Cancer Support Services
Cancer Support Services
Cancer Survivor programs can help cancer patients and survivors thrive and survive. The program is free of charge and caregivers are welcome to participate. The goal is to support people living with cancer and its effects, to provide tools and resources that address challenges, and to help people take action in their recovery.
Ongoing offerings focus on nutrition, physical activity, and support to help people improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of recurrence. In addition, experienced staff can guide people to the programs and community resources that are appropriate to their needs.
Eligibility:
- Past or current cancer diagnosis
Programs & Offerings Available
Garden & Vegetables
The Healing Rose Garden is a community garden with a mission to engage survivors in growing and eating cancer-fighting organic vegetables. Survivors take on tasks, if able, to nurture the garden and harvest vegetables. The garden manager provides education on growing, harvesting, food preparation and food safety.
Gardening is therapeutic. It encourages healthy eating and physical activity. The garden is a peaceful sanctuary that embodies hope and health.
As funding and availability permits, vegetables are distributed to survivors at no charge year-round. During the spring, summer and early fall, vegetables and herbs are grown in the Healing Rose Garden. The remainder of the year vegetables are obtained from local growers when available. Distribution is Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Classes & Workshops
Cooking workshops, led by a registered dietician, are held to encourage cancer survivors to eat cancer-fighting fruits and vegetables and to cook healthfully at home. The workshops are a combination of nutrition information, cooking demonstration and tasting of healthy recipes. Generally held the third Thursday of the month 11-11:15 a.m., but please contact us to confirm dates.
Tai Chi class is held once per week. It follows a therapeutic style of Tai Chi that has been proven to improve strength, balance and physical functioning and prevent falls. Held Mondays 1:30-2:30 p.m.
This seated yoga class is held weekly in person and on Zoom. It incorporates gentle movement and guided meditation. It is relaxing and refreshing and is helpful for flexibility, regaining strength, and managing anxiety and other difficult emotions. Held Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
This is a highly interactive and supportive workshop. Developed at Stanford University, it is proven to help people thrive by teaching them the skills that help them address challenges. Topics include: healthy eating, dealing with difficult emotions, regaining fitness, making decisions, changes to your body, and working with healthcare providers.
Other Resources
The Richard A. Henson Wellness Center is located at MAC. Inc. Three-month memberships are available at no charge to a limited number of cancer survivors each year, with priority given to those 5 or less years from diagnosis or those living with cancer. Memberships include:
- Use of exercise machines and help from certified trainers
- Use of the anti-gravity treadmill for rehabilitation and painful joints
- Group exercise classes
Trained staff work one-on-one with people to address mild depression. The program is a protocol of problem-solving and activity planning to improve mood and decrease depression.
