New Classes Support Cancer Patients through Treatment and into Survival

Anyone can tell you that a cancer diagnosis is life changing. Now, there is help finding ways to adapt. A new wellness program, launched by the Oncology Support Services team, is designed to offer cancer patients the tools they need to continue to enjoy life. From Yoga and Strength Training to best practices for communicating through MyChart, the classes presented will offer a wide array of solutions.    There are weekly Yoga, QiGong, and Strength & Resistance Training classes, plus individual classes on selected topics.  All classes are held in the Linda & Buddy Kaufman Health & Wellness Center (Suite 114), on the first floor of the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, Suite 114. To register, please call Oncology Support Services at 443-849-2961 or email oncologysupport@gbmc.org.    

Ongoing Classes  

Yoga   Certified Yoga4Cancer Instructor Heather Thomas offers a 60-minute gentle yoga class for individuals with a diagnosis of cancer. Classes will explore a combination of mind-body practices to bring greater health and wellness into all levels of being. Participants will begin in chairs and progress to standing poses, ending with deep relaxation on the floor.   Mondays, 4-5pm (Note: Class will not be held on September 1, September 8, September 29, or October 13.)  

QiGong  

Certified National Qigong Association Level II instructor Mary Pinkard brings her mastery of music and education, grounded in her deep passion for nature and building community.  Qigong improves flexibility, strength, balance, energy, and sleep. Her class is accessible to all.  Tuesdays, 4-5pm (Note: Class will not be held September 23 or November 4)  

Strength & Resistance Training  

Certified Health Coach and Personal Trainer Karen Wilhour, CETI, helps cancer survivors improve their strength and manage the side effects of treatment, develop support, and learn to improve their quality of life.   Wednesdays, 4-5pm (Note: Class will not be held September 24 and is likely to be canceled November 26, the evening before Thanksgiving.)     

Individual Sessions  

Creative Connection – Holiday Card Making with Nancy Amato, Stampin’ Up! Monday, October 13, 4-5pm  

Nutrition Education with GBMC Registered Dietitian, Allison Francis. Making healthy choices during the holidays and when dining out.  Tuesday, November 4, 4-5pm    

MyChartman Epic / Tech night – with Courtney Hartman. Enhance your use of technology when communicating with your healthcare team. Tuesday, December 2, 4-5pm  

Navigating Menopause Symptoms with a Cancer Diagnosis - with Robert B. Donegan, MD, Chief of Medical Oncology, and Laura Donegan, MD, FACP, Internal Medicine. Tuesday, December 9, 5-6pm    

Additional classes that will return, dates to be determined, include:  

Daily Energy Routine – with Diane Moniuszko. This class will continue to be offered for patients to learn acupressure-based energy techniques that can be done sitting, standing, or laying down. Increasing energy, strengthening the immune system, improving ability to think clearly, and reducing stress and anxiety are desired outcomes from her techniques.  

Sound Immersion – with Mary Pinkard.  Designed to support your healing journey, using soothing vibrations, tones, rhythms, and therapeutic frequencies. This guided experience gently encourages deep relaxation and stress reduction. The restorative power of sound helps re-balance your body’s energy and promotes alignment of body, mind, and spirit. This evidence-informed practice offers a peaceful space for renewal, resilience, and inner calm.