As I write this, the sun is pouring in my office window and I am anticipating a great weekend spent outside with dear friends.

As you will read in this E-Bulletin, our staff is organizing a tremendous amount of activity at the Women’s Cancer. A book launch, ongoing yoga, a knitting group and workshops, all designed to engage and empower you to a healthier and more supported life. Please read on to learn more about these opportunities and the plans we have to celebrate our 20th Anniversary.

None of this would be possible without the energy, commitment and hard work of our Board of Directors. I am very blessed in my role to work with a small, but powerful group of nine women who oversee the financial health and program integrity of the Women’s Cancer Resource Center. Please join me in recognizing them: Merle Weiner, Board President; Holly Brownscombe, Secretary; Rosemary Chengson, Treasurer; Alaina Cantor, MSW; Darlene deManincor, Ph.D.; Sally Elkington, Esq.; Linda Epley, Esq.; Annie Gardiner, and Irene Marcos.

Our Board is seeking individuals to join in the work we do to advance the mission and well being of the Women’s Cancer Resource Center. If you are interested or have a friend or colleague who might be interested in board service, please check out the job description (doc) and contact me for an interview.

20th Anniversary Celebration -- Mark Your Calendar!

The Women’s Cancer Resource Center is holding a performance of a one-woman show entitled, “Jonna’s Body, Please Hold” at the new Marsh Theater in Berkeley on May 18. Nominated for two 2004 LA Stage Alliance awards, this one-woman show chronicles Jonna Tamases’ cancer battle with humor, tenderness and joy. Tickets will be available for sale on a sliding scale shortly. Seating is limited.

If you are interested in attending, please email peggy@wcrc.org and you will be sent an invitation.

Peggy McGuire, Executive Director

Volunteer Orientation – Tuesday, March 7, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Volunteering at WCRC is the perfect way to give back to others, while at the same time providing nourishment for your spirit. Attend the Volunteer Orientation on the first Tuesday of the month and find out about who we are, what volunteers and interns do and some basic information about cancer. We look forward to seeing you!

Please contact Sarah to sign-up: sarah@wcrc.org 510.601.4040 x 105

Writing for Wellness for WCRC and CMCC Volunteers
February 22nd, 7-9 pm.

In this supportive workshop, we'll write like the wind, share our writing about our lives, and experience a deepening connection with ourselves and with each other. By writing our thoughts down without stopping to judge or edit, we can see how our minds work. Often we move beyond the frenetic chatter of our conscious minds into the wisdom held in our subconscious. Facilitators Abba Anderson and Jeanne Lupton are writers and healing practitioners who have witnessed and personally experienced the emotional and physical healing that blooms from this two-part process of spontaneous writing and compassionate witnessing. While this class is designed for non-writers (though writers are welcome!), you may leave hooked on the practice of writing to contact your subconscious wisdom!

Please contact Jeanne to register (510) 632-7548 or jeany98@aol.com.

T’ai Chi Chih® for Balance and Well-being.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – 10 – 11 am, with Wendy Helms, PhD.

T’ai Chi Chih consists of 20 simple, repetitive, non-strenuous movements that emphasize a soft, slow, flowing continuity of motion. T’ai Chi Chih can be successfully learned by people of all ages and most physical conditions and the benefits of the movements are surprisingly easy to realize with even a small amount of daily practice.
Please contact Margo for more information or to register: (510) 420-7900 x111 or margo@wcrc.org.

Advance Healthcare Directives
Wednesday, March 22, 6:30 – 7:30 pm

An "advance health care directive" lets your physician, family and friends know your health care preferences, including the types of special treatment you want or don't want at the end of life, your desire for diagnostic testing, surgical procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and organ donation.

Suzanne Leib, MFT, John Muir/Mt. Diablo Senior Services will facilitate the training. Suzanne will provide information on the necessary steps adults over the age of 18 need to take to establish their own Advance Healthcare Directives. Everyone welcome.

Please contact Margo to sign up: (510) 420-7900 x111 or margo@wcrc.org.

Writing for Wellness
March 18th, April 15th, 2-4 pm.

In these supportive workshops, we'll write like the wind, share our writing about our lives, and experience a deepening connection with ourselves and with each other. By writing our thoughts down without stopping to judge or edit, we can see how our minds work. Often we move beyond the frenetic chatter of our conscious minds into the wisdom held in our subconscious. Facilitators Abba Anderson and Jeanne Lupton are writers and healing practitioners who have witnessed and personally experienced the emotional and physical healing that blooms from this two-part process of spontaneous writing and compassionate witnessing. While this class is designed for non- writers (though writers are welcome!), you may leave hooked on the practice of writing to contact your subconscious wisdom!

Please contact Jeanne to register (510) 632-7548 or jeany98@aol.com.

Gentle Yoga for Health & Healing With Bonnie Maeda
February 22; March 8, 22 -- from 1-2 pm.

This class will include a gentle asana practice as well as restorative poses. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing. Especially for women with cancer—supporters may attend as space permits.

Bonnie Maeda, R.N., graduated from The Yoga Room’s Advanced Studies Program in 2002 and currently teaches Restorative Yoga at the Yoga Room. She works with students with chronic illnesses and believes that yoga improves one’s health and sense of well-being.

Please contact Margo to register: margo@wcrc.org (510) 420-7900 x111

YARN DIVAS: For knitters and other crafters (working with yarn is not a requirement) -- February 28, March 28 -- 7:30 – 9 PM

Instruction by Kate Freeman of Article Pract. Beginning learning supplies provided. Come learn to knit or bring your knitting, crocheting, or crafts project to work on in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Please contact Margo to register: margo@wcrc.org (510) 420-7900 x111

Book Launch - Another Morning: Voices of Truth & Hope from Mothers with Cancer.
Wednesday, February 15, 7-9 PM

Author, Linda Blachman MPH, MA, founded the Mothers’ Living Stories Project, an award-winning nonprofit agency that brings compassion, dignity, and support in parenting to mothers who have cancer by helping them record their stories as living legacies.

Quivers, Shakes & Fear: Performed by the Mothertongue Feminist Theater Collective
Saturday, February 25th, 1:00 PM

What are you afraid of? What makes you excited? What makes you quiver and shake? Mothertongue performers explore the topic of fear through a collage of stories, dialogues, poems and songs written by collective members. Founded in 1976, Mothertongue believes that women find joy and strength in telling truths to one another. Join us after our performance for a discussion where you will have the chance to tell your own story. And if you are interested in exploring your own story further, we will have information about an upcoming Mothertongue workshop hosted by WCRC.

Please contact Margo to reserve a seat: margo@wcrc.org (510) 420-7900 x111.

One Bite At a Time: Nourishing Recipes for People With Cancer, Survivors, and Their Caregivers
Wednesday, March 29th, 7-8:30 pm

Please join Chef Rebecca Katz for an evening of recipes, food ideas, and tastings from her cookbook, One Bite At a Time.

Please contact margo@wcrc.org to RSVP and/or for more information

Creative _Expression with Mixed Media with Jan Mignaud
Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18, May 2 – 7 -9 PM

Join us for creative endeavors with collage and other fun art forms. Most materials provided but you are encouraged to collect your own papers. , magazines, photos (not your only copy) and other items with personal meaning. No previous art experience necessary. This art group offers an opportunity to learn about self _expression with collage and mixed media while allowing for development of community at WCRC.

Jan Mignaud holds a BA in Art Education and a MA in Art Therapy. She has had much experience in Studio Art and currently teaches part-time at NIAD and creates art in her studio in Oakland. Jan is also a cancer survivor.

Please contact margo@wcrc.org to register and/or for more information

All events take place at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center and are free of charge. These workshops are especially for women with cancer, their loved ones and supporters.

Patient Navigation Conference

The Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center, Alta Bates Medical Center is presenting a Patient Navigation Conference on Thursday, March 23 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant in Jack London Square. Participants will explore existing programs in the Bay Area and innovations for helping cancer patients obtain the services they need.
For information and reservations, call Meridithe Mendelsohn at (510) 869-8735.

A Satellite Show of Photography from The Art of Living Black

Red Hat #2 | Sálongo Lee

Work by:

• David Johnson
  
• Michael Johnson
  
• Sálongo Lee
  
• Patricia Patterson
  
• Charles Robinson
  
• Joseph Robinson
  
• Tasin Sabir
  
• Ron Moultrie Saunders
  
• James Weeks
  
• Saida Hogan Nassirruddin

Show runs January 24 – March 19, 2006
Reception with the artists Friday, February 24, 6-9 pm

Live music

In collaboration with the Richmond Art Center

Bay Area BusinessWoman is proud to partner with the Women's Cancer Resource Center in a "Subscribe and Support" Fundraiser.

The Bay Area's only full-integrated, women-owned and operated media resource reflects a powerful, supportive, and involved community of women. The Women's Cancer Resource Center and Bay Area BusinessWoman work hard to empower women by providing them the resources and information they need to make better choices for themselves and the larger community.

Bay Area BusinessWoman News believes in commerce with a conscience, and since its inception, has been a committed supporter of WCRC. To continue this fine tradition, BABW is offering a donation to WCRC of 15% from all new subscription fees for the next 30 days.

Get your subscription today! Not only will you receive a full-year subscription to BABW News ($59) you'll also be making a donation to WCRC and help them continue to provide their valuable services. To participate, log on to http://www.babwnews.com/subscribe.php, select the Community Level (all the other levels are eligible too!), hit Submit, and then enter the code "WCRCBABW."

The second "Each One Reach One: Working Together to Make a Change" Conference
Saturday, May 6, 2006, 8:30 – 2:00

Oakland Hilton Airport Hotel

For more information call: Dolores, Women’s Cancer Resource Center at 510.420.7900 x112

Conference Organizers: Dolores Moorehead, Women’s Cancer Resource Center; Jackie Pugh, American Cancer Society; Wendy Favila-Penney, ACMC, Cancer Navigator Program; Debora Jones, Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic

Conference Sponsor: Northern California Cancer Center

From LauraLynn Jansen, MHEd., CPCC, PFT, RYT, Integrative Health Coach and Consultant

This is the month that focuses on the heart and love. Allowing yourself to get support from others is one of the best ways to love yourself. Having a cancer diagnosis can be very isolating and studies have proven support can impact how one deals with and handles a variety of situations. The growing body of research is mounting evidence that social support in general and self-help groups in particular enhance our abiltiy to cope with physical illness. Studies are beginning to show that these groups provide a number of advantages.

• Mind/body approaches have shown great potential for improving the quality of life and reducing the pain and difficulty of symptoms for people with various chronic diseases.
  
• They may help control or reverse certain underlying disease processes.
  
• By reducing the effects of stress, they may help to prevent disease form developing.
  
• They seem to enhance an individual’s sense of control over their lives and the ability to cope with life.
  
• The physical and emotional risk of using these techniques is minimal, while their potential benefit is high.
  
• These techniques can easily be applied in the content of conventional medicine, rather than standing in opposition to it. They can and should be used along with standard care.
  
• These guidelines are from Mind/Body Medicine: How to Use Your Mind for Better Health
  

The Women’s Cancer Resource (WCRC) has several ways for you to gather in the love and support you deserve. You can email sarah@wcrc.org or go to support groups happening at the Center. They range from diagnosis to sexual orientation specific to treatments choices to ethnicity. There are also peer referrals that offer you one-on-one support based on your age, cancer type, spiritual beliefs and a variety of other options. Call the I&R helpline at (510) 420-7900 to obtain more information.

Remember February is the month to feel love.

Namaste, LauraLynn

LauraLynn Jansen can be contacted through her website, www.ihcoach.com

If you are interested in receiving the Women's Cancer Resource Center electronic newsletter via e-mail, please join our mailing list!