Have any health notes to submit to the paper? New class? New or ongoing support group? Blood drive? Fax a brief write-up to 703-917-0991 or e-mail maweber@connectionnewspapers.com
Donate Blood. There is an urgent need for donors with all blood types. Inova Blood Donor Services is open weekdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at its main location at 3289 Woodburn Road in Annandale. To inquire about appointments at a convenient donor center or blood drive, call 1-866-BLOOD SAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit www.inova.org/donateblood.
Other Inova blood donation sites are Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, 703-504-3500; Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, 2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria, 703-664-7229; CentreMed, Centreville, 703-322-1970.
Novice and experienced runners from all over the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area can join together to train for the Marine Corps Marathon and raise awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis. Each runner pays an $80 registration fee, which counts towards their commitment to raise $1,500 in pledges. A limited number of spots in the program are still available. The Marine Corps Marathon takes place on Oct. 31. Training runs rotate between Virginia and Washington, D.C. on Saturday mornings. To register or volunteer, call 202-296-5363. Visit www.MSandYOU.org; e-mail MarathonStrides@MSandYOU.org.
"Strength 4 Your Journey." Wednesday, June 30, 7-9 p.m., in recognition of National Cancer Survivors' Month, come hear about a new mode of learning and how to be an advocate for oneself. The presenter is Barbara Murphy, RV, consultant and oncology nurse educator. Register by Monday, June 28. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room 1B. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Melanoma Group Meeting. Meet with others diagnosed with melanoma and their family and friends, to share information, discuss and explore ways of meeting the challenges of living with melanoma on Thursday, July 1, from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Family with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B. Light refreshments. Sponsored by the Ashley Fister Cole Foundaton. Next meeting, Aug. 5. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
CanSurvive. This group is a patient-led, drop-in, general cancer support group for those dealing with any type of cancer (formerly known as One Day at a Time and meeting at Sibley Hospital- now meeting at Life with Cancer) will meet on Thursdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, noon-1:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Room 1B. Call 301-610-9146 or see http://can-survive.net.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques: Strengthening Skills for Well-Being. Past participants of the Relaxation and Imagery series are invited to attend this ongoing drop-in workshop that uses various techniques for relaxation, imagery and meditation to promote physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Topics such as communication skills, anger management, self-esteem building, spiritual exploration and others may be incorporated. On Fridays July 2, 16 and 30, 10:30 a.m.-noon, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Brain Tumor Group. Tuesday, July 6, 7-8:30 p.m. This educational support group meets on the first Tuesday of the month, facilitated by a social worker and a nurse specialized in neurological care, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Caregivers Meeting. On Wednesdays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28, 7-8:30 p.m., there are meetings for family members to discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer, its treatment and more at the 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.
Breast Cancer Group. Wednesdays, July 7 and 21, 5:30-7 p.m. This semi-monthly support group for women living with early-stage breast cancer helps survivors learn and gain support from each other. At Inova Fairfax Women’s Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Teens’ Meet and Eat. On Wednesday, July 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m., eat, hang out and have a little fun with other teens (13-18 years old) who have a family member with cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Children’s Educational Support Program. Continuation of the eight-week group of discussion and activities 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. On Wednesdays, July 7-28, 5:15-6:15 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Nutrition: Healthy Summer Dishes. Jennifer Keller, RD, staff dietician with the Physicians Commitee for Responsible Medicine, has been teaching nutrition and cooking classes for cancer survivors in D.C. for several years. On Thursday, July 8, 10:30 a.m.-noon, she will provide an overview of her organization’s research on the relationship of a vegetarian diet and cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Room 1B. Register by July 5. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Thyroid Cancer Support Group. 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 Survivors’ Association on Saturday, July 10, 10:30 a.m.- noon, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., in Room 1E. Call 1-877-588-7904.
Couples Workshop. When one partner is diagnosed with cancer, a couple’s world is turned upside down. This overwhelming time can cause confusing feelings that sometimes come between partners. An oncology counselor facilitates this monthy workshop series that includes varius exercises and support. Open to all couples, regardless of how long it has been since diagnosis, on Saturday, July 10 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., in Room 1B. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 years old. A new eight-week group of age-appropriate group activities and art therapy to help children share their thoughts and feelings and to help with the grief process takes place Mondays, July 12-Aug. 30, 5-6 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Spirituality Quest. This support/education group meets monthly on the second Tuesday to explore spirituality. Tuesday, July 13, 10:30 a.m.-noon, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Room 1D. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Look Good ... Feel Better. A professional cosmetologist shares skin, hair and cosmetic tipsLook good before, during or after treatment. Tuesday, July 13, 7 -9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., in Suite 204, room to be announced. Co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, Fragrance Assocation Foundation and the Natonal Cosmetology Assocation. Register by July 8. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
GYN Cancer Group: Update on Ovarian Cancer. Wednesday, July 14, 5:30-7 p.m. Susan Butler of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and the Greater Washington Area Cancer Coalition, talks about her experience with ovarian cancer as well as the mission, programs and services of her organization. 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 nurse. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Moving On. Exercise series for cancer survivors in treatment or in remission, led by a certified fitnes instructor. Classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays, July 14 - Aug. 18, 3-4 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Room 1D. For new participants registration is required by July 9 to obtain necessary participation forms. Class registraton closes after Wednesday, July 28. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Leukemia Group. Thursday, July 15, 7-9 p.m., Leukemia Group veterans and newcomers are encouraged to come for the Summer Potluck Dinner and group discussion of favorite books and movies. Co-sponsored with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juiper St., Room 1E. Note: the group will not meet in August. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Seminars for Survivors: Fighting Cancer with a Fork. Registered dietitian Deb Rowland provides an overview of nutritional recommendations for all cancer patients and survivors on Thursday, July 15, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Room 1B. Register by July 12. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Expressive Arts: Tear Bottles. Decorate a small glass bottle with glass beads and sea glass. This symbolic vessel can be used to express feelings of love, sorrow, joy and rememberance. Artist Maureen Wolford facilitates this monthly art and creativity experience; no artistic abilities required. Thursday, July 15, 10:30 -noon, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., in Room B. Register by July 12. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Saturday, July 17, 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 meeting on the third Saturday of every month. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Room 1B. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Introduction to Yoga Therapy for Mind-Body Health. Drawing on a variety of schools of yoga, yoga therapist and chiropractor Lyne Picard has been individualizing yoga programs and teaching yoga classes designed for people with stress-related illnesses, chronic pain and for some specific health conditions. Dress comfortably and bring a mat or participate sitting in a chair. Monday, July 19, 7- 8:30 pm at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Room 1E. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Multiple Myeloma Group: Bone Pain and Its Management. Oncologist Arif Hussain, MD, University of Maryland Cancer Center, helps explain the bone pain often experienced in multiple myeloma and how to manage it. Tuesday, July 20, 11:45-1:15 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., in Room 1B. Co-sponsored with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Light refreshments provided by Cytogen. Register by July 16. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Young Adult Group. On Tuesday, July 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, 2882 Juniper St., Room 1A. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief Dinner for Teenagers 13-18 Years Old. Meet others who have lost a loved one to cancer, share thoughts and feelings and learn about the grief process. Wednesday, July 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Colorectal Cancer Group: Ask the Pharmacist. Thursday, July 22, 6:30- 8 p.m. Pharmacist Robert Bretzel of Fairfax-Northern Virginia Hematology-Oncology, PC, provides an update on the new, FDA-approved medications to treat colorectal cancer. E-mail your questions to Cheryl.Schofield@inova.com by July 15, for more in-depth answers. Register by July 19. Note: No meeting in August; next meeting Sept. 23. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
BMT/Stem Cell Support Group. This monthly group meeting is facilitated by an oncology counselor and is open to past, current and upcoming bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant patients and caregivers. On Thursday, July 22, 12:30-1:30 p.m., at the Fairfax-Northern VA Hem-Onc, 8503 Arlington Blvd., #320, Fairfax. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Writings for Wellness - Seeds into Blossoms. On Thursdays, July 22, 29 and Aug. 5, 10:30 -noon, or Monday, July 26, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center at 2832 Juniper St., in Room 1B, explore creativity with poetry. Read and discuss poems with images from nature and gardens. Ingrid Tenger, MSW and poetry therapist, facilitates the groups. Register by July 19 for Thursday morning series or by July 23 for evening session. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Super Sibling Support Day. On Monday, July 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Ronald McDonald House, this day is designed especially for siblings of pediatric oncology patients. This is a chance for children who have a brother or sister with cancer to learn about cancer, talk about their concerns and feelings, do medical play, create arts and crafts and play games. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. Meet with others who have hereditary or secondary lymphedema resulting from surgery, radiation or trauma to the lymphatic system on Wednesday, July 28, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B. A certified lymphedema therpaist and an oncology counselor facilitate discussion about physical and emotional concerns. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
"Brain Health: Hormones, Neurology and Aging," a seminar presented by instructor Nikita B. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., takes place Thursday, July 29, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at BW Tysons Westpark Hilton, 8401 Westpark Drive, McLean. Tuition is $70 per person with pre-registration, $94 at the door is space still exists. Tuition includes a syllabus. Call 1-800-937-6878 to register. For information, call 1-877-246-6336.
Qi Gong. Pauline Reid facilitates a special Qi Gong workshop on Saturdays, July 31 and Aug. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper Street, in Room 1E. Qi Gong is an ancient healing art combining gentle movement, deep breathing and meditation, with the goal of improving physical and emotional health. Dress comfortably. Space is limited; registration necessary by July 26. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Volunteer Opportunities: Odyssey Healthcare, a hospice provider, is seeking volunteers in the Northern Virginia community to visit and/or assist terminally ill patients and their families during their end-of-life journey. Compassionate individuals with a desire to help one or two hours a week, share with a patient or their family, assist with office support, or help with bereavement care can become an Odyssey volunteer. Training will be provided. Call Karen Baroody at 703-821-9200, or e-mail abaroody@odsyhealth.com.
Individual Nutrition Counseling. Schedule an appointment with Julie Thorsen, registered dietitian for the Cancer Patient Nutrition Support Program at Inova Cancer Center, and learn how to optimize nutrition related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Short-term Counseling Services. A cancer diagnosis often leads to fears about life, and causes disruptions in life. Family members may also experience their own sets of concerns. Short-term counseling can provide an opportunity to discuss challenges and explore ways of coping. For an appointment, call the Life with Cancer office at 703-698-2820.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group. 2-3 p.m., on the second Tuesday of each month, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2315 South Grant St., Arlington. Free. Patients and family members welcome. For more information, contact Leon Paparella at 202-966-4450.
Parkinson's Disease Support Groups (exercise, patient discussion and care partners) meet weekday mornings at the Cherrydale Baptist Church, 3910 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) invites persons with PD and their care partners. Call ahead. For schedules and more information, call Leon at 202-966-4450.
The Parkinson's Disease Young Onset Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Library lower level meeting room at 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. in McLean. There is no charge. Patients, caregivers and family members are welcome. Call Hilary Blue at 703-821-1393 for more information.
Parkinson's Disease Caregivers/Carepartners Support Group meets third Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, lower level meeting room, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes caregivers and family members. For more information, call Angela Robb, 703-277-9666.
Neurology Epilepsy Support Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and caregivers, meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 6 - 7 p.m., at Georgetown University Hospital, Lombardi Cancer Center, Floor 2, Podium A - Conference Room, 3800 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., at the Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. For more information, call Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800, Ext. 3026, or Barbara at 703-913-0890.
The Parkinson's Foundation offers weekly support groups (previously located at the Providence Recreation Center) for patients and caregivers. They meet every Tuesday at 10 and 11 a.m., at the Lewinsville Senior Center, 1609 Great Falls St., McLean. Call 703-891-0821 if interested in joining or for more information.
Medicare beneficiaries in Virginia can now resolve quality of care complaints against health care providers through an optional mediation program that began this fall. The new program, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, brings together a provider or physician and a patient or his/her representative for a face-to-face meeting facilitated by an impartial mediator and is an alternative to the traditional medical record review process. It is being offered at no cost to the provider or beneficiary. The types of cases eligible for mediation include cases that do not exhibit significant clinical quality-of-care concerns and communications and perception issues that beneficiaries generally translate into quality-of-care complaints. All mediated discussions and outcomes are confidential and cannot be used in other legal proceedings. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE or check with the Virginia Health Quality Center, the Medicare quality improvement organization.www.vhqc.org.
Good Grief for Teens. For those 13-18, group activities and art therapy will help teenagers share thoughts and feelings about loss and help with the grief process. On Mondays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Call for upcoming group schedule. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B, Fairfax. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org to register.
TLC: Teens Living with Cancer. Monthly social activities for 13- to 18-year-olds who have cancer give them a chance to meet others with cancer, share a little, have fun. Call 703-208-5623 for details. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
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.
A widow/widower bereavement support group for anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One group meets the first and third Thursdays of each month, 2-3:30 p.m. An evening group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month, from 7:30-9 p.m.
A suicide survivors bereavement support group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to