Support Programs

James Care for Life Classes

The JamesCare for Life Quarterly Class Series offers valuable information and education each month in an informal discussion session with medical experts. Patients, families and interested individuals can learn more about diet and nutrition, exercise, complementary therapies, and stress management as they relate to cancer and cancer treatment. Participants also learn valuable information and resources about symptom management, clinical trials, research and new treatments. Ample opportunity is also available for discussion and sharing with clinical experts as well as with other cancer survivors.

For more information, call (614) 293-6428 or view the 2008 Fall Class Series PDF 

Register for classes online.

Survivorship

August 2008 Classes

Siblings Sharing Support
August 9, 2008
9 a.m -12 p.m. 
The Depot Conference Center

Has your sibling been a special part of your cancer journey? If so, you and your sibling are invited to attend this unique workshop in which you can use expressive arts as a way to share special memories and support. Explore the special bonds of your relationship with your sibling and unlock your creative potential in this interactive workshop. No art experience is necessary and all materials and supplies will be provided. Space is limited.     

Prepared Family Caregiver for Cancer Class
August 13, 2008
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Call for location information

Learn problem-solving and decision-making skills to help manage a loved one’s care at home. Susan Scritchfield, LISW, and other experienced cancer care professionals guide participants in team building and ways to use expert information. Class includes the opportunity to network with other caregivers and receive information on topics such as nutrition and safe mobility. Reference materials and refreshments provided. Presented in collaboration with Mid-Ohio Oncology and Hematology and the Franklin County American Cancer Society.  To register and for directions to the class, please call (614) 293-3256.

The Cycle of the Garden:  The Practical and the Poetic
August 28, 2008 / 6-8 p.m.
Location to be determined
 
The cycles of a garden can be a reflection of our own lives, if we take the time to notice. Join Debra Knapke, writer and gardener, for an evening of writing exercises and observations that can help you live in the moment, both in your garden and in your life. Registration required. Please call JamesCare for Life at (614) 293-6428 to register.

September 2008 Classes

Finding a Path to Inner Peace
Sept. 10, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
The Fawcett Center

Do you find it hard to concentrate at times because of being preoccupied about cancer or what might happen? Does everything around you seem to be going at a pace that you just can’t keep up with? If so, join this class session where you’ll discover ways to reverse the negative impact of too much stress and find a path to inner peace so that you can bring a focused calm and relaxation back into your life. Erin McHam, MA, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor with more than 10 years experience in private practice and an instructor of empowerment workshops, will lead this class.

Sound Benefits: The Power of Percussion
Sept. 25, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Everal Barn in Heritage Park
60 North Cleveland Ave.,
Westerville

Join facilitator Eric “The Fish” Paton
as he leads participants in a hands-on, group-based percussion circle. Experience samba and other forms of percussion in this interactive session. Percussion circles provide a refreshing activity that can restore a sense of balance and well-being, reduce stress, encourage movement and provide support and enjoyment. Eric is currently an artist in residence with the Ohio Arts Council and the Artists-in-Schools program. Comfortable dress is recommended. Drums are provided.

October 2008 Classes

What’s in Your Pantry? A User’s Guide for
Selecting Cancer-Fighting Foods
Oct. 7, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
The Fawcett Center

Eager to begin integrating more cancer-fighting foods into your meal planning and preparation, but don’t know where to begin? Everyone wants to make better choices about food selection. This “user-friendly” session will give you practical and easy recommendations about essential foods that you can select to improve your overall health. Sample recipes and resources will be shared by a registered dietitian with the OSU Medical Center.


Mind-Body Balance through Breathing
Oct. 23, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
The Fawcett Center

The simple act of breathing, when done correctly, can help nourish and restore the mind, body and spirit. Breathe correctly and you can melt away tension and stress, improve energy or simply relax and unwind. Breathing instructions, exercises and meditations will be shared and demonstrated by Mitch Matthew, MSW, a licensed social worker, vocalist and musician, during this workshop. Sarah Mueller, a staff member at the OSU Medical Center and an accomplished cellist, will provide musical accompaniment to the breathing and meditative exercises.


November 2008 Classes

Partners in Survival: A Special Class for Couples
Nov. 6, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
The Fawcett Center

Cancer affects everyone in the family and not just the person diagnosed with cancer. Cancer can have a dramatic impact on relationships as partners learn to grapple with shifts in roles and responsibilities; living with uncertainty; physical changes; changes in intimacy; stress; financial challenges; and trying to be supportive when faced with strong emotions. Facilitated by Sharla Wells-Di Gregorio, Ph.D., this class will provide a forum for candid discussion on the issues couples face when cancer enters one’s life and an opportunity to discover ways to conquer life's unexpected challenges.

Loosen Up with Laughter
Nov. 20, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
The Fawcett Center

Come and celebrate the joy of laughter. Studies have shown that laughter has numerous health benefits. Certified Laughter Leader, Susan Stewart, RN, MA, will lead participants through gentle laughter exercises that can be enjoyed standing or sitting in a chair. Prepare to laugh and enjoy the camaraderie with others in this energizing and uplifting class.

December 2008 Classes

Create and Celebrate: Artful Expressions of Gratitude
Dec. 6, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The Depot Conference Center
919 Old Henderson Road, Columbus

Practicing gratitude may increase your own happiness in the process. Join this half-day workshop for an enjoyable morning of creating greetings and cards of gratitude for those you appreciate. You will have the opportunity to learn several creative card-making techniques. The Depot Conference Center, an 1880s renovated train depot, will serve as the setting for this retreat. No experience is necessary and all supplies are provided.

*These are activities not assigned to any specific month but need to be on the JCFL web page. 


The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s
Cancer Survivor’s Book Club
2nd Wednesday of every month, 10 - 11 a.m.
Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Easton

JamesCare for Life collaborates with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) in offering a monthly book club. Led by Chris Krall, an  oncology nurse from The James, the book club provides an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, to dedicate personal time for reading and learning and to share encouragement and insights with each other. Books are provided free of charge by JamesCare for Life and LLS. The group meets monthly to discuss the previous month’s selection and to receive the next selection. For more information contact LLS at (614) 476-7194, Ext. 231.

Lebed II: Intermediate Class
Focus on Healing through Movement and
Exercise for Individuals with Cancer
Tuesdays, Sept. 16 - Oct. 21 (six-week series)3 - 4 p.m.
University Hospital East – Wallace Auditorium

The Intermediate Lebed class will continue to build on the flexibility achieved through the first series of classes, but will include new music and routines! Participants will also be introduced to strengthening exercises using an elastic theraband to target individual muscles. All participants will benefit regardless of their fitness level. Classes will be facilitated by Laura Mainzer, PTA. First time Lebed participants are encouraged to join! Comfortable dress is recommended. For more information or to register, please call JamesCare for Life at (614) 293-6428.

Supporting Survivorship Through Retreat and Renewal:
A Retreat Series Supported by a Grant from The Columbus
Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

These retreats will provide support and education for those living through and beyond breast cancer. Participants learn how to adopt healthier lifestyles; integrate mind-body interventions to minimize stress and maximize wellness; access creative outlets for self-expression and share support with other breast cancer survivors. One retreat session will include partners of survivors and focus on issues related to intimacy, communication, roles and relationships. The couples retreat session will include dinner and a presentation by author Marc Silver, Breast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (And Yourself) Through Diagnosis, Treatment and Beyond. To receive more information or to register, please contact JamesCare for Life at 614-293-6428.

Saturday, Sept. 13
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Shepherd’s Corner
Reynoldsburg

Saturday, Jan. 24
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Spring Hollow Lodge
Sharon Woods Metro Park
Couples Retreat

Friday, Feb., 27
3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Columbus North
6500 Doubletree Ave.