Programs
We offer many wonderful programs, including opportunities for Cancer Connection participants to enjoy programs through All Out Adventures. In addition to our regular on-going educational and creative programs like Feldenkrais (Make Friends With Your Body), Knitting, Rest to Heal, Qigong Yoga, Creative Writing, Mindfulness, and Music & Movement, we are offering one-time workshops on cooking for nutrition, art, gardening and much more. More information can be found below.
Like all our services, Cancer Connection offers programs free of charge for people living with a cancer diagnosis, their families, and caregivers.
Confidentiality
All of the confidentiality norms and expectations of the standard Cancer Connection Confidentiality Agreement for participants and facilitators remains in effect for telephone, online, or in person activities. We ask all participants to keep confidential the identity of others they meet in group activities, and not to disclose any personal information that is shared in a support group or program to anyone outside of that meeting. We can talk about ideas outside of the group, but not about people.
Registration
Registration requirements vary by program. Please see below for details on each of our programs and information on how to join them.
Like all our services, Cancer Connection offers programs free of charge for people living with a cancer diagnosis, their families, and caregivers.
Morning Wellness: Structuring Your day
Facilitated by Linda Tumbarello
April 24, May 1 and May 8th, 9:30 am to 10 am
Join us for our new program designed to support you after your cancer treatment journey. We understand the challenges of transitioning from a team of medical professionals to managing your recovery on your own. Our program, "Morning Wellness: Structuring Your Day," offers a 30-minute session with gentle movement, guided meditations, self-massage techniques, and practical tools to help you navigate this crucial time.
During these sessions, you'll learn how to prioritize your well-being, anticipate your needs, and make your day work for you. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the tasks ahead or struggling to care for yourself while recuperating, this program is tailored to provide the support and guidance you need.
The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
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Linda is a highly experienced, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Body-Mind Centering Practitioner and Teacher. She leads workshops, and has a private practice in Northampton where she specializes in healing from physical and emotional issues and trauma. She has brought her skills from over 35 years as a Psychotherapist and Body-Work Practitioner to facilitate the Self-Care Support and Skills group since 2014. Linda is the author of The Heart of Self-Care: A Woman’s Guide to Joyful Living and Well-Being.
Her approach to self-care is body-centered, mindful and, genuinely empowering. She has been a faculty member of the School for Body-Mind Centering Practitioner Training program, and the Dynamic Embodiment Training program for over 30 years. Linda is so grateful for the support that her husband received as a participant in the men’s support group after his cancer diagnosis and is proud to be part of such a wonderful organization as cancer connection.
Cancer Connection participants can now register for All Out Adventures programs
All Out Adventures (AOA) is currently hosting Cancer Connection participants in any of its current programs. Fees for these programs will be paid by Cancer Connection.*
All Out Adventures programs include seasonal adaptive cycling, independent cycling, kayaking, and canoeing and snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sit cross country skiing, ice skating, sled skating in winter and for adults and seniors, including veterans, in various locations in Massachusetts.
*This initial AOA/Cancer Connection project is a pilot program to determine the level of interest in the community for this collaboration. If successful, future All Out Adventures programs will be planned exclusively for Cancer Connection participants.
Once you identify a program
Call All Out Adventures directly at 413-584-2052 or email them. Let them know you’re one of our participants and which program(s) you’d like to join. They can also address any questions about the programs or accessibility.
Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 and let us know you signed up for an AOA program, so we will cover the cost, rather than you!
Whole food, plant-based Cooking
Whole Food, Plant-based Cooking with Paul Sustick of Paul & Elizabeth’s
Saturday, May 11th and June 1st
10 am to 1 pm
Eating a whole foods, plant-based diet is one of the most fundamental and accessible ways of promoting good health and living well through cancer treatment and beyond.
Come join Paul Sustick of Paul & Elizabeth’s restaurant as we learn how to transform fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains into delicious healthy dishes, empowering you to become a more skilled, confident home cook. The workshop will include cooking demonstrations and hands-on work as well as practical cooking skills, tips and knife skills.
Bring an apron, cutting board and knife and let’s have some fun while making nourishing, supportive food!
This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a primary caregiver and is free of charge. Registration is required. Priority for each workshop will be given to people who have not attended a cooking workshop before, but previous participants will be considered if space is available.
Call Cancer Connection to register on 413-586-1642 ext. 107, or if you are already a Cancer Connection participant, you can use this link to start your registration process.
Art Workshop: A Plateful of Gelli - Creating Gelli Prints
A Plateful of Gelli - Creating Gelli Prints with Patricia Hayes
Saturday, April 27th
9:30 am to 3:30 pm
In this one session participants will experiment with the durable, reusable form of gelatin printing called Gelli plates to create stunning layered monoprints using acrylic paints. The possibilities are endless!
The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 ext. 107. Limited to 8 participants.
Generously funded by Rays of Hope, this workshop is open to all people who have, or have had, a breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis
Mirrors: Equine Assisted Mindfulness Workshop
Mirrors Equine Assisted Mindfulness Workshop with Colleen Campbell and Cris Carl
Workshops will be held on the following dates and times:
May 4th, 2pm- 3:30pm
May 18th, 2pm- 3:30pm
June 1, 2pm- 3:30pm
June 15, 2pm- 3:30pm
July 6, 10am- 11:30am
July 20th, 10am- 11:30am
Spend time at the Heroes, Horses & Hounds farm in Sunderland learning from and connecting with one of the wisest, most patient and forgiving teachers around, Horses. This workshop focuses on finding peace with your body, connection with yourself and others, sharing and processing lessons learned while going through treatments and finding not only joy but simple fun. Rediscovering play as a way of healing and building resilience. The workshop will consist of mindfulness and journaling exercises, hands on time with the horses and group sharing time. These workshops often help bring clarity and a shift in thinking. Helping people regain a part of themselves that may have been lost along their journey through cancer.
Mirrors takes place outdoors on a farm, so appropriate clothing and footwear will be required. Program details will be provided upon registration.
Call Cancer Connection on 413-586-1642 ext. 107 to register for a workshop on one of the dates listed above.
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Colleen Campbell is a certified trainer with the IAABC (international association of animal behavior consultants) and a graduate of UMASS Amherst with an Equine studies degree. At two years old she began asking for a horse. Needless to say Colleen was born with her passion of working with animals and has spent her life following that dream.
Mirrors and Paws for Joy equine and canine assisted therapy and service dog training programs have been developed from years of observations of and working with human and animal teams.
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Cris Carl, LADC1, is a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma, addiction and grief. She has been studying the brain and the effects of trauma and how the brain heals from trauma for over 25 years. Cris has a wonderful way of sitting with people and allowing them to open up in their own time. Allowing people the space they need to feel comfortable sharing whatever they want to share.
Cris loves the animals and has experienced the healing power of horses in the Mirrors program herself, originally starting as a student of the program in 2019. Then lending her gifts to help transform Mirrors into what it is today.
Mindfulness in Nature
Facilitated by Lynne Smith
Meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of the Month, May-July, 1:00 pm to 2:10 pm (Rain date Saturday)
Join our NEW Mindful Movement in Nature seasonal program where you can enjoy a gentle mind/body practice along with the beauty of the trees, water and sun! Participants will meet at Amethyst Brook Conservation in Amherst. The session includes a 10-minute walk to a shaded labyrinth by beautiful sunlit streams and water. We will then practice Qigong which often mirrors movements in nature. Depending on interest from the group, we will change locations in June and July to add some variety to our experience outdoors. Standing practice only. Beginners welcome!
🌿 Nature’s Energy
Learn gentle movements that echo water, trees, and birds, which harmonizes your body with nature’s energy.
🌬️ The Power of Breath
Learn to circulate energy through intentional breathing exercises while gently moving, which helps improve flexibility and joint health as well as alleviate pain.
🌳 Inner Peace
Calm your mind and nervous system with exercises that you will be inspired to use beyond the session to reduce anxiety and stress.
🌅 The Great Outdoors
Embrace the season and the natural world as we connect mind, body, and nature together in community.
What you will need: Sun hat, bug spray and water
The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Lynne Smith
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For twenty years, Lynne has been integrating Qigong into all of her Yoga classes and has witnessed many testimonials of the powerful benefits of the practice when Yoga and Qigong are integrated together. She is a Senior Trainer with the Institute of Integral Qigong and T’ai Chi and produced a Qigong Infused Yoga DVD in 2018. She leads online teacher training programs training other instructors from around the world. She is passionate about and committed to Qigong as she continues to experience the powerful benefits and deep transformation that the practice offers.
Learn more about the practice and our instructor here.
Seasonal Container Garden Workshop
Seasonal Container Garden Workshop with Priscilla Touhey
Saturday, May 18
10:00am - 12:00 Noon
Come learn how to make a lovely, small outdoor container garden using seasonal plants for the transition from summer to fall. You will hear a brief talk about the plants and container design, then put on your gloves and create a little potted garden of your very own to take home and enjoy! Participants need to be able to work with soil, dry moss, and plant materials. All materials and tools, including vinyl gloves, will be provided.
Priscilla Touhey is the owner of Klipspringer Coaching LLC, certified health and wellbeing coach, and certified master gardener.
Call Cancer Connection on 413-586-1642 ex 107 to register by Wednesday, May15th so we can ensure having appropriate supplies for everyone.
This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a primary caregiver and is free of charge. Registration is required.
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I am a Certified Health and Wellness Coach, accountability partner, master gardener (and pollinator habitat maker), a mother, a wife, and a proud dog mama to “Chloe”, our black lab mix rescue. I am also an empath and a change agent and founder of Klipspringer Coaching.
Stronger Together: Team Training for the Western Mass Mother's Day 9 mile Walk/Run
Stronger Together: Team Training for the Western Mass Mother's Day 9 mile Walk/Run
Wednesdays 6:30pm to 7:30p, starting March 20th and running for 8 weeks
Finding movement after treatment ends can be hard. Finding movement in a safe space with people who have lived experience similar to your own, can be even more challenging to find.
Cancer Connection is teaming up with My Health Matters Fitness to support and train a Cancer Connection relay team to participate in the Mother's Day Half Marathon 9 mile Walk/Run. Reconnecting with our bodies after treatment in a way that helps us acknowledge everything that may come up on this journey is vital for us to rediscover ourselves. All emotions and bodies are welcome here.
Come join us for an 8 week, running/walking specific strength based small group located at My Health Matters Fitness in Hadley, MA. This will be a small relay team focused on training for the 9 mile run/walk.
In these 8 weeks, we will be using strength training movements to help support joints and commonly injured areas when training for a walking/running based event in any capacity. Glute, Core, and Lower Body strengthening will be at the forefront, but we may also sprinkle in a few upper body awareness movements as well! Balance will be an essential component to this programming as well as brief moments of cardio such as Ball Slams, Boxing, and Battle Ropes. The goal of this class is to have fun learning about the "Why" behind each movement and how we can best support ourselves as we navigate into training for any length of running/walking. Plus! It's fun to do it with a group of people who have similar goals in mind!
Because this is a small group of 7 people forming a team for a relay of the 9 mile, it is important to be there for all 8 weeks (or as many as you can make!) to help develop team encouragement and support regardless of where you are on your movement journey. Please note that a doctor’s note clearing for exercise is required to participate in the program.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 x107 to register.
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My Health Matters Fitness is a queer owned, Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned, weight neutral, fat positive, anti diet personal training and group movement company.
Britt’s Certifications include:
NASM Personal Trainer
Corrective Exercise Specialist
Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC)
HAES (Health at Every Size) Alignment
Weight Neutral and Anti Diet Trainer
Slow Stitching Workshop
Slow Stitching Workshop with by Diane Potter
Saturday, June 8th
10 am to 12 pm
Sometimes it’s nice to slow down, relax and create something in a thoughtful way.
Slow stitching is just that kind of outlet.
The point isn’t to be perfect, but to enjoy the creative process.
We will create a small piece incorporating embroidery stitches and collaged fabric pieces. The main motif, if you choose to have one, might be a bird, a vase of flowers or something important to you. Please bring items such as small scraps of fabric (some will be on hand), lace, charms, or linens that can be cut to shape. You will need a pair of small, sharp scissors. All other necessary materials will be provided. Join us for a fun and relaxing session.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 x107 to register.
Art Workshop: Catching Some Rays - Hand Painted Silk Suncatchers
Catching Some Rays - Hand Painted Silk Suncatchers with Patricia Hayes
Saturday, September 14th
9:30 am — 3:30 pm
In another approach to the exquisite art of silk painting, participants will try the resist method to create a silk hoop suncatcher of our own unique design using techniques such as colored washes and ombrés, layering and blending, salt texturing, and more.
The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 ext. 107. Limited to 8 participants.
Generously funded by Rays of Hope, this workshop is open to all people who have, or have had, a breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis
Feldenkrais: Make Friends With Your Body
Facilitated by Joshua Elbaum, using remote technology
Meets every Monday - 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Cancer, cancer treatments, and being a caregiver can all create stress and discomfort in our physical selves. This class is a place to practice making friends with your body again using the wisdom of Feldenkrais. Through gentle movement in supported positions, we will shift ingrained patterns in the nervous system to help you breathe easier, sit taller, and have more capacity for doing what you love.
Currently meeting using remote technology. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Joshua Elbaum
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My name is Joshua Elbaum and I am a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner® and a Registered Somatic Movement Educator based in Northampton, MA. I have been practicing somatic work for over a decade and the Feldenkrais Method for over 7 years. I graduated from the Boston 2020 training after studying with Aliza Stewart, Arlynn Zones, David Zemach Bersin, and Larry Goldfarb, among many others. I have also studied Tai Chi for nearly a decade with Joshua Grant, a 2x U.S. Champion and Gold Medalist. I have taught classes with organizations such as Peoples Medicine Clinic, Riverside Community Care, and freeskewl, among others. Through my study of Feldenkrais and other somatic practices, I have healed from chronic pain, repaired my relationship with my body, and discovered my creative and connective potential. It is my mission to share what I’ve learned with those who need it.
Music & Movement
Facilitated by Robin Diamond, MSN, hybrid options
Meets Thursdays - 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Improve your well-being and feel connected to others through a combination of balance, stretching, physical movement, and creative expression. This class accommodates everyone. No prior dance or yoga experience required. Moving to music with others is healing and fun!
Currently offering both in person and remote meeting options. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Robin Diamond, MSN
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Robin Diamond has a background in nursing and a certification in Yoga Dance from Kripalu Yoga and Meditation Center. For the past 12 years she has been teaching Music and Movement classes, working with Special Populations in various locations in the Pioneer Valley. Robin has been a dedicated teacher at Cancer Connection for more than 10 years and is also a long-time Hospice Volunteer at the Fisher Home. Robin enjoys cycling, gardening, making handmade greeting cards, and performing weddings as a Justice of the Peace! She lives in Amherst with her husband Ted, two pugs (Chips and Salsa), and a cat.
Mindfulness Program
Facilitated by Mariah Freemole, using remote technology
Meets every Thursday - 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
This program is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD. The quality and practice of mindfulness can open you to a greater sense of connection to your inner life and the life around you, as well as a calmness that will help you better cope with stress, pain, illness, and worry, during the meetings and at home between sessions.
Currently meeting using remote technology. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Mariah Freemole
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Mariah Freemole has been living and teaching mindfulness in the Pioneer Valley since August 2018. In addition to working with children, Mariah enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and traveling. She practices in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition and is a graduate of the Engaged Mindfulness Institute’s teacher certification program.
“My aspiration in teaching mindfulness is to serve as a facilitator for the ‘uncovering’ of your innate wisdom and insights into what will bring more ease into your life. In my teaching, I strive to offer a variety of different approaches to help you access your inherent peace. Whether you have been thinking about trying a mindfulness class, would like to ask questions about mindfulness, or simply share with others your existing practice, please know you can ‘drop in’ for any class at any time. I would be delighted to have you join us!”
Qigong Yoga
Facilitated by Lynne Smith, hybrid options
Meets Tuesdays - 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Qigong Infused Yoga is a gentle mind/body practice that includes fun breathing exercises, calming movements from Qigong and Gentle Yoga, Balancing Postures, and Meditation. The infusion of Yoga and Qigong is both energizing and relaxing and offers the powerful benefits of BOTH within one practice- including supporting the nervous system affected by chronic illness, anxiety, stress and facilitating healing by inducing the relaxation response in the body.
Currently offering both in person and remote meeting options. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Lynne Smith
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For twenty years, Lynne has been integrating Qigong into all of her Yoga classes and has witnessed many testimonials of the powerful benefits of the practice when Yoga and Qigong are integrated together. She is a Senior Trainer with the Institute of Integral Qigong and T’ai Chi and produced a Qigong Infused Yoga DVD in 2018. She leads online teacher training programs training other instructors from around the world. She is passionate about and committed to Qigong as she continues to experience the powerful benefits and deep transformation that the practice offers.
Learn more about the practice and our instructor here.
Rest to Heal
Facilitated by Bernadette Nicholson, using remote technology
Meets every Monday - 11 am to 12 pm
Each Rest To Heal Program Session provides the participant with a guided meditation experience of Yoga Nidra allowing the body to fall into deep relaxation in a state between wakefulness and sleep. Yoga Nidra provides refreshing rest and healing for body and mind. Sleep and rest can be difficult for those with a diagnosis as well as for caregivers. Yoga Nidra can ease pain, relieve anxiety, reduce sleep issues, and bring you to deeper levels of calmness.
Currently meeting using remote technology. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Bernadette Nicholson
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Bernadette has been honored to work with Cancer Connection Program Participants as an Oncology Massage Therapist and provider of Calming Strategies Stress Reduction Sessions since 2018.
As a 500 Hour Certified Embodyoga Teacher and Certified Teacher of Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra since 2013, she is passionate about helping people find peace, calm and contentment through the Yoga Nidra experience of coming home to the inner self and it's wisdom.
Spirit of the Written Word
Facilitated by Pam Roberts, using remote technology
Meets every Tuesday - 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Open yourself to the transformational power of writing as a tool for healing and connecting with yourself and others. Pam provides “prompts” (perhaps a word, phrase, or object) as inspiration and starting point for writing. Writing within the safe, confidential confines of the group feels therapeutic, but we focus on our writing.
Currently meeting using remote technology. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Pam Roberts
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Pam Roberts is a writer, artist, and certified yoga teacher. A longtime breast cancer survivor, she leads Spirit of the Written Word writing workshops and yoga classes for people impacted by cancer and for the general population. She has been leading the Spirit of the Written Word writing workshop at Cancer Connection since 2003. She also facilitates 1 in 8: The Torso Project, a hands-on healing art experience for women affected by breast cancer consisting of workshops, exhibits and a book.
Knitting
Facilitated by Wendy Sinton, MSW, hybrid options
Meets every Monday - 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Knitting can be meditative, relaxing, and a lot of fun. Come learn how to knit and purl at your own pace in a community of creative people. This class is appropriate for new or returning knitters. No experience necessary!
Currently offering both in person and remote meeting options. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Wendy Sinton, MSW
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Wendy Sinton has an MSW and practiced counseling therapy for over 20 years. She has been knitting for over 60 years and has been running the Cancer Connection knitting group for over 15 years. She finds knitting to be a relaxation and centering experience and very helpful in stressful times.
Learn more about our other services
Befrienders
Befrienders are trained staff and volunteers who listen and support both those who have been diagnosed and caregivers through challenging times.
Integrative Therapies
We offer therapies that treat the symptoms of cancer and offer stress relief and comfort to those living with a diagnoses as well as their caregivers.
Support Groups
Support groups offer a place where we can laugh, cry, celebrate, and use humor to find relief in the universality of our experiences.