A Time to Heal Program Supports Cancer Survivors

The Martin-O’Neil Cancer Center at Adventist Health St. Helena is beginning the next session for its cancer survivors support group. A Time to Heal is a free, 8-week program that helps cancer survivors regain their physical, emotional and spiritual health after cancer treatment. The next session will take place virtually and begins May 25.

“Having cancer can be psychologically challenging and physically exhausting. One can lose their sense of self. Like someone undergoing cardiac rehab after a heart attack, a cancer survivor deserves help in their recovery from cancer, too,” says Colleen Winters, LCSW, OSW-C, clinical navigator at the Martin O’Neil Cancer Center.

Any survivor that has been diagnosed with cancer is eligible to join A Time to Heal, whether they have received treatment at the Martin-O’Neil Cancer Center or elsewhere. The program’s 90 minute, facilitator-led sessions take place once a week and provide practical guidance for next steps, including research-based advice on topics like nutrition, exercise, intimacy, creativity and reducing anxiety.

The group will meet virtually on Tuesdays from 4 – 5:30 p.m.

May 25 – Introductions and Building Resilience
Colleen Winters, LCSW, OSW-C, clinical navigator; Norma Medina, ANP-BC, AOCNP, oncology nurse practitioner; Marlene Lennon, FNP-C, CN-BP, breast navigator

June 1 – Where am I Going Now? Imagine Your Healthy Self

Marlene Lennon, FNP-C, CN-BP, breast navigator

June 8 – Soul Collage
Andrea Whitmore, expressive arts facilitator

June 15 – Intimacy and Sexuality

Candace Westgate, DO, obstetrics and gynecology

June 22 – Adventures and Misadventures in the Supplement Jungle

Susan Gamble, MD, internal medicine

June 29 – Nutrition: Refuel for Health and Energy

Catherine Haas, RD, registered dietician

July 6 – Comforting Myself: What Comforts Your Body and Spirit?
Susan Dillman, CMT, massage therapist

July 13 – Moving Forward in the Face of Fear
Amber Warner, LCSW, social worker

Participants will be able to ask questions and share their own experiences in a safe space. Research shows that attending A Time to Heal reduces depression and anxiety while increasing hope, resilience, quality of life and happiness. The free program was made possible for cancer survivors through the support of Sutter Home Winery and St. Helena Hospital Foundation.

To learn more or register, please contact Colleen Winters at WinterCF@Ah.org or by calling 707-967-5791.