<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.
The Friendship Group for boys and girls 9 to 11 meets Wednesdays, through 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.
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. 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 meeting on 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. 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.
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.
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.
Pediatric Partners of Northern Virginia is hosting an open house for a new pediatric practice in Fairfax Corner on Sunday, Jan. 18, 1-5 p.m., at 4211 Fairfax Corner East Ave., Suite 225, Fairfax. Refreshments will be served. Children are welcome. Call 703-502-4500 for information.
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.
Multiple Myeloma Group. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., medical oncologist and MM specialist Blanche Mavromatis from Lombardi Cancer Center presents "Advances in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma." Light lunch sponsored by Millennium. 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.
Hypnosis for Weight Loss. Jan. 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.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and caregivers, meets Jan. 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.
Eating Can be Good for You! After a cancer diagnosis and during cancer treatment, many worry about eating the "right" foods. Julia Thorsen, registered dietitian for the Cancer Patient Nutrition Support Program at Inova Cancer Center, provides recent findings and recommendations to get the year off to a good nutritional start. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 10:30 a.m.-12 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. Registration requested by Jan. 19.
Annual Update on Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplantation. Roy Beveridge, MD, co-director of the Fairfax Stem Cell Transplant Program, presents this annual review and update for former, current and future patients and their families. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6-7:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Stem Cell/BMT Teens' Meet and Eat. On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6-7:30 p.m., have dinner and a discussion with other teenagers while parents attend the Annual Stem Cell/BMT Update. Discuss issues related to having a parent going through a BMT or stem cell transplant. A nurse will be available to answer questions. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
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.
"Bagels of Hope," a play by Life with Cancer's Theater Group. On Thursday, Jan. 22, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., see a play created by and for people dealing with cancer. Fellow class participants show off their creativity and acting abilities. Enjoy some bagels and discussion following the play. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m.-noon, 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, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Music for Life. On Monday, Jan. 26, 7:15-8:45 p.m., National Institutes of Health music therapist Sheila Egan provides an enjoyable and interactive introduction to using music for relaxation, pain management, energizing and feeling good. Register by Jan. 23. 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.
New Directions: Looking Beyond Cancer — Living, Learning, Enriching. Wednesdays, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11 and 18, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Many cancer survivors are living longer and better after treatment. Oncology counselor Dodi Christiano facilitates this four-part workshop to help you explore forgotten dreams and passions and navigate new/not yet traveled roads. Registration required by Jan. 26. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, 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, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Good Grief Dinner for Teens. Teenagers 13-18 years old who have lost a family member to cancer are invited to have dinner and share thoughts and feelings about the loss to help the grief process. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
Lung Cancer Group. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, 5:30-7 p.m., join fellow lung cancer patients and family members to discuss the challenges of living with lung cancer and its treatments. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Seeing Your True Self. On Thursday, Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., artist Maureen Wolford facilitates the decorating of mirrors using tile and other materials to help participants focus and reflect on who they are. Bring along small, personally meaningful items to apply. Space limited; register by Jan. 26. 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.
Acting Out, Life with Cancer's theater group, meets Thursdays, Jan. 29-March 25, 7:30-9 p.m. Prior drama experience not at all necessary as Joyce Montgomery, MSW candidate, facilitates and guides the sharing and discovery of talent as an "actor" or technical support person. Have fun creating and rehearsing a series of one-act plays as a way of expressing the many issues and emotions people experience when facing life with cancer. Patients, family members, friends and health care professionals are invited to participate. Register by Jan. 26. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 years old. Mondays, through 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.
Life Line Screening, the nation's leading provider of preventative health screenings, is coming to Lord of Life Lutheran Church on Jan. 31, from 8:30 to 5 p.m., to perform ultrasound screenings to detect the risk for stroke and vascular disease, as well as bone density screening. Each non-invasive, painless test takes about 10 minutes and can help detect problems early before they become serious. The cost is $45 and pre-registration is required. The screenings take place at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, East Site, 5114 Twinbrook Road, Fairfax. For more information or to register, call Life Line Screening at 1-800-407-4557.
"Nutrition and the Child with Cancer." Parents of children with cancer can receive information about nutrition from a free telephone conference call sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Talk with Miriam Botwinick, MS, clinical dietitian at Children's National Medical Center, from home or from a child's bedside when dialing in to "Nutrition and the Child with Cancer." Botwinick answers questions about managing children's diets while they are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer in this call scheduled from Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7-8 p.m. Register with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by Feb. 9 for this call. The call-in number will be sent out to registrants. Call 703-960-1100 Ext. 231 or singers@dc-cap-leukemia-lymphoma.org to register.
Living with leukemia? At the February meeting of the leukemia support group, Dr. Richard Binder delivers his presentation "Blood Counts: What They Are an How Doctors Use Them?" The presentation is Thursday, Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield. To register for this free program, call the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 703-960-1100 Ext. 231 or e-mail singers@dc-cap-leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Life Line Screening provides vascular screening for area residents on Feb. 21, 9 a.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 8922 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Screenings are non-invasive, inexpensive and painless. Ultrasound tests help identify risk of stroke, vascular diseases or osteoperosis early enough that physicians can begin preventative measures. To schedule an appointment or for additional information regarding the screenings, call 1-800-449-2249. Pre-registration is required. Leave a message with name, phone number, e-mail address, child's diagnosis and age, and any special issues to be covered.
Parkinson's Disease Exercise Class meets weekday mornings at Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. Instructor: Anne Martin. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. No charge. For class schedule and more information, call the Senior Center at 703-503-8703.
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.