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
Healing touch clinic
One Friday each quarter, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (40-minute sessions) Friday, August 6, 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 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 convenience, you may want to wear comfortable clothes.
Enrollment is limited and by appointment only. Please RSVP to the BCC Helpline at (650) 326-6686.
Every fourth Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. August 28, September 25, October 23, 2010
Now offered on a monthly basis! 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 easily recreated 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.
July 24 -- Class 1: Introduction to How Foods Fight Cancer August 28 -- Class 2: Fueling up on Low-Fat, High-Fiber Foods September 25 -- Class 3: Discovering Dairy and Meat Alternatives October 23 -- Class 4: Cancer-Fighting Compounds and Healthy Weight Control
Enrollment is limited to 30. Please RSVP to the BCC Helpline at (650) 326-6686.
Saturday, September 18, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Mindfulness meditation teaches you how to take charge of your life by relating directly to life's current moments. 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. This workshop is facilitated by Health Educator and Stress Reduction Specialist Sharon Allen, and Stress Reduction Educator Cheryl Branco, R.N.
Please RSVP to the BCC Helpline at (650) 326-6686.
Friday, October 1, 2010, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (30-minute sessions)
Reiki is a Japanese healing art form used to balance and harmonize the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. When we are in a state of balance, we are physically and emotionally healthy. Reiki is used to reduce stress, relieve pain, gain energy, grow spiritually, and naturally heal on all levels of being. The Reiki clinic is facilitated by a group of experienced Reiki practitioners and teachers. During a Reiki session, one lies fully clothed on a massage table. Reiki energy is transferred to one’s body as a Reiki practitioner lightly lays their hands on different parts of the body. Common experiences are feelings of warmth, relaxation, deep peace, and a sense of inner renewal and recovery.
Enrollment is limited and by appointment only. Please RSVP to the BCC Helpline at (650) 326-6686.
Every first, third, and fifth Wednesday, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
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.
One Monday each quarter, 2:00-6:00 p.m. (30-minute sessions) Next scheduled workshop is September 2010
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.
Writing your way through cancer: a creative writing workshop
Second and fourth Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Next series starts January 2011
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.
