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The Wellness Community
Greater Miami
Special Programs

HURRICANE CLOSING POLICY:  
To ensure everyone’s safety, we will close whenever a Hurricane WARNING is issued for Miami-Dade County. As a rule of thumb, if the schools are closed due to weather conditions, so is The Wellness Community.

 

Social Programs  Return to Wellness Group
These informal gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity to meet others who are fighting cancer and to spend some time enjoying each others company.

Healthy and Delicious Cooking Class
In this class, you will learn the step by step preparation of a cancer-fighting meal. Bring a pencil and paper to take notes. You must participate in the class to enjoy a delicious lunch!
Food and cooking demonstration sponsored by chef and owner of Your Pampered Palate, Pam Manresa.
Second Friday of the month from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

RSVP required

Healthy and Delicious Cooking Class

Look Good Feel Better
In conjunction with the American Cancer Society, CTFA, and NCA, we are offering this fun program for women undergoing cancer treatment to improve their appearance and self-image. Complimentary kit of cosmetics will be provided. Conducted by a Cosmetologist. Bilingual. Please reserve your spot one week in advance. Limit to 8 people.
Third Thursday of the month from 10 am - 12 noon
RSVP required

Social Programs


STRESS REDUCTION GROUPS

Integración Mente-Cuerpo 
Aprenda a desarrollar la capacidad de impactar su bienestar emocional y físico con la práctica de ejercicios de conección entre la mente y el cuerpo.
Martes de 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

 


MIND-BODY PROGRAMS 
These programs will help you get comfortable in your own body again, and find ways to utilize your body’s own energy for healing.  Please bring your own mat & blanket for Yoga and Gentle Exercise classes.

Yoga 
Use gentle yoga techniques to release stress and 
stored tension in your mind and body
Monday 6:30 to 7:30 pm (Bilingual)
Wednesday 10:00 to 11:00 am (English)

Yoga at The Beautiful Gate (offsite location)
Third and Fourth Saturday of the month, 12:30–1:30 pm
For location, call 305-668-5900 or 305-754-8815

Tai Chi 
Explore how this eastern art of movement meditation can enhance health and well-being.
Wednesday 7 to 8 pm
Friday 1:15 to 2:15 pm 

Deep Muscle Relaxation
Learn the many techniques of muscle relaxation through proper posture and movement.
Wednesdays at 12 noon 

Meditation: Tai-Chi & QiGong   (in Spanish)
Lunes 10:30 a 11:30 am

Gentle Exercise
Work at your own pace in this restorative strength training class to fight fatigue, increase strength, endurance, and bone mass. Facilitated by experienced physical therapist, Wendy Weinshall.
Monday 12 to 1 pm (English)

Advanced Exercise
Gain the benefits of exercise with an experienced personal trainer to increase energy and release stress. The atmosphere of this class is dynamic and uplifting. Facilitated by fitness instructor Lillian Juranovic..
Thursday 10-11:30 am (Bilingual)

Thursday class sponsored by Advanced Medical Specialties

Yoga

Belly Dancing for Cancer Survivors
Join us for a fun way to get your body moving, build up your stamina and meet other cancer survivors.
Tuesday 7 to 8 pm
  


SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Weekly Support Groups 
Ongoing WEEKLY SUPPORT groups, led by licensed professionals are the heart of our program.  Our groups can help you maintain hope, regain a sense of control and let you know that you are not alone in this time of need.

We have face-to-face as well as internet support groups.  We also have groups in Spanish (face to face and internet).  All groups are facilitated by licensed, trained, psycho-oncology professionals.

Preparation session needed
before joining a support group.

Groups for people with cancer:
English
Participant Group 3 meets Tuesdays from 2-4pm
Participant Group 1 meets Tuesdays from 7-9pm

Español
Participant Group 2 (pacientes) se reúnen los jueves de 10 a 12 del mediodía.


Family and Friends Support Group
Providing care and support to a loved one who has cancer is often more emotionally and physically challenging than expected. This group focuses on sharing key skills that can be very helpful to caregivers. Come and share your experiences and exchange valuable support and information with other people who are affected by cancer in a similar way.
Orientation and preparation sessions required prior to joining a support group.

English
Caregiver Group 1 meets Tuesdays from 7-9pm

Español
Caregiver Group 2 (familiares y amigos) se reúnen los martes de 7 a 9pm
   


Monthly Networking Groups
These drop-in groups meet to discuss issues and information specific to certain types of cancer. It is an opportunity to share problems and solutions, as well as support and inspiration.  Family members and caregivers are welcome.
RSVP ALWAYS required for Networking Groups.

AFRICAN AMERICANS AFFECTED BY CANCER
Meets the third Saturday of the month from 10 to 12 noon.
Sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the Cure
(Held offsite at The Beautiful Gate. For more information, call 305-668-5900 or 305-754-8815)

BRAIN TUMORS 
Meets the fourth Monday of the month, 6 to 8 pm.

BREAST CANCER 
Meets second Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 pm.
Sponsored by Advanced Medical Specialties
Dinner donated by Abraxis Oncology
Guest speaker, Dr. Charles Vogel, at July’s meeting.

GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER
Meets third Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm.
Guest speaker, Dr. Nicholas Lambrou, at July’s meeting.

HEAD & NECK CANCER 
Meets third Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 pm.
(Will not meet in July)

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA 
Meets
second Monday of the month from 6 to 8 pm.
Dinner donated by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

MEN’S GROUP
Meets third Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm.

MULTIPLE MYELOMA 
Meets fourth Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 pm.
Dinner donated by Millennium

 

Networking Groups

Transitions
Learn how to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of grief in the supportive comfort of others who are also experiencing the loss of a loved one to cancer. An intake interview is a requisite prior to joining the group. Attending all sessions is highly recommended.
Meets on Thursdays from July 10 to August 28, 7 to 9 pm
RSVP required

Family Circle
Helping Children & Families Cope when a Parent has Cancer
(bilingual workshops as needed)
Health psychologists and child therapists have come together to develop this innovative program to help parents with cancer and their children.
Parents’ Program Highlights: Communicating with children in age-appropriate ways. Maintaining healthy routines. Parenting when you feel lousy.
Kids’ Program Highlights: Addresses children’s questions about what is cancer. Helps alleviate fears and anxiety. Eases feelings of isolation. Helps child refocus their childhood activities. The children’s program is activity-based and arranged into age appropriate groups for children from 4 to 15 years old. A picnic will be held at the conclusion of the program.
Saturdays, July 12 & August 9, 10 to 1pm
Call for reservations: 305-668-5900
Sponsored by the The Hurlburt Family Foundation, Lauren’s Light and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Parenting & Cancer
If you have small children and would like to speak with someone about parenting while going through cancer treatment, please call Dr. Peggy Rios, Ph.D. for an appointment.
Ongoing
Call 305-668-5900

Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster
Dr. Peggy Rios will guide through various strategies and mind-body techniques to help you prepare for surgery and help yourself in the recovery process. These techniques are used at major medical centers throughout United States.
Call to schedule an appointment before surgery: 305-668-5900

Special Education Programs (RSVP Required)
Se ofrece traducción simultánea en Español. 
Llame para reservación.

Ask the Doctor about Anti-HER2+
Dr. Charles L. Vogel, Senior Research Advisor for breast cancer at Aptium Oncology, will present on Anti-HER2+ therapies and novel uses of estrogens in breast cancer treatment. Ample time will be allotted for questions and answers.
Tuesday, July 9, 6–8 pm
Call 305-668-5900 to register

The Latest Innovations in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Nicholas Lambrou, from Gynecologic Oncology of South Florida, will host our Gynecological Cancer Networking Group and will speak about the latest innovations in the treatment of ovarian cancer with a special look at Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.
Wednesday, July 16, 7–9 pm
Call 305-668-5900 to register

Ask the Doctor about Gastrointestinal Cancers
Dr. Alberto Larcada and Dr. Antonio Ucar, both from Advanced Medical Specialties, will present on colorectal and stomach cancers and their treatments. Join us on this dynamic workshop and learn about the latest advances in the treatment of these cancers.
Thursday, July 31, 7–9 pm
Call 305-668-5900 to register

Difficult Conversations: Discussing End-of-Life Issues
Jody Gross, RN, OCN and Executive Director for Douglass Gardens Hospice, will speak of the Myths and Facts of Hospice care. Regina Di Pietro, MSW, also with Douglass Gardens Hospice, will speak about Wills, and Advanced Directives. Family and friends are welcome.
Thursday, August 7, 7–9 pm
Call 305-668-5900 to register