Speakers and Sessions: 

Speakers:

• Chemobrain Lecture- Dr. Brent Small- Dr. Small is Senior Associate Dean for Research and Professor in the School of Nursing and a Full Member of the Cancer Outcomes Research Program at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Small’s research examines Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI), whereby persons diagnosed and treated for cancer often report cognitive problems that were not present prior to the cancer diagnosis.

• Exercise During and After Cancer- Dr. Claudio Battaglini- Battaglini’s research focuses on the effects of acute and chronic exercise on physiological, psychological, and physical functioning in cancer patients. He is the founder and Director Emeritus of Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program and Co-Director of the Exercise Oncology Research Laboratory. Over the past 19 years, Battaglini has published over 200 journal articles and scientific abstracts and five textbook chapters related to exercise oncology.

• Nutrition and Cancer- Ashely Bradshaw-Ashely is a registered dietitian in the cancer center and is certified in oncology nutrition. 

• Spiritual Wellness- Rev. Lisa Williams.  Rev. Williams is a hospital chaplain at UNC Cancer Center and an ordained minister. 

• Research and Cancer- Come and learn about how research is beneficial to both patients and scientists. 

• Managing Mental Health- Come and learn about the different ways you can care for your mental and emotional health during and after cancer treatment. 

• The Role of Physical Therapy for Physical Function- Sophia Pelton- Sophia Pelton is physical therapist and lymphedema specialist. Her talk will cover the role of PT during and after treatment 

• Comedy Show with Gladys Friday- Denise Price Thomas- Gladys Friday is a Healthcare Comedienne. Gladys Friday – Stand Up (while you still can) Healthcare Comedy will keep her audience in “stitches!” She is always “cutting up”…..she works for surgeons! Gladys has been in healthcare over 30 years and she TELLS ALL about the people she has met along the way.

Interactive Workshops

• Writing Workshop led by Krista Bremer. Krista is a local author and workshop facilitator.  During this workshop Krista will guide you through some prompted writing exercises.  No writing experience or equipment necessary. 

• Multimedia Art Workshop led by Beverly Dyer-  During this workshop you will tap into your inner artist!  No art experience, expertise, or equipment required!

• Patient Connect- this is a small group meet and greet for patients to connect and talk.

• Caregiver Connect- this is a small group meet and greet for caregivers to connect and talk 

Movement 

• Low Impact Exercise- Join us for a fun workout to get your heart rate elevated and leave you feeling refreshed! No equipment necessary.  This will be a low/moderate intensity body weight workout.

• Gentle Yoga with Kathy Therber- Join us for a gentle yoga class.  Kathy is a yoga therapist, cancer survivor, and expert in cancer and yoga.  No experience or equipment required for this class.

• Walking Groups- Feeling like you need to move? Join us for a 20 minute walk around the inside of the Friday Center.  No registration required! 

Healing Touch and Meditation 

• 20 Minute Massage- Sign up for a 20 minute massage.  Massages will be performed by licensed massage therapists either on a table or in a massage chair.  All massages will be completed fully clothed and in a shared space with our participants receiving a massage.

• Singing Bowls With Amy Jae Rignola.  Immerse yourself in the healing sounds of singing bowls.  This is a unique opportunity to rest and recharge your body.  Singing bowls have been used for thousands of years in meditation, rituals, and sound therapy, they produce vibrations that promote deep relaxation, stress reduction, and physical healing. 

• Mindfulness Meditation with Alison Crowley- this is a hybrid talk and practice offering.  During this session you will learn about different types of mindfulness and practice meditation with Alison Crowley.  Alison is a yoga therapist and leads classes and meditations for people affected by cancer.

• Reiki with Michael Tokarz- Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction, relaxation, and energy healing that promotes balance across the body, mind, and spirit.  This session will give you background on Reiki and also teach you how to practice yourself.