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
The recent snow storms have caused an even greater need for blood donors. Inova Blood Donor Services will donate $3 for each blood donation given on Feb. 9 at its four donor centers to CrossLink International, 427 North Maple Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046. The monetary donation well be sent from Inova Blood Donor Services to help with medical supplies and teams for the South Asia Tsunami Relief.
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. For an appointment, donors may call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit www.inova.org/donateblood .
Upcoming Community Inova Blood Drives:
* Friday, Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at Vienna Community Center, Game Room, 120 Cherry St. S.E., Vienna, 1-866-256-6372
* Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2 - 7 p.m., at Charles E. Beatley Jr., Regional Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria, 1-866-256-6372
* Tuesday, Feb. 22, noon-7:30 p.m., at Reston Town Center, Pavilion, Discovery St., (Hyatt Regency) Reston, 1-866-256-6372.
* Monday, Feb. 28, 2 - 7:30 p.m., at Kingstowne Community Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria, 1-866-256-6372
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.
Breast Cancer Group: "A Tour of Care, Pre-op Classes for Lumpectomy and/or Nodal Biopsy." Wednesday, Feb. 16, 12:30-2:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Register by calling 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Breast Cancer Group. On Wednesday, Feb. 16, 5:30-7 p.m., this semi-monthly support group for women with early-stage breast cancer will convene. 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.
Head's Up! On Wednesday, Feb. 9, 5:30-7 p.m., this educational support group for current and former head and neck cancer patients and significant others meets at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage.
Breast Cancer Group: "A Tour of Care, Pre-op Classes for Lumpectomy and/or Nodal Biopsy." Wednesdays, Feb. 9 or 23, 12:30-2:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Register by calling 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Seated Motion. Wednesdays, Feb. 9-March 2, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Try a chair-based exercise to increase heart rate, tone and strengthen muscles and increase range of motion and flexibility. Register by Feb. 4. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Children's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, Feb. 9-March 30, 5:15-6:15 p.m. Continuation of the eight-week discussion and activities group for children 5-12 who are learning to cope with someone in the family having cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
Healing Journey: Attitudes and Personal Myths. Wednesdays, Feb. 9 and 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Oncology counselor Dodi Christiano leads a workshop on how to pay attention to inner messages and positively transform them, thereby mobilizing the self-healing powers of the body. Register by Feb. 7. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Expressive Arts: Sense the Self through Self-Massage. Thursday, Feb. 10, 10:30 a.m.-noon, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Register by Feb. 7. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Leukemia Support Group. Co-sponsored with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Thursday, Feb. 10, 7-9 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
More Beginning Crochet. Thursday, Feb. 10, 1-3 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Learn a skill that can be a constructive and stress-relieving way to pass time in waiting rooms. Register by Feb. 7. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
All about Wigs. Friday, Feb. 11, 1-2 p.m., or Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Register by day before class. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Couples Workshop. Saturday, Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. This monthly support group includes discussion, exercises and support to help couples through the difficult times after a cancer diagnosis. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org. Register by Feb. 9.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Saturday, Feb. 12, 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 1B. Call 703-698-2841, visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
"Surviving and Healing: The Effects of Traumatic Loss." Sunday, Feb. 13, 2-4 p.m. Sponsored by the Washington Regional Transplant Consortium, this grief seminar addresses the shock and vulnerability of those left behind when a loved one suffers a sudden, traumatic or violent death. Many must also deal with the ongoing questions and the legal issues associated with criminal or civil investigations. The facilitator is Duane T. Bowers, LPC Ñ educator, author and grief therapist, recently the director of training and education at the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing in Washington, D.C. The seminar takes place at WRTC, 8110 Gatehouse Road #101W, Falls Church, in the large conference room. The seminar and parking are free. To R.S.V.P. or for directions, call 703-641-0100.
Healing Qi Gong. Mondays, Feb. 14, 21 and 28, 7:15-8:45 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room 1E. Qi Gong is the ancient healing art of combining gentle movement with deep breathing and meditation. Register by Feb. 11. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Multiple Myeloma Group. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief Dinner for Teens. Teenagers 13-18 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, Feb. 16, 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, Feb. 16, 5:30-7 p.m., join fellow lung cancer patients and family members to discuss "Spiritual Aspects of Coping with Trauma and Medical Illness." At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Seminars for Survivors: "Chemo Brain," or Cognitive Dysfunction after Chermotherapy. Thursday, Feb. 17, 7:15-8:45 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Learn about this side- and after-effect of treatment and learn hints to better manage it. Register by Feb. 14. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Expressive Arts: Hand Prints. Thursday, Feb. 17, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Register by Feb. 14. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, Feb. 17-March 17, 12:30-1:45 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Jenn Fay offers a five-week series of gentle yoga exercises. Register by Feb. 14. Dress comfortably. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Super Sibling Support Day. Monday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Ronald McDonald House. Registration necessary. This day is designed for siblings of pediatric oncology patients. This is a chance for children who have a brother or sister with cancer to lean about cancer, talk about their concerns and feelings, do medical play, arts and crafts, and play games. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Learning More about Hospice. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 7-8:30 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Special session of the Caregivers series, all are welcome to hear an overview of services offered to patients and family through hospice. Use the Blue parking garage. For information, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
"Nutrition: Fueling Up on Low-Fat Foods." Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2-4 p.m., at Whole Foods Market, 143 East Maple Ave., Vienna. Jennifer Keller, RD, managing director of The Cancer Project, features low-fat foods. Register by Feb. 18. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. On Wednesday, Feb. 23, 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.org.
BMT/Stem Cell Support Group. Thursday, Feb. 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m., at Fairfax-Northern VA Hem-Onc, 8503 Arlington Blvd., #320, Fairfax. Call to register at 703-698-2841; visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Writings for Wellness. Thursday, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., and Monday, May 24, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Use the beauty of literature and the healing power of writing to explore thoughts and emotions. Register by previous Monday. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Colorectal Cancer Group. On Thursday, Feb. 24, 6:30-8 p.m., 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, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Young Adult Group. Thursday, Feb. 24, 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 after a cancer diagnosis. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room A. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
GYN Cancer Group. On Thursday, Feb. 9, 5:30-7 p.m., women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers are invited to drop in for this monthly meeting. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief Bereavement Group. Tuesdays, Feb. 1-March 15, 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. 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. Registration necessary. Call to receive all forms. Call 703-698-2841, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org. Feb. 1 is the last opportunity to join this group; next group starts in April.
Coalesce I: Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group. Meets Fridays in the late morning at Inova Fairfax WomenÕs Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. Registration is required. Call Sage Bolte, M.S.W., breast cancer counselor, for time, information and to register at 703-208-5620.
Walk-in Cholesterol Testing. No physicianÕs request or appointment needed, and results are mailed directly to a residence. Tests include glucose, cholesterol, lipid profile, PSA, glycohemoglobin and lead. Test costs range from $5 to $15. Check or money order accepted. Inova Patient Service Center, 110 Maple Ave. E., Suite 110, Vienna; Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.Ð4 p.m. Closed 12:30-1 p.m. daily. Call 703-938-4039 for more information. Full-service testing with physicianÕs prescription also available.Ê
Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets on the fourth Tuesday monthly, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. No charge. For more information, contact Glenn Lawrence, 703-406-2732.
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. Interested participants must call ahead. For schedules and more information, contact Leon Paparella at 202-966-4450.
The Parkinson's Disease Young Onset Support Group meets on the first Wednesday 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 Tuesday 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.
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.
Partners of Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Partners' Meeting. Facilitated by an oncology counselor, partners of women with metastatic breast cancer meet on a monthly basis at the Silver Diner to relate to others who are faced with similar challenges. Call Sage Bolte, MSW, breast cancer counselor, 703-208-5620, for information, including day, time and location.
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.
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 suicide meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
AlzheimerÕs Association Caregiver Support Groups are facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. Support groups allow families to meet other caregivers, to share experiences and caregiving tips while developing coping skills. Caregivers and family members are invited to visit.
In Oakton, the group meets the third Monday of the month from 7:30 p.m. at Sunrise Senior Living (10322 Blake Lane). Call Betty Moore, group leader, at 703-255-2050, before attending for the first time. For a complete listing of AlzheimerÕs Association support groups meeting throughout the National Capital Area, call toll-free 1-866-259-0042 or visit www.alz-nca.org. Support groups are subject to change. Contact the support group leader to verify date, time and location.
The Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area is starting a new caregiver support group that will meet on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at The Sylvestery, 1728 Kirby Road in McLean. The Sylvestery is Vinson Hall Retirement Community's new assisted living residence for the care of people with memory impairments. Barbara Adams, M.S.W., will be the support group leader .
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Hyperactivity Disorder) of Northern Virginia. A support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7:15 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Contact Annette Spector, aspector@der-online.com, with questions. The support group schedule is also posted online at www.novachadd.org. For more information about these and other upcoming meetings, call 703-641-5451 or e-mail nova_chadd@hotmail.com.
The Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group meets every Wednesday, 7-8 p.m., at the Falls Church High School Career Center, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail. For additional information, call 703-425-6660.
Life with Cancer Caregivers Meeting. Every Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Meetings for family members to discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer and more. Use Blue Garage. Meetings held at Inova Fairfax Woman's Center, radiation oncology conference room, at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. 703-698-2841 for registration and information.
Social Skills/Therapy Groups. In small, age-appropriate groups, children who have difficulty in social situations learn and practice appropriate behavior, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions, and making friends. $55-$65 per session. (May be insurance-reimbursable.) For registration, call the Jewish Social Service Agency at 703-204-9100.
Recovery Inc., a nonprofit support group for depression, bipolar disorder and other nervous diseases, meets every Friday at Boulevard Baptist Church, 7000 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. Contact Lee, 703-777-1708.
The American Red Cross is offering Infant and Child CPR at Dunn Loring United Methodist Church, 2501 Gallows Road, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The fee is $40. To enroll, call 703-964-0004 or visit www.redcrossnca.org.
Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent Today. A chance to make a difference in a childÕs life. Call Fairfax CountyÕs Foster Care and Adoption Program at 703-324-7639.
Amputee Support Group of Northern Virginia. A support group for amputees, their families and friends. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, 7:30-9 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Physician's Conference Center, Room 1D, first floor, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. There is no cost to participants, and parking is provided free in the garage for cars displaying handicapped placards or license plates. Contact Irvin Axelrod at 703-222-7120 or e-mail asgnva@earthlink.net for more information.
Depression and Manic Depression Support Group. The Sterling/Reston Chapter of DRADA meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month, 7-9 p.m. For location, contact Ginny at 703-966-2510. DRADA stands for Depressive and Related Affective Disorders Association, a nonprofit, self-help group sponsored by Johns Hopkins, which has been in existence for over 20 years.
Shoplifters Anonymous. Group offers a new 12-step meeting program for those who wish to stop compulsive shoplifting. The group meets every Thursday, 7-8 p.m., at St. PaulÕs Lutheran Church, 7426 Idylwood Ave. Call Sue at 703-759-0396 or Carol at 703-764-0347 to confirm the meeting date.
Individual Metastatic Breast Cancer Counseling. Call Sage Bolte, M.S.W., breast cancer counselor, at 703-208-5620 for an appointment.
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.
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.