2009 is rolling right on by on the heels of an out of the ordinary winter storm. An extreme event of novelty forcing us to change directions and many to make alternative plans. The Christmas Blizzard of 2009 forced stillness upon many as roads were impassible and customary family gatherings and spiritual gatherings were cancelled. A chance arose for looking at new ways of celebrating the season and for remembering the reason for the season. How many new traditions were born of necessity? How many old traditions were joyfully released into the family archives?
Almost four years ago I experienced my own novel, unexpected event…a cancer diagnosis. It too was immobilizing, forcing awareness. Forcing a review of the things that are important and those things that just don’t seem to matter in the big picture. Change was afoot and I realized self-care was a priority. Educating myself on how to take care of my body and integrating complementary ways to heal as chemo and radiation did their work, became my full time occupation. It was like running a corporation. Balancing all of the appointments, all in different places was time consuming. Imagine what a gift it would have been to have it all in one place!
Someone else imagined such a place. Touched By Cancer’s founder and author of Bigger Thank Pink, Still Alive and Thriving, Lori Lober had a dream to provide a place to find wellness while on a cancer journey. This dream has come to pass. The Touched By Cancer Foundation Wellness Center provides a wealth of current information resources and educational opportunities to anyone touched by cancer. Under the same roof the Wellness Center provides Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Energy Healing and Nutrition counseling for those on a cancer journey. Group classes in Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and even Belly Dance as well as informational topics are available as well.
So in light of change forced by events of extreme novelty…
Are you making your way through cancer treatment? Start the year fresh with a commitment to integrating something new into your wellness plan. Come to the Wellness Center and learn about what to eat to support your immune system. Or try a therapeutic massage.
Is there someone you know that inspires you with their grit and grace in spite of a cancer diagnosis? Consider gifting them with a session by making a contribution to Touched By Cancer in their name.
Save the date! Any and all are invited to the Touched By Cancer Open House on January 21 to get a taste of what we have to offer.
While not everyone experiences the same life altering moments…for those who experience the words, “You have cancer,” the Touched By Cancer Wellness Center provides safe space, tools and encouragement to weather the storm.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Best Gift for You...
I don’t have time for a massage…
It’s the busiest time of the year… there’s no time for meditation.
There’s so much to do…when things slow down after the first of the year…I will take time for myself.
It’s the busiest time of the year… there’s no time for meditation.
There’s so much to do…when things slow down after the first of the year…I will take time for myself.
Why is it our own well-being gets put on the back burner, while shuffling through crowds and standing in line take precedence? The ironic thing about the holiday season is that it is the busy times when we should be making sure we TAKE the time for self-care. It is in these busy times that our body, mind and spirit need relaxation and recharging.
Taking time for self-care could be as simple as listening to Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias / Myung-Whun Chung or Songs of Joy and Peace by Yo Yo Ma while your car is warming up.
Try turning off the cell phone (altogether!) for ten minutes and making a list of what you are grateful for today.
Are you a cancer patient in active treatment and your messy house is driving you crazy? Check out Cleaning for a Cause and save that energy for something nourishing and fun!
If you are feeling time challenged, TAKE the time to schedule a 30 minute massage instead of an hour.
Go for a walk outside during your lunch hour. Something I like to do is to simply sit on the brick retaining wall in front of the office and take 10 minutes to soak up some gentle winter sun – to help recharge my natural stores of vitamin D.
Take an hour to learn something new. (We have a class tomorrow!) Choose to start one new healthy habit BEFORE the first of the year.
Turn off the electronics thirty minutes earlier than usual one night a week. Read a book instead. Do you fall asleep like I do when I sit and read? Try a magazine - short articles and lots of pictures.
Bottom line…at the end of the day you are the most important thing in your life. Your healthy body, active mind and fulfilled spirit are what supports you in your journey. Gift yourself that this year…
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
A New Day at the Touched By Cancer Foundation
Has it really been a year that I have been away? So much has transpired over the last 12 months for myself and the Touched By Cancer Foundation. I am grateful and excited to be back helping those touched by cancer navigate their unique journey to wellness.
Synchronicity has had its hand in the mix, as the TBCF Wellness Center is now located in central Johnson County, Kansas, making my commute to work ten minutes instead of forty-five! You on the other hand, can access useful information and an online support network 24/7 by utilizing our Touched By Cancer Blog and FaceBook page. I encourage you to subscribe to both and then comment often. Conversation threads can turn up “aha!” moments and help to develop peer support among those commenting.
Our new location has a proper gym setting for movement classes (inquire about yoga classes already underway!), a large board room for classes and group workshops, a cozy room for individual and group sessions, and two therapy rooms for massage and the like.
Join us for a fun and informative session on “Healthy Holiday Eating.” This is the first in a series of four lunch-time nutrition seminars presented by Kendra Friesz, coming up on Friday, December 18 at 11:00 AM. Call the Wellness Center for a reservation. As always group classes are open to anyone touched by cancer, those in treatment, friends, supporters, partners and those thriving after cancer.
A lot of times people do not know what to do to support a loved one’s journey through cancer. Touched By Cancer Gift Certificates provide a caring solution. In this season of giving, is there someone you know that would love a therapeutic massage, acupuncture or even an esthetic session? Call or email the office for information on purchasing a gift certificate.
A lot has changed and a lot is still the same here at the Touched By Cancer Wellness Center. Our location and some faces have changed and our mission remains steadfast: To instill hope in those touched by cancer by providing current research based information, educational programming, and affordable access to Complementary (CAM) therapies.
Synchronicity has had its hand in the mix, as the TBCF Wellness Center is now located in central Johnson County, Kansas, making my commute to work ten minutes instead of forty-five! You on the other hand, can access useful information and an online support network 24/7 by utilizing our Touched By Cancer Blog and FaceBook page. I encourage you to subscribe to both and then comment often. Conversation threads can turn up “aha!” moments and help to develop peer support among those commenting.
Our new location has a proper gym setting for movement classes (inquire about yoga classes already underway!), a large board room for classes and group workshops, a cozy room for individual and group sessions, and two therapy rooms for massage and the like.
Join us for a fun and informative session on “Healthy Holiday Eating.” This is the first in a series of four lunch-time nutrition seminars presented by Kendra Friesz, coming up on Friday, December 18 at 11:00 AM. Call the Wellness Center for a reservation. As always group classes are open to anyone touched by cancer, those in treatment, friends, supporters, partners and those thriving after cancer.
A lot of times people do not know what to do to support a loved one’s journey through cancer. Touched By Cancer Gift Certificates provide a caring solution. In this season of giving, is there someone you know that would love a therapeutic massage, acupuncture or even an esthetic session? Call or email the office for information on purchasing a gift certificate.
A lot has changed and a lot is still the same here at the Touched By Cancer Wellness Center. Our location and some faces have changed and our mission remains steadfast: To instill hope in those touched by cancer by providing current research based information, educational programming, and affordable access to Complementary (CAM) therapies.
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