead to a satisfying and fulfilling life. Cheryl received her master’s degree in social work, with an emphasis on clinical and medical social work, from Catholic University. She works with cancer patients and their families as they deal with the increased stressors caused by cancer and its treatment.

About Sara Field, MSW, LICSW

Sara is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC. She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at the Catholic University of America in DC and has worked in oncology for over 3 years.  Sara interned at the Lombardi Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute during graduate school, which confirmed her interest in oncology social work. She joined the Lombardi Cancer Center in 2016 and now works at the GW Cancer Center in DC. Sara has a strong interest in the intersection of emotional and physical health and a particular passion for supporting parents with cancer and their kids. She enjoys partnering with Camp Kesem’s GW chapter and served as their mental health professional for the past two years.

This program is being offered in-person at a group member’s home and virtually through Zoom. In order to participate, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org. For more information about the in-person meet-up, contact kimberlyparekh@yahoo.com

with Kimberly Parekh and group

We are a new demand-driven and patient-led in-person and online community support group for young women and men (diagnosed between the age of 18 – 45ish) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in the DC, MD, and VA area. We have created this group as a means of providing both a safe community support space for people with MBC, as well as peer- led and expert-led information on living with breast cancer. This group is new and independent of any established breast cancer organization, though we are are in complete gratitude to the Smith Center for hosting us this calendar year.

We facilitate our group in a democratic and participatory manner; in essence, our group is your group! Interested new members, kindly contact Kimberly Parekh at kimberlyparekh@yahoo.com for an informal intake before coming to your first meeting.

Upcoming Dates:

  • September 18, 11 AM – 1 PM
  • October 8, 6 – 8 PM
  • November 13, 11 AM – 1 PM
  • December 10, 6 – 8 PM (holiday party)

This Meet Up & Support Group will be meeting online with a Zoom community. All participants must register through this page or email Erin at erin@smithcenter.org.

with Erin Price, LICSW, Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSW-C, and Sara Field, LICSW

This monthly gathering is an opportunity to meet other young adult cancer survivors in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. This program is a collaborative initiative of local hospitals, health organizations and cancer support groups.*

Click here to review our Online Group Participation Rules.

DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up & Support Group meets Bi-Monthly on Sundays from 5:00-6:30pm.

Our monthly Young Adult Caregiver Support Group meets simultaneously. Please indicate when registering if a caregiver will be joining you.

*A warm thank you to our partners that have allowed us to provide a supportive community to more young adults in the DC region:

  • Bella Warrior
  • Cancer Support Community
  • GWU Medical Faculty Associates
  • First Descents
  • Hope Connections for Cancer Support
  • Howard University Hospital
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
  • Life With Cancer
  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  • Nueva Vida
  • Sibley Memorial Hospital
  • Stupid Cancer
  • Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
  • Virginia Hospital Center
  • Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  • Young Survival Coalition

About Erin Price, MSW, LICSW

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A seven-year breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through Young Survival Coalition, Critical Mass, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the DC Cancer Action Partnership.

About Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSC-W

Cheryl Ann Hughes, LICSW creates a safe and supportive environment from which individuals can define their goals, as well as the means by which they can be achieved. Cheryl tailors each treatment plan using a variety of modalities including EMDR, strengths-based and solution-focused techniques, and with recognition of– and a deep respect for — the strong connection between mind and body. Cheryl infuses her work with mindfulness-based techniques to assist her clients in recognizing their own ability to create a reality that will lead to a satisfying and fulfilling life. Cheryl received her master’s degree in social work, with an emphasis on clinical and medical social work, from Catholic University. She works with cancer patients and their families as they deal with the increased stressors caused by cancer and its treatment.

About Sara Field, MSW, LICSW

Sara is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC. She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at the Catholic University of America in DC and has worked in oncology for over 3 years.  Sara interned at the Lombardi Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute during graduate school, which confirmed her interest in oncology social work. She joined the Lombardi Cancer Center in 2016 and now works at the GW Cancer Center in DC. Sara has a strong interest in the intersection of emotional and physical health and a particular passion for supporting parents with cancer and their kids. She enjoys partnering with Camp Kesem’s GW chapter and served as their mental health professional for the past two years.

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

with Erin Price, LICSW

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

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

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

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

This Meet Up & Support Group will be meeting online with a Zoom community. All participants must register through this page or email Erin at erin@smithcenter.org.

with Erin Price, LICSW, Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSW-C, and Sara Field, LICSW

Online Meetup Group Participation Rules

In moving our regular in-person meetup to an online format, we want to make sure that we are still providing a safe place for people to gather and share with one another. The goal of this online meetup is to provide emotional and social support in a group setting.

If participating in this group, we ask that you take a minute to read the following group rules and that you respect and abide by them while you are logged into this online meetup.

These rules have been established to provide safety and trust so that each person can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings openly during the group. By logging into a Smith Center online meetup, you agree to abide by the following rules:

  1. Each participant is expected to keep confidential any information that is shared or discussed during this online meetup. This includes:
    1. not repeating or sharing anything that is disclosed in the group by others,
    2. participating in the meetup in a private space where group conversations cannot be overheard by those not participating,
    3. not taking photos, screenshots, or video/audio recordings of the group and not sharing any group content online.
  2. As with any in-person meetup, this online meetup is a safe place where participants can share personal experiences and feelings. These may be different from your own and we ask that you respect each other’s’ unique experiences. We encourage you to allow each person to speak openly without interruption as much as possible (and as technology allows). We ask that you share from your own personal experience and try to refrain from giving unsolicited advice to others in the group.
  3. Please respect the treatment choices of other individuals in the group and refrain from giving medical advice.
  4. You are encouraged to participate to the level that you are comfortable. You are not required to speak and may participate by listening in (though we do request that everyone participates in introductions). There may be periods of silence that occur and, while they may feel uncomfortable, silence may be beneficial to allow for group processing.
  5. Please be respectful of all group members and give your full attention to the person who is speaking – please avoid any side conversations as they are disruptive to the group.
  6. If any issues arise, please contact the group facilitator (erin@smithcenter.org).

Note: Smith Center for Healing and the Arts online meetup groups are voluntary groups for social support. They are not professional therapy groups. Even though the goal is to support each person, online meetup groups may not meet each participant’s needs. Attendees can choose to participate or leave the group at any time. Smith Center is not responsible for and shall be held harmless for any actions by participants attending the session.

Thank you!

This monthly gathering is an opportunity to meet other young adult cancer survivors in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. This program is a collaborative initiative of local hospitals, health organizations and cancer support groups.*

Our monthly Young Adult Caregiver Support Group meets simultaneously. Please indicate when registering if a caregiver will be joining you.

*A warm thank you to our partners that have allowed us to provide a supportive community to more young adults in the DC region:

  • Bella Warrior
  • Cancer Support Community
  • GWU Medical Faculty Associates
  • First Descents
  • Hope Connections for Cancer Support
  • Howard University Hospital
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
  • Life With Cancer
  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  • Nueva Vida
  • Sibley Memorial Hospital
  • Stupid Cancer
  • Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
  • Virginia Hospital Center
  • Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  • Young Survival Coalition

About Erin Price, MSW, LICSW

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A seven-year breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through Young Survival Coalition, Critical Mass, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the DC Cancer Action Partnership.

About Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSC-W

Cheryl Ann Hughes, LICSW creates a safe and supportive environment from which individuals can define their goals, as well as the means by which they can be achieved. Cheryl tailors each treatment plan using a variety of modalities including EMDR, strengths-based and solution-focused techniques, and with recognition of– and a deep respect for — the strong connection between mind and body. Cheryl infuses her work with mindfulness-based techniques to assist her clients in recognizing their own ability to create a reality that will lead to a satisfying and fulfilling life. Cheryl received her master’s degree in social work, with an emphasis on clinical and medical social work, from Catholic University. She works with cancer patients and their families as they deal with the increased stressors caused by cancer and its treatment.
About Sara Field, MSW, LICSW

Sara is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC. She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at the Catholic University of America in DC and has worked in oncology for over 3 years.  Sara interned at the Lombardi Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute during graduate school, which confirmed her interest in oncology social work. She joined the Lombardi Cancer Center in 2016 and now works at the GW Cancer Center in DC. Sara has a strong interest in the intersection of emotional and physical health and a particular passion for supporting parents with cancer and their kids. She enjoys partnering with Camp Kesem’s GW chapter and served as their mental health professional for the past two years.

Please visit https://2unstoppable.org/event/august-virtual-walk-n-talk/ to register.

In Partnership with 2Unstoppable and Life with Cancer

Virtual Walk-N-Talk

Amid Covid-19 and social distancing, our monthly Walk-n-Talks will look a little different for now.  We are excited to try a new format that will bring the 2Unstoppable community ~ 2Ugether!

Here’s how it works:

  • We will meet up over Zoom for introductions and to say hello!
  • For those who wish to walk-n-talk with a virtual buddy, we’ll exchange cell phone numbers or you can choose to walk solo.
  • Choose a place and set the pace that’s right for you and start walking.
  • After 45 minutes of walking, we will reconnect on Zoom for some social time!

For more information please contact michelle@2Unstoppable.org. To register, please email info@2unstoppable.org.

NOTE:  If you experience any difficulties signing on to Zoom, please email info@2Unstoppable.org. (please check your Spam folder just in case the Zoom email got delivered there instead of your inbox)

Click here for more information and to register. 

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, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Kimberly Parekh and group

We are a new demand-driven and patient-led in-person and online community support group for young women and men (diagnosed between the age of 18 – 45ish) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in the DC, MD, and VA area. We have created this group as a means of providing both a safe community support space for people with MBC, as well as peer- led and expert-led information on living with breast cancer. This group is new and independent of any established breast cancer organization, though we are are in complete gratitude to the Smith Center for hosting us this calendar year.

We facilitate our group in a democratic and participatory manner; in essence, our group is your group! Interested new members, kindly contact Kimberly Parekh at kimberlyparekh@yahoo.com for an informal intake before coming to your first meeting.

Upcoming Dates:

  • August 13, 6 – 8 PM
  • September 11, 11 AM – 1 PM
  • October 8, 6 – 8 PM
  • November 13, 11 AM – 1 PM
  • December 10, 6 – 8 PM (holiday party)

This Meet Up & Support Group will be meeting online with a Zoom community. All participants must register through this page or email Erin at erin@smithcenter.org.

with Erin Price, LICSW, Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSW-C, and Sara Field, LICSW

Online Meetup Group Participation Rules

In moving our regular in-person meetup to an online format, we want to make sure that we are still providing a safe place for people to gather and share with one another. The goal of this online meetup is to provide emotional and social support in a group setting.

If participating in this group, we ask that you take a minute to read the following group rules and that you respect and abide by them while you are logged into this online meetup.

These rules have been established to provide safety and trust so that each person can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings openly during the group. By logging into a Smith Center online meetup, you agree to abide by the following rules:

  1. Each participant is expected to keep confidential any information that is shared or discussed during this online meetup. This includes:
    1. not repeating or sharing anything that is disclosed in the group by others,
    2. participating in the meetup in a private space where group conversations cannot be overheard by those not participating,
    3. not taking photos, screenshots, or video/audio recordings of the group and not sharing any group content online.
  2. As with any in-person meetup, this online meetup is a safe place where participants can share personal experiences and feelings. These may be different from your own and we ask that you respect each other’s’ unique experiences. We encourage you to allow each person to speak openly without interruption as much as possible (and as technology allows). We ask that you share from your own personal experience and try to refrain from giving unsolicited advice to others in the group.
  3. Please respect the treatment choices of other individuals in the group and refrain from giving medical advice.
  4. You are encouraged to participate to the level that you are comfortable. You are not required to speak and may participate by listening in (though we do request that everyone participates in introductions). There may be periods of silence that occur and, while they may feel uncomfortable, silence may be beneficial to allow for group processing.
  5. Please be respectful of all group members and give your full attention to the person who is speaking – please avoid any side conversations as they are disruptive to the group.
  6. If any issues arise, please contact the group facilitator (erin@smithcenter.org).

Note: Smith Center for Healing and the Arts online meetup groups are voluntary groups for social support. They are not professional therapy groups. Even though the goal is to support each person, online meetup groups may not meet each participant’s needs. Attendees can choose to participate or leave the group at any time. Smith Center is not responsible for and shall be held harmless for any actions by participants attending the session.

Thank you!

This monthly gathering is an opportunity to meet other young adult cancer survivors in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. This program is a collaborative initiative of local hospitals, health organizations and cancer support groups.*

Our monthly Young Adult Caregiver Support Group meets simultaneously. Please indicate when registering if a caregiver will be joining you.

*A warm thank you to our partners that have allowed us to provide a supportive community to more young adults in the DC region:

  • Bella Warrior
  • Cancer Support Community
  • GWU Medical Faculty Associates
  • First Descents
  • Hope Connections for Cancer Support
  • Howard University Hospital
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
  • Life With Cancer
  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  • Nueva Vida
  • Sibley Memorial Hospital
  • Stupid Cancer
  • Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
  • Virginia Hospital Center
  • Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  • Young Survival Coalition

About Erin Price, MSW, LICSW

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A seven-year breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through Young Survival Coalition, Critical Mass, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the DC Cancer Action Partnership.

About Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSC-W

Cheryl Ann Hughes, LICSW creates a safe and supportive environment from which individuals can define their goals, as well as the means by which they can be achieved. Cheryl tailors each treatment plan using a variety of modalities including EMDR, strengths-based and solution-focused techniques, and with recognition of– and a deep respect for — the strong connection between mind and body. Cheryl infuses her work with mindfulness-based techniques to assist her clients in recognizing their own ability to create a reality that will lead to a satisfying and fulfilling life. Cheryl received her master’s degree in social work, with an emphasis on clinical and medical social work, from Catholic University. She works with cancer patients and their families as they deal with the increased stressors caused by cancer and its treatment.
About Sara Field, MSW, LICSW

Sara is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC. She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at the Catholic University of America in DC and has worked in oncology for over 3 years.  Sara interned at the Lombardi Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute during graduate school, which confirmed her interest in oncology social work. She joined the Lombardi Cancer Center in 2016 and now works at the GW Cancer Center in DC. Sara has a strong interest in the intersection of emotional and physical health and a particular passion for supporting parents with cancer and their kids. She enjoys partnering with Camp Kesem’s GW chapter and served as their mental health professional for the past two years.

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

with Erin Price, LICSW and Mindy Brodsky

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please visit https://2unstoppable.org/event/july-virtual-walk-n-talk/ to register.

In Partnership with 2Unstoppable and Life with Cancer

Virtual Walk-N-Talk

Amid Covid-19 and social distancing, our monthly Walk-n-Talks will look a little different for now.  We are excited to try a new format that will bring the 2Unstoppable community ~ 2Ugether!

Here’s how it works:

  • We will meet up over Zoom for introductions and to say hello!
  • For those who wish to walk-n-talk with a virtual buddy, we’ll exchange cell phone numbers or you can choose to walk solo.
  • Choose a place and set the pace that’s right for you and start walking.
  • After 45 minutes of walking, we will reconnect on Zoom for some social time!

For more information please contact michelle@2Unstoppable.org. To register, please email info@2unstoppable.org.

NOTE:  If you experience any difficulties signing on to Zoom, please email info@2Unstoppable.org. (please check your Spam folder just in case the Zoom email got delivered there instead of your inbox)

Click here for more information and to register. 

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.