ACS Offers Weekend Retreat

For Adult Cancer Patients, Families

WILTON — When one family member has cancer, the entire family is affected. Each person’s needs change, but it can be a challenge to find quality time to deal with these changes as a family.

 The American Cancer Society’s weekend retreat for adult cancer patients and their families, known as “We Can Weekend,” offers families the opportunity they need to step out of the rush of daily routines, come together as a family, and meet others who are also coping with cancer.

On June 3–5, the American Cancer Society will offer a “We Can Weekend” in Nashua, N.H., at River College. Another is scheduled for June 10–12 at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass. Apart from a nominal fee of $35 per family, the retreats are free and in the event of hardship, a scholarship will be made available.

The “We Can Weekend” offers a relaxing atmosphere in which adult cancer patients and their families can focus on the issues that arise when one family member is living with cancer. While the purpose is a serious one, the “We Can Weekend” includes a full measure of fun. Family members eligible to attend include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, significant others, close friends, and caregivers. The event is facilitated by American Cancer Society volunteers and area health care professionals.

Workshops will be offered for all family members during the weekend, addressing such topics as communication, stress management, nutrition, cancer facts and fallacies, and living with recurrence. Group discussions will allow all family members to share concerns and learn new strategies for coping with cancer.

Art projects, games, and physical activities for school-age children and teenagers will be offered. Friday and Saturday evening will feature entertainment for the whole family. Special activities such as tai chi, reiki, and massage therapy will also take place.

To register for the “We Can Weekend,” or for more information, call the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-ACS-2345.