Stay tuned for more…

The Cancer Community Center’s website is under construction; blogging is currently on hold.

Feel free to contact us at info@CancerCommunityCenter.org, www.CancerCommunityCenter.org or call 774-2200.

Thank you for your patience.

SEE U SATURDAY, SEPT 24th!

Fight Back Festival
BIKE, RUN, WALK, DANCE, EAT…all to Fight Back Against Cancer!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
9 am to 3 pm
Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine

Schedule of Events:
8:30am – Registration Opens
9:30am – 60 Mile Bike Ride Start
10:00am – 10K Run
10:15am – 5K Run
10:30am – 25 Mile Bike Ride Start
11:00am – 10 Mile Bike Ride Start
11:15am – 1 Mile Stroll & 5K Walk

Participants of all levels and ability are invited to join us as we bike, run, walk, eat and dance at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine. This family friendly day offers encouragement and support. Participants will enjoy activities, demonstrations, balloons, face painting, live music and great food!

All proceeds from Fight Back Festival benefit the Cancer Community Center located in South Portland, Maine. BBQ tickets, t-shirts and lobster bake tickets may be purchased separately. Family & friends not riding, running or walking are encouraged to join us for the day.

To learn more about registration fees and event information: http://fightback.kintera.org/faf/help/helpEventInfo.asp?ievent=482918&lis=1&kntae482918=2A85F6B690784D31BA367435410DBC40

BBQ includes hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers with veggies, fruit, cookies & ice cream.
Lobster bake includes steamed lobster & mussels, corn, potatoes, cookies & ice cream.
Snacks & water will be available throughout the day for all participants.

Join us SATURDAY, SEPT. 24th at Pineland Farms, 15 Farm View Dr, New Gloucester, ME. Click link below for directions:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=15+Farm+View+Dr&city=New+Gloucester&state=ME&zipcode=04260

SEE YOU SATURDAY!!

Hope and Healing in September

There is something for everyone at the Cancer Community Center in September. Take a look and then call or go on-line to register:

Plant Compounds and Culinary Nutrients – Their Role in Preventing & Suppressing Cancers
Join Dr. B. Joseph Semmes, cancer survivor and Director of Research at True North, Maine’s Center for Functional Medicine and the Healing Arts inFalmouth. Semmes will give a tour of the evidence-based landscape, including a treasure chest of information from the American Institute of Cancer Research and World Cancer Research Fund, the Natural Medicines Database, archives of leading cancer centers, exciting peer-reviewed oncology review articles and information from leading authors in naturopathic oncology. There will be ample time for discussion.
Tuesday, September 6^th, 6-7:30pm 

CCC Movie Day:Brigadoon
Gene Kelly stumbles across the enchanted town of Brigadoon, which appears for only one day each century. In the course of this magical day, Kelly falls for Cyd Charisse and must decide whether to leave the real world behind and take up permanent residence in Brigadoon.
Wednesday, September 14^th, 10:30am-12:30pm

 

Writing Your Life with Judith Hanneman
What story in your life have you always wanted to share? We all have an experience we would like to pass on to friends and family. This three-part class will help you begin a draft; polish your writing skills with revision; create a final version narrative. Release the writer within. Discover your own unique author’s voice on paper. You will leave this class with your own story laminated to give as a gift or keep as a personal memory. Judith teaches writing and English literature at USM and is a published author.
Thursdays, September 15^th, 29^th & October 13^th, 2-3:30pm 

Pop Up Cards with Sue Baker
Come join Sue for another cool and crafty pop up card workshop. If you have not made a pop up card before, you will be amazed at how simple and fun they are to make. All material will be provided. Class size is limited.
Wednesday, September 21^st, 10:30am-12:30pm

 

Fight Back Festival
Bike! Run! Walk! Dance! Feast! We have it all at this family friendly day-long event. Join us for Chris & Dave’s Not Dead Yet Bike Ride: 10 miles, 25 miles, or 50 miles. People rave about this course! Combat Cancer Walk & Run: 5K run, 10K run, 5K walk and 1 mile walk. BBQ and lobster bake to follow all events. Family & friends are welcome to join and tickets may be purchased separately. Learn more at http://FightBack.Kintera.org.   
Saturday, September 24^th, 8:30 am – 2 pm

When Someone You Love Has Cancerwith Dawn Stratton, M.A.
This workshop is for spouses, partners, family members and friends of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. When someone in our lives is facing a life crisis such as cancer, sometimes we just “don’t know what to say” to help. Join us at this workshop to learn how to better support others and feel better about being able to truly “help.” Facilitated by Dawn Stratton, licensed counselor and cancer survivor who provides counseling and coaching services to people affected by cancer.
Monday, September 26^th, 6-7:30pm 

Spirit / Healing Dolls with Gloria Adams
A spirit/healing doll is a creation intended to be a focal point of an individual’s desire for healing. Gloria says that energy channels through the intent from which the doll is made. A special experience for those currently in or having recently completed treatment. A plain muslin doll will be supplied, along with other artistic mediums. Feel free to bring your own special herbs, stones, fabric scraps, jewelry, etc.
Wednesday, September 28^th, 10:30am-12:30pm

 

Beyond the Pocketwatch: Hypnosis and its Value in the Treatment of Cancer with Maggie Clement, C.H.
 Hypnosis has been used for centuries and has been shown to be an effective complement in the treatment of cancer. Maggie will dispel the myths and explain teh basics of hypnosis in this 90 minute session. Empower yourself—see if meditation can help boost your immune system, manage pain, reduce stress, relieve nausea, and reduce fatigue. Your mind is more powerful than you think!
Wednesday, September 28^th, 6-7:30pm

REGISTER BY CALLING 774-2200 or http://cancercommunitycenter.org/sepcalendar.htm.

Summer Potluck Cookout Pics!

Such fun! Take a look at these pics from last week’s potluck cookout at the Cancer Community Center. 
Visit our facebook page for more pictures: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/CancerCommunityCenter.

Tell us your opinion. 5 minutes.

The Cancer Community Center seeks your feedback.  

Click here to take this 5 minutes, multiple-choice survey.

Your feedback will help us:

• Launch a new website tailored to your needs and interests
• Support more people who want to feel connected with others who have had an experience with cancer

 Click the link and take the survey today. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8PMDSMY.

The deadline for completing the survey is midnight, July 27^th.

Thank you for being an advocate and helping us improve our services.

Opening doors to new participants

The Cancer Community Center teamed up with the City of South Portland Wellness Committee to welcome 120 people to the Center’s Open House on Monday, June 6^th. 

The effort began thanks to South Portland Police Officer, Linda Barker, who finished cancer treatment and found herself wondering why she hadn’t reached out to the Cancer Community Center while in treatment.  She had heard about the myriad of resources offered to people impacted by cancer at the Center but didn’t seek these services at the time.

“It seems like everywhere you turn someone is being diagnosed with cancer. I wanted people to be aware of the Cancer Community Center before a diagnosis. I also wanted people to know that the Center is not only for people being treated for cancer; it is a free resource for caregivers, friends and family members of those with cancer,” says Officer Barker. 

Linda Barker’s vision was realized. People came out that evening to learn more. They came from all over–from South Portland and Scarborough to Windham, Gorham, and Sanford.   

The Open House featured cancer-related practitioners, speakers and experts who shared their expertise on non-medical, supplemental supports such as: Cancer support groups (top image), Pilates (above), Reiki (right), Meditation, Massage, Acupuncture, Immunity-boosting diet, the Maine Buddy Program, and much more. 

Thanks to a grant from PROP, the Open House provided free food and 15 different door prizes. 
 

Linda Barker: “Cancer patients and their loved ones face many unknowns. I find comfort knowing that 120 people in our community visited the Center that evening to learn more about the free programs and services they offer.”

*   *   *

The Cancer Community Center provides FREE support, information and activities for adults affected by cancer, their families and friends. Since our inception in 1998, The Cancer Community Center has helped close to 4,000 people coping with the effects of cancer. To learn more, visit our website at http://www.cancercommunitycenter.org/ or call us at (207)774-2200.

FREE Skin Cancer Screenings

FREE Skin Screenings at 2 convenient locations. 

Tuesday, May 24th from 6-8 pm
Mercy Oncology-Hematology Center
Fore River Medical Building
195 Fore River Parkway, Suite 360
Portland, ME

Wednesday, June 8, 6-8 PM
Maine Medical Center
22 Bramhall St.
Portland, ME

Space is limited; patients with no prior screening by a dermatologist will be given priority.
Register by phoning 396-8517 to schedule your appointment. Interpreter service is available.

You should attend this screening if you are over 60 and you do not have a regular dermatologist.

Sponsored by Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute, Mercy Oncology-Hematology Center, Southern Maine Medical Center, and Greater Portland Area Dermatologists, co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Try something new…

Still In Tune
Tuesday, May 17^th, 6-7:30pm

Are you a musician whose life has been affected by cancer? Are you a musician whose partner or spouse has been affected by cancer?

The Still In Tune support group is open to all who enjoy playing an instrument, singing, or listening to music. Come join us and bring your passion for music. Although we won’t be playing during these sessions, our common passion for music will give us a connection as we share our cancer stories. Meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday. No registration necessary; stop in at 778 Main Street in South Portland at 6 pm tonight (5/17).

 
When Someone You Care About Has Cancer with Dawn Stratton
Monday May 23^rd, 6-7:30pm

This workshop is for spouses, partners, family members, friends, and co-workers of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. When someone in our lives is facing a life crisis such as cancer, sometimes we just “don’t know what to say” to help that person. This workshop will help you to learn to better support someone, along with what not to say or do, which is just as important. Dawn is a cancer counselor and coach, a cancer survivor, and a former CCC staff member, who has taught many people how to better support someone with cancer.  Register at http://cancercommunitycenter.org/RegistrationMayJun.htm.  

The Gift of Comforting with Val Walker
Tuesday, May 24^th, 6-7:30pm

Listening with warmth and acceptance is one of the greatest gifts we can give someone.  We will explore what it means to be a comforting presence, and gather suggestions and encouragement for applying the art of comforting to others as well as ourselves.  Designed to inspire caregivers, this program will increase our understanding of how to be comforting, as we learn how to communicate our comfort with words (what to day and what not to say), and also how to create comfort with simple acts of kindness.  Val Walker holds a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, and has facilitated support groups for people coping with illness, loss and bereavement for 17 years.  She is the author of The Art of Comforting:  What to Say and Do for People in Distress.  Register at http://cancercommunitycenter.org/RegistrationMayJun.htm.  

All of these events take place at the CancerCommunity Center, 778 Main St(Rte 1), South Portland, 04106; 774-2200 or info@CancerCommunityCenter.org.

May Events at the Center: Spring has sprung!

Spring has sprung at the Cancer Community Center. Sign up today!!

An Organic Farmer’s View on Healthy Eating with Nancy Stedman
Let’s start thinking about the things you hear about healthy eating and making healthy diet choices. Nancywill review the typical American diet and then use audience participation to create a healthy pie chart.  We’ll cover pesticides in foods, the clean 15 foods that are lower in pesticides, and the dirty dozen foods higher in pesticides.  Does washing and peeling my vegetables/fruit help? Nancywill also talk about how large our stomachs really are and food size proportions, tips for eating out, and tips for healthy living, including getting the proper amount of sleep and how that affects your appetite.  Register at http://cancercommunitycenter.org/RegistrationMayJun.htm.
Tuesday, May 3, 6-7:30pm

Life After Cancer Coaching Group with Pat Grosser, ACC, CCC
Life after cancer can be an important time to evaluate ‘where you are’ and ‘what you want’—to start your turning point to a brighter future. Life coaching offers an effective, supportive, and stimulating setting that fosters personal growth, intentional change, life balance, and eliminating inertia and other obstacles. Class size is limited to ten participants. This 6-week session meets 3x each month. It begins on May 4th and will end on June 15th. It will be closed to new participants after May 18th. There is no session on May 25th. Register at http://cancercommunitycenter.org/RegistrationMayJun.htm
Wednesdays, May 4^th to June 15^th, 6-7:30pm

Wind over Wings:  Soaring with Hope with Hope Douglas
This program is designed for cancer patients and their families, clinicians and other caregivers. Hope Douglas is a breast cancer survivor and the founder of Wind Over Wings, a nonprofit rehabilitation and education center for raptors. The birds in this program are unable to be released back to the wild due to injury. Hope relates their stories of adaption to her own adaption to a life affected by breast cancer. She will be bringing in a Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Horned Owl and Eastern Screech Owl.  Register at http://cancercommunitycenter.org/RegistrationMayJun.htm.
Wednesday, May 11^th, 6-7pm

Facts About Juicing with Jacqueline Bradley of Mojo Health Bar
Learn the nutritional benefits of Juicing. This will be a step-by-step guide to fresh fruit and vegetable juicing. Jacqueline will discuss the nutritional and health benefits of different types of fruits and vegetables. She will also discuss the difference between the many juicers available in stores, so you can start juicing at home. There will be fresh juicing demonstrations and tastings.  Register at http://cancercommunitycenter.org/RegistrationMayJun.htm.
Saturday, May 14^th, 11am-12:30pm

Still In Tune
Are you a musician whose life has been affected by cancer? This support group is open to all who enjoy playing an instrument, singing, or listening to music. Caregivers and friends are welcome, too! Come join us and bring your passion for music. Although we won’t be playing during these sessions, our common passion for music will give us a connection as we share our cancer stories. Meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday. No registration necessary; stop in at 778 Main Street in South Portland.
Tuesday, May 17^th, 6-7:30pm

Caregivers–will we see you tonight?

One session only–tonight–Tuesday, April 12th from 6-8 pm. Cancer Health Educator and fellow caregiver, Nancy Brook, shines light on the much-deserving Caretakers: our Silent Heroes.

Nancy was unable to join us last Tuesday but she is happy to present a 2-hour session tonight focused solely on caregivers.

Cancer patients have at least one person who is doing everything possible to provide them with support and comfort. Yet caretakers are some of the least likely people to ask for and accept help.We are willing to bet that this statement resonates with many of our readers in some way. Perhaps you are a caretaker or have been a caretaker? Perhaps you have a special place in your heart for someone who you’ve seen serve diligently as a caretaker and you wish the best for him or her?

Nancy has been a cancer patient and more recently, a caretaker, to her husband. She knows the feelings of being overwhelmed and alone. She seeks an opportunity to validate caretaker feelings and help them embrace their own self-care.

This workshop offers caretakers a place to take a break to discuss feelings and thoughts that are usually kept silent.  Come and be re-energized.

If you are a caretaker or know someone who is caring for a loved one, we encourage you to join us at the Cancer Community Center in South Portland to get the support you need and deserve.  Register at http://cancercommunitycenter.org/aprcalendar.htm#caretakers or phone us at 774-2200. Drop-ins are also welcome.

The Cancer Community Center is located at 778 Main Street (Rte 1) in South Portland. www.CancerCommunityCenter.org.