<lst>Inova Blood Donor Services is in critical need of all blood types and of blood platelets. Donating blood now will ensure that supplies will be plentiful during the summer months, a time when supplies decrease and need increases. 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.
Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Fridays July 11 and July 18, 1-2:30 p.m. Learn to take advantage of the mind-body connection by participating in this six-week experiential series of relaxation and imagery techniques proven effective in enhancing quality of life, symptom and stress management and promoting insight. Registration necessary. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
“Nutrition 101.” Tips and information about boosting nutrition and health for the family. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m., at Twinbrook Shopping Center, 9567 Braddock Road, Fairfax. To reserve seats, call 703-425-0048.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Team For Life will be participating in the Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 26 in order to raise money to help fund cystic fibrosis research. Those interested in running in a marathon can be a part of the Team For Life. Jay Wind, a Marine Corps Marathon age-group champion, will coach Team For Life through weekly group training runs and daily communication via discussion groups, e-mail and telephone. The training program begins in June and continues until race day. Runs will take place at various area trails and tracks in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. There will also be tips on fund-raising to aid participants in raising the minimum of $1,700 for cystic fibrosis research. For more information, contact Jill Kaminsky, Director of Special Events, at 301-657-8444 or jkaminsky@cff.org.
"Epilepsy in Adolescence." A presentation by Pavel Klein of Georgetown University Hospital. Monday, July 28, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Parents of Children with Epilepsy meeting, at the Braddock supervisor's office in the meeting room. The group meets on the fourth Friday of every month.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 years old. Meetings are Mondays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28, and Aug. 4, 11 and 18 from 6-7 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., suite 203, room B. Through age-appropriate group activities and art therapy, children can share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Caregivers Meeting. Meeting dates are Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Inova Fairfax Woman's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Meetings are for family members to discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer and its treatment and more. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Breast Cancer Group. Wednesday, July 16, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Inova Fairfax Woman's Center, Radiation Oncology conference room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Semi-monthly support group for women living with early-stage breast cancer. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Children's Educational Support Program. Meeting dates are Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30, Aug. 6, 13 and 20, 5:15-6:15 p.m., at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., suite 203, room B. An eight-week discussion and activity group for children ages 5-12. Participants learn about cancer and find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
La Leche League of Burke. The next meeting will be Saturday, July 5. Meetings take place at 9:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month at the Burke Presbyterian Church, on Oak Leather Drive off of Burke Center Parkway. The breastfeeding support group offers help and support to mothers who are currently breastfeeding a child or anyone who plans to breastfeed. Expectant and new mothers are encouraged to attend. The topic will be "The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties," but all questions and concerns will be addressed. The meeting is free and babies are welcome. For additional information, contact Leslie at 703-256-2754 or Marisa at 703-323-7301.
Thyroid Cancer Support Group. Saturday, July 5, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. A monthly opportunity for thyroid cancer survivors, family members and friends to share information and support. Co-sponsored by Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association. For more information, call ThyCa, 1-877-588-7904.
United Ostomy Association, Northern Virginia Chapter meeting. Sunday, July 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, conference rooms D, E, F, located above the Skylight Cafe. Mutual aid, moral support and education for ostomates, their families and friends. No admission fee. Use "blue" garage. For more information, call 703-802-3457.
On My Own. Monday, July 7, 6-7 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 2C. Singles in their 40s and beyond meet together to discuss the challenges and coping strategies of having cancer and living alone. Registration is necessary. For information and registration call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Reiki for Relaxation. Monday, July 7, 7-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Experience the ancient practice of "reiki," the placement of hands on different parts of the body to direct energy into an area in order to release discomfort and tension and enhance well-being. Dress comfortably. Registration is necessary by Thursday, July 3. Call 703-698-2841 for information and registration, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Spirituality Quest. Tuesday, July 8, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. This monthly support and education group meets on each second Tuesday to explore spirituality throughout the cancer experience. This month is the annual summer potluck brunch. Share favorite foods, movies and books that give spiritual strength. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Prostate Cancer Support Group, an "Us Too" affiliate. Tuesday, July 8, 7:30-9 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital Physician's Conference Center Auditorium, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. "What's New in Prostate Cancer Research?" presented by Dr. William Dahut, MD, NCI Research, followed by a question and answer session. Use "blue" parking garage. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
La Leche League of Fairfax City will meet on July 9. The topic is "The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties." Pregnant and nursing women as well as their children are welcome to attend. The 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 703-471-7762 or 703-385-0527.
"Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Seizure Management," a presentation by Chris Kalhorn, M.D., director of epilepsy surgery at GTU Hospital, will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 7-8 p.m., in the Falls Church High School cafeteria, 7521 Jaguar Trail in Falls Church. Bryce Downie, the cyberonics ambassador, will field questions.
Heads Up! Wednesday, July 9, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Inova Fairfax Woman's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Educational support group for current and former head and neck cancer patients and their significant others. Use "blue" parking garage. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
GYN Cancer Group. Wednesday, July 9, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers are invited to drop in, share experiences and learn from one another in this monthly group meeting. Group facilitated by an oncology counselor and a nurse. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Leukemia Group. Thursday, July 10, 7-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Leukemia Group veterans and newcomers are encouraged to come for the annual summer potluck dinner and group discussion of favorite books and movies. Co-sponsored with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Group will not meet in August. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Meditation and Creativity. Thursday, July 10, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., suite 203, room B. Meditative and creative activities. No experience or confidence needed, just a desire to explore with Meredith McEver, LCSW and potter. Space is limited, registration necessary. Call 703-698-2841 for information and registration, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Mondays, July 14 and 28, 10:30-12 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. For those who have taken the relaxation and imagery series in the past, this is an opportunity to continue practicing imaging abilities. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Multiple Myeloma: Ask the Pharmacist. Tuesday, July 15, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Robert Bretzel, manager of Pharmacy Services Fairfax-Northern Virginia Hem./Onc., will address key issues regarding the taking of medications, interactions and some drugs used in multiple myeloma treatment. Question and answer session will follow. Registration appreciated; include names of drugs or aspects needing specific address. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
ICAN of Northern Virginia (International Cesarean Awareness Network) will meet on the following dates at 7 p.m., at Inova HealthSource, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax: July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. For more information, visit www.icanofnova.org/ or call 703-237-6136.
Lung Cancer Group. Wednesday, July 16, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Lung cancer patients and family members discuss the challenges of living with lung cancer and its treatments. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Music: The Native American Way. Monday, July 14 from 7:15-8:45p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Music therapist Sheila Egan offers some Cherokee ways to healing, utilizing drumming, toning, etc. An opportunity to explore another path. Registration appreciated. Call 703-698-2841 for information and registration, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Young Adults with Cancer. Tuesday, July 15, 7:30-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., suite 203, room B. A discussion with people 18 to 30-something of issues such as sexuality, dating, body image, work and health insurance concerns, treatment side effects, fears of recurrence and sustaining a normal lifestyle. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Seminars for Survivors. The topic will be "Summertime and the Living is Easy," Thursday, July 17, 7:15-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. An evening of discussion for cancer veterans to compare and share experiences. Bring something that has been helpful to share with others. Registration is necessary. Call 703-698-2841 for information and registration, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Colo-rectal Cancer Group. Thursday, July 17, 4:30-6 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Learn from others with colorectal cancer and address the issues, concerns, and experiences of patient/survivors, caregivers and friends. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Nutritionist Monica Warner will give a presentation on nutrition for carcinoid patients. Share experiences and information with others who have carcinoid cancer. Family members are welcome to attend. Call 703-698-2841 for information, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Combining Modalities for Better Health. Monday, July 21, 7:15-8:45 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Linda Stalvey presents an integrative approach to physical, mental and emotional support through light touch modalities, featuring croniosacral therapy and "reiki," in conjuction with meditation and sound. Registration is appreciated. Call 703-698-2841 for information and registration, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Medication consultation. Thursday, July 24, 7-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., room 1E. Private meetings with an Inova Fairfax Hospital pharmacist will be available to answer questions about specific medications. Registration required by July 10. Call 703-698-2841 for information and registration, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.