I felt so isolated and alone. I was astounded when I called BCC, and within 24 hours had three perfectly matched buddies.
– Carol
Workshops
Throughout the year, Breast Cancer Connections offers a variety of workshops. Whether you’re looking for introspective techniques or practical advice, join us for these free sessions. Friends and family members of BCC clients are also welcome to attend most of our workshops. Call the BCC Helpline for more information on the workshops that interest you.
Special upcoming workshops
Wig workshop
Monday, March 8, 2010, 2:00-6:00 p.m. (30-minute sessions)
With guest wig specialists: Janet Miller and Raquel Berumen of Hair Replacement by Janet (www.hrbyjanet.com)
Our newest quarterly program, this wig workshop is for anyone wanting to have their wig styled or cut by a guest licensed cosmetologist and wig specialist. Informal consultations are also available for those soon to undergo treatment but unsure of wig options and guidelines for care. In addition, BCC’s Wig Buddy, Donna, will be available throughout the event for questions and resources. Please bring your own wig or check out BCC’s donated inventory in advance. Limit one wig styling per person. RSVP required.
Special presentation: "Osteoporosis Risks for Breast Cancer Survivors"
Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand, join us for this special presentation by Shane Dormady, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Oncologist covering: What is osteoporosis?; the genetics of osteoporosis; lifestyle and risk factors; disease states that increase the risk; and the risk factors related to breast cancer. Dr. Dormady will also cover monitoring for osteoporosis and clinical studies. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers.
Spring nutrition series: Food for Life Nutrition & Cooking Series
Saturdays, April 10, 17, 24 and May 1, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
In partnership with The Cancer Project, this 4-week, plant-based nutrition and cooking series presents information about how certain foods and nutrients work to promote or discourage cancer growth. There will be cooking demonstrations from the corresponding Cancer Survivor's Handbook's simple and healthy recipes that can be recreated easily at home. Books will be available for purchase at a discounted price during this series. A detailed description of the class and more information about the Cancer Project can be found at www.cancerproject.org.
In these popular sessions, medical hypnotherapist Mary Horngren, CMHt, guides you through deep relaxation techniques for mind and body, helping you to tap into your own healing powers and lower your stress level. Mary’s calming voice leads you to a quiet place within, fostering meditation and facilitating healing. Audio recordings of each session are available for checkout in our library. For more information, visit Mary's website at www.maryhorngren.com.
Writing your way through cancer: a creative writing workshop
Alternate Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Next series starts June 23, 2010
Each of us has a story to tell, a voice to be heard. If you are coping with breast cancer, this 10-session writing workshop will help you find your own voice, feel your strength, express your creativity, and share your stories with others in a safe, supportive environment. Karen Jandorf leads the group also known as “The Scribbling Women of BCC” through an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and healing. No experience with writing is necessary. Class closes after first session for privacy of individuals' work.
Mindfulness Meditation teaches you how to take charge of your life by relating directly to whatever is happening in the moment. Focusing your attention on your immediate experience helps bring calmness and clarity to the challenges and demands of everyday life. Mindfulness Meditation helps you develop effective coping skills for dealing with stress, fear, and anxiety, and cultivate a greater capacity for joy, wonder, and peace. Classes are facilitated by health educator and stress reduction specialist Sharon Allen, and stress reduction educator Cheryl Bronco, R.N. Please see our calendar for class topics.
Healing touch clinic
One Friday each quarter, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (40-minute sessions) Next scheduled will be in May 2010
Healing Touch is a biofield energy approach to help individuals by restoring balance in the human energy field. Healing Touch is a non-invasive technique that utilizes the hands to clear and balance energy around the body. The work harmonizes with other modalities in health care, and often brings about a decrease in pain, relief of anxiety, and acceleration of the body's healing process. Healing Touch sessions are conducted with the client fully-clothed. For your comfort, you may want to wear comfortable clothes.
Enrollment is limited and by appointment only. Please call the BCC Helpline at (650) 326-6686 to get placed on the list.
Wig workshop
One Monday each quarter, 2:00-6:00 p.m. (30-minute sessions) Next scheduled is March 8, 2010
With guest wig specialists: Janet Miller and Raquel Berumen of Hair Replacement by Janet (www.hrbyjanet.com)
Our newest quarterly program, this wig workshop is for anyone wanting to have their wig styled or cut by a guest licensed cosmetologist and wig specialist. Informal consultations are also available for those soon to undergo treatment but unsure of wig options and guidelines for care. In addition, BCC’s Wig Buddy, Donna, will be available throughout the event for questions and resources. Please bring your own wig or check out BCC’s donated inventory in advance. Limit one wig styling per person. RSVP required.
