<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.
American Cancer Society's 26th annual Daffodil Days Campaign allows individuals, businesses, churches and community organizations to place an order for daffodils, known as the flowers of hope, to benefit the research, public education, advocacy and patient services programs of the American Cancer Society. From early January to mid-March, those who wish to participate in "Daffodil Days" can choose from fresh-cut daffodils, with a suggested donation of $6 per bunch of 10, and potted bulbs, with a suggested donation of $8.50 per pot. Advance orders may be placed through March 5, and daffodils will be offered to the public for a donation at day sites during the week of March 15-21. For more information about "Daffodil Days," call the American Cancer Society at 703-938-5550 or learn more at www.cancer.org.
Girl’s Group. Middle school girls can meet weekly to discuss school, family and peer issues. Classes will be Thursdays, beginning Jan. 8, 5-6 p.m., at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. Call 703-204-9100. $55 per session. May be insurance-reimbursable.
Leukemia Group: "Surprising Transformations." On Thursday, Jan. 8, 7-9 p.m., three families share their stories as a starting point for sharing and discussion with new and veteran participants. Family and friends are welcome to attend. Co-sponsored with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques: Strengthening Skills for Well-being. Fridays, Jan. 9 and 23, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E, or Jan. 13, 6:30-8 p.m., at the same location. Past participants of the Relaxation and Imagery series can attend this series to incorporate various techniques for relaxation, imagery 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 Registration appreciated. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
United Ostomy Association Inc., Northern Virginia Chapter meets Sunday, Jan. 11, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, Conference rooms D-E-F, above Skylight Cafe. Refreshments begin 1:30 p.m.; meeting and program, 2-3:30 p.m. January is UOA/NVC's annual VideoFest. Interesting, informative, humorous, uplifting videos. Possible video features: psychologist Loretta LaRoche; healing power of prayer; ostomy management. No admission fee; parking in Blue garage. For more information, call UOA/NVC at 703-802-3457.
The Friendship Group for boys and girls 9 to 11 meets Wednesdays, Jan. 13-March 30, from 5:15-6:05 p.m., at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. Call 703-204-9100 to register.
"How to Make and Keep Friends." Boys in grades 3 and 4 with Asperger's Syndrome/PPD, can meet Tuesdays, Jan. 13-March 30, from 5:15-6:05 p.m., at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. Call 703-204-9100.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, offers several ongoing free bereavement support groups.
A general bereavement support group for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m. The next meetings of the group are Jan. 7 and 21 and Feb. 4.
A widow/widower bereavement support group for anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One group meets the first and third Thursday of each month, 2-3:30 p.m., with the next meetings on Jan. 15 and Feb. 5. An evening group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday each month, from 7:30-9 p.m. The next meetings of the evening group are Jan. 13 and 27 and Feb. 10.
A suicide survivors bereavement support group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
An early mother loss bereavement support group for anyone who lost a mother before the age of 21 meets the third Tuesday each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org for more information.
Ever thought of becoming a life coach, NLP practitioner or healer? Want results beyond what hypnosis, reiki and the therapy model have to offer? Workshop on Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Healing Methods. Discover innate healing abilities. Take charge of life. Find new possibilities and dare to live a fulfilling life. Free seminar, Saturday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Quantum Healing Center, 4101 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 309, in Fairfax. Limited seating. Call 703-352-4325 to reserve a seat.
On My Own. On Monday, Jan. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m., meet other singles in their 40s and beyond to discuss the challenges and coping strategies of having cancer and living alone. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Individual Reiki healing sessions are available afterwards. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Spirituality Quest. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 10:30 a.m.-noon, bring a favorite bell and join a group discussion, "Ringing in the New Year with Joy and Hope." This support/education meeting meets monthly on the second Tuesday. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841 or www.lifewithcancer.com.
Hypnosis for Weight Loss. Jan. 13, 20, 27; 9 a.m. -7 p.m. Eat too much over the holidays? Hypnosis can teach new behavioral techniques to lose weight. Come to our screening. It’s easy, safe and fun. Free. Register with Hypnosis-Fairfax, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. 703-352-5042.
Prostate Cancer Support Group, an "Us Too" affiliate. "How the Treatments Treated Us," a Survivor's Panel presentation, will include questions and answers. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7:30-9 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Physician's Conference Center Auditorium, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and caregivers, meets Jan. 14, 21 and 28, from 7-8 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church. For more information, call 703-425-6660.
Head's Up! On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 5:30-7 p.m., this educational support group for current and former head and neck cancer patients and significant others will meet at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage.
GYN Cancer Group. On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 5:30-7 p.m., women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers are invited to drop in, share experiences and learn from one another in this monthly meeting. Facilitated by an oncology counselor and a nurse. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Colorectal Cancer Group. On Thursday, Jan. 15, 5:30-7 p.m., registered dietitian Julia Thorsen starts the year with an overview of nutritional issues relevant to a colon or rectal cancer diagnosis. Meet with others affected by colorectal cancer to address issues and concerns. Facilitated by an oncology nurse and a social worker. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Melanoma Group Meeting. On Thursday, Jan. 15, 7-8:30 p.m., Amir Bajoghli, MD, director of Mohs Micrographic and Dermatalogic Surgery at George Washington University School of Medicine, dermatologist and surgeon, discusses and answers questions on skin cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Individual Reiki Appointments. Schedule an individual session with a certified Reiki practitioner and experience the benefits of this ancient healing practice. Dress comfortably. Appointments are available Monday, Jan. 12, or Monday, Jan. 19, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Register by the preceding Friday. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Sense the Self through Self-Massage. Thursday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Massage helps to relieve stress, relax the body and create more open communication. Dress comfortably and learn some basic massage skills with Jennifer Moore. Dress comfortably and be prepared to sit on the floor. Register by Jan. 12. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Creating a Mandala. "Mandala" is a Hindi word from Sanskrit meaning circle, considered to be a symbol representing the self or the center of personality. Create mandala drawings as a vehicle to explore emotions, regain a sense of control over illness, and strive for balance and order. Monday, Jan. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Young Adults with Cancer. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, 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. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room A. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Good Grief Bereavement Group. Tuesdays, Jan. 20-March 9, 7:15-9 p.m., join others who have experienced the death of a loved one within the last two years for this eight-week seminar. Understand the grieving process and handle the changes that come after the loss of a loved one. Discussion topics include the process of grief; accepting and expressing emotions; dealing with children, families and friends; role and lifestyle change; coping with special dates; and community resources. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.