NOTES FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR By Ellen Heyman

MAKING CONNECTIONS…

I love to see participants hanging out after yoga class, having lunch in the garden or just chatting.  We encourage participants to make connections at The Gathering Place and form relationships that continue on long after the scheduled program or activity ends. One participant commented, “It’s easy to make friends here!” There are many examples of support group members meeting for lunches or dinners. The first breast cancer group at The Gathering Place, a group for young women, continues to meet, even after six years. Each month, 6-8 of these young women get together for dinner.  One Family and Friends Group of “graduates” continue to have dinner on the first Wednesday of every month. Participants in our Moving Forward classes of 2004 and 2005 have monthly luncheons at The Gathering Place. There is great bonding that occurs in our Moving Forward program, and the participants view the monthly group luncheons as an opportunity to stay connected.

Here’s what people have to say about these “alumni” meetings:

• “We can express honest feelings that we don’t share with others in our lives.”
• “We support one another in whatever life events or even crises that occur.”
• ‘We discuss new information about cancer treatments or share nutrition tips.”
• “When we lost a member, we were all able to visit her during the last ten days of her life and we all went to the funeral together.  We were there for her.”
• “It’s cool to know that if anything would happen to us, the group would be there for our husband and children.”
• “Cancer is a life changing event. After time, it’s easy to get back to our old ways and lose the perspective of making everyday count.  The group serves as a check that I’m going in the right direction.”
• “We encourage each other to take advantage of educational programs offered in the community and at The Gathering Place.”

In all of our programs and services, we encourage participants to identify a goal and ask, “What do I hope to gain from participating in this group or activity?” When they have been attending our programs for a period of time, we suggest they explore the question “Have I met my goals?” When the answer to the last question is “yes”, it may be time to choose to leave a group or program, knowing that you’re always welcome back if things should change. Our philosophy is to teach you the tools you can take with you and put to use when you are away from The Gathering Place or no longer attending programs. Participants learn to be more in touch with feelings at support groups, are educated in breathing and meditation techniques at yoga and tai chi classes, and acquire skills in art or claywork.  These are coping techniques that are with you no matter where you are. We encourage all of you to examine your goals and ask, “What do I need now?”

There are many ways to stay connected with The Gathering Place when you are no longer receiving active treatment or dealing with the issues related to your cancer journey. We have a large and active group of volunteers that do work behind the scenes and with the participants. We encourage you to contact Betsy Kohn, our Director of Volunteers to learn more about those options.

View all announcements headlines...