<lst>Inova Blood Donor Services is in critical need of all blood types and of blood platelets. With more traffic accidents on busy highways, the only Level 1 trauma center in Northern Virginia, Inova Fairfax Hospital, will be needing more blood. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Each facility has morning and evening hours. Must be 17 or older and weigh 100 pounds or more. Call 1-866-BLOODSAVES or log onto www.inova.org/donateblood to schedule an appointment.
Parkinson's Disease Exercise Class meets weekly every Thursday, except Dec. 25, at 2 p.m., at Greenspring Village, 7400 Spring Village Drive, Town Center Building (classroom), Springfield. The instructor is Monica Phillips. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members and carepartners. Fee. For a class schedule and more information, call Michel Margosis at 703-569-2630.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 years old. Mondays, Dec. 1-Jan. 29, 5-6 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, Suite 203, Room B, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. This is the continuation of an eight-week series utilizing group activities and art therapy through which children can share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Moving On. Monday and Wednesday, Dec. 8 and 10, 3-4 p.m., the current 10-week course will continue for those already enrolled. A new session begins in January. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1D, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group is a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and their caregivers. The group will meet on Dec. 10 and 17 from 7 - 8 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church. Free.
Children's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, through Jan. 21, 5:15-6:15 p.m. This continuation of an eight-week discussion and activity group for children ages 5-12 helps participants learn about cancer and find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Suite 203, Room B, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Mindfulness Meditation. Wednesdays, Dec. 10 and 17, 12-1 p.m. Mediation is an activity that aids awareness of the present moment. Learn about and experience the benefits of mindfulness meditation during this three-week series with an oncology counselor. Dress comfortably. Register by Dec. 1. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Breast Cancer Group. Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5:30-7 p.m., this semi-monthly support group for women living with early-stage breast cancer will meet at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Caregivers Meeting. On Wednesdays, Dec. 10, and 17, 7-8:30 p.m., family members can meet and discuss topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer, its treatment and more. No meeting Dec. 24 or 31. At Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques: Strengthening Skills for Well-being. Fridays, Dec. 5 and 19, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. This ongoing drop-in workshop incorporates various techniques for relaxation and meditation to promote physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Special topics such as communication skills, anger management, self-esteem building, spiritual exploration and others may be included. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Thyroid Cancer Support Group. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., thyroid cancer survivors and their adult loved ones are invited to share information and support in this monthly meeting co-sponsored with the Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association. For more information, call ThyCa, 1-877-588-7904. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
United Ostomy Association, Inc., Northern Virginia Chapter, meets Sunday, Dec. 7, at Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, conference rooms D-E-F, above Skylight Cafe. Social hour and refreshments will take place at 1:30 p.m., followed by the program, 2-3:30 p.m. This monthly support group meeting includes holiday festivities and a featured speaker. For those who are interested in learning more about living with an ostomy, CWOCN Mary Ann Brooks attends the meetings to answer questions. All are welcome; free. Free parking in Blue garage. For more information, call UOA at 703-802-3457.
Polarity Therapy. Monday, Dec. 8, 7:15-9 p.m. Polarity therapy is a hands-on bodywork approach intended to balance the opposing energies within the body to promote mental, physical and emotional health. Learn about what an experienced polarity therapist can do from registered therapist Maggie Bukowski, M. Ed. Register by Dec. 5. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
After the Death of a Loved One: Handling the Holidays. On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7-9 p.m., meet with others who experienced the death of a loved one and learn to deal with feelings of anxiety, sadness and feelings of separation from the celebrations of the holiday season. Address how to handle holiday traditions, hear tips on getting through the season and review the grief process. Registration required by Dec. 8. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 2B, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques: Strengthening Skill for Well-being. On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6:30-8 p.m., past participants of the Relaxation and Imagery series are welcome to attend this new monthly workshop that integrates various forms of relaxation, imagery and meditation to promote physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Topics include communication, spiritual exploration and more. Registration required. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
La Leche League of Fairfax City hosts its next meeting on Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. The topic is "Nutrition and Weaning." Pregnant and nursing women as well as their children are welcome to attend. Meeting location is Fairfax Christian Church, 10185 Main St., east of Old Town Fairfax. Free. For more information or questions, call a La Leche League Leader at 703-280-0986 or 703-255-6808 or e-mail FairfaxCityLLL@yahoo.com.
Heads Up! On Wednesday, Dec. 10, 5:30-7 p.m., this educational support group for current and former head and neck cancer patients and their significant others will meet at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Health, Happiness and Help Through the Holidays. On Thursday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., transform the holiday season with the heartfelt gift of health and happiness. Jennifer Moore will teach variety of modalities including yoga postures, breathing techniques, chanting, deep relaxation, meditation and massage. Dress comfortably. Bring a pillow. Register by Dec. 8. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. On Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., meet with other carcinoid cancer patients and their adult loved ones to share experiences and learn from one another in this monthly group meeting. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Individual Reiki Session. On Monday, Dec. 15, schedule an individual session with a certified Reiki practitioner and experience the benefits of this ancient healing practice that involves the placement of hands on the body to direct energy and release tension and discomfort and enhance well-being. Dress comfortably. Registration is limited and necessary by Dec. 12. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Managing Anxiety in Your Life with Cancer. Monday, Dec. 15, 6:30-8 p.m. Oncology wellness counselor Dodi Christiano will help examine triggers and manage anxieties such as those related to appointments, procedures and receiving test results. Register by Dec. 12. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Young Adults with Cancer. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30-9 p.m., meet with others ages "18 to 30-something" to discuss issues such as sexuality, dating, body image, work and health insurance concerns, treatment side effects, fears of recurrence and sustaining a normal lifestyle.
Multiple Myeloma Group. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. To close the year in a mutually nurturing manner, bring to share food for the body (A-L main dish, M-Z desert or salad) and food for thought (an inspirational thought, quote poem, etc.). R.S.V.P. required. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Coping with the Holidays After the Death of a Loved One. Come to this presentation for support, encouragement and tools for this difficult time. The presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 16, offers Christmas support. The group meets 7:30-9 p.m., at Haven of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, 703-941-7000. Presentations are free. For more information visit www.havenofnova.org or e-mail info@havenofnova.org.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7-8:30 p.m., meet with others who have hereditary or secondary lymphedema resulting from surgery, radiation or trauma to the lymphatic system. A certified lymphedema therapist and an oncology counselor will facilitate discussion about physical and emotional concerns. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Suite 203, Room A, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lung Cancer Group. On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5:30-7 p.m., join fellow lung cancer patients and family members on the discuss the challenges of living with lung cancer and its treatments. Group meets the third Wednesday of each month. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets at 2 p.m., on the third Thursday at the Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. The next meeting is Dec. 18. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. No charge. For more information, call Leon at 202-966-4450.
Gifts for the Season. On Thursday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., artist Maureen Wolford will assist participants in making beaded key chains, scented eye pillows filled with lavender and peppermint, and beaded sun catchers. Register by Dec. 15. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Suite 203, Room B, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
GYN Cancer Group. On Wednesday, Dec. 19, 5:30-7 p.m., meet with other women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers to share experiences and learn from one another. Group facilitated by an oncology counselor and a nurse. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, Room 1E, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Social Skills/Therapy Group. In small groups, children who have difficulty in social situations because of ADHD or other challenges learn appropriate social behaviors such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions and making friends. Classes are $55-$65 a session and may be insurance-reimbursable. Sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. To register, call 703-204-9100.