Conference Schedule
FRIDAY EVENING
3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Arrvial & Check-In
6:00 p.m.–7:15 p.m. Dinner
8:00 p.m.–8:10 p.m. Conference Welcome & Introduction to the Weekend with Kathy LaTour
8:25 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Opening Keynote Address with Robert "Skip" Backus
9:00 p.m.–9:55 p.m. Keynote Address with Jeremy Geffen
"The Journey Through Cancer & The Seven Levels of Healing®"
SATURDAY MORNING
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Optional yoga, meditation, and tai chi classes
7:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m.–9:10 a.m. Morning Opening
9:10 a.m.–10:10 a.m. Yoga Class with Sandra Gilbert
As a physical practice and a spiritual philosophy, yoga supports the essential aspects of our life. Yoga is a complement to allopathic treatments and is not meant to replace them. From diagnosis through treatment to survivorship and end of life, yoga is a complementary and integrative tool for managing stressors, coping with side effects, and making lifestyle changes that support healing. Yoga practices can be adapted for the hospital setting, before and after surgery, during chemotherapy, and before and after radiation, at home and—actually, anywhere you are, yoga is there for you. In this special yoga class, Sandra Gilbert offers a self-empowering, self-care yoga practice that is appropriate for everyone and explores the possibilities for creation of a daily practice. We explore moment-to-moment awareness, connection of movement and breath, guided deep-relaxation, and an introduction to meditation. Examples of yoga stretching and movements will be easily adapted to our current physical and energetic levels.
10:10 a.m.–10:25 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Lecture by Jeremy Geffen: "The Seven Levels of Healing®: A Model of Whole Person Cancer Care"
In this presentation, Jeremy Geffen guides us through the Seven Levels of Healing®—a pioneering model of comprehensive, whole-person cancer care, and a map for living well with cancer. His unique program is based on the conviction that, for healing to be as full and complete as possible, all dimensions of who we are as human beings—body, mind, heart, and spirit—must be addressed with equal skill and integrity. Dr. Geffen demonstrates how this leading-edge program accomplishes that goal, and transforms the cancer journey—and life—in powerful and practical ways. The Seven Levels of Healing® program has been offered for years at cancer centers throughout the United States, positively affecting the lives of thousands of people. The program is designed to empower, guide, and inspire patients and loved ones—as well as caregivers, friends, and health professionals. This lecture also includes time for a question-and-answer session.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Opening & "Comic Relief: A Taste of Tonight's Show" with Scott Burton
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. "Writing Your Way Through Cancer" with Sharon A. Bray
Throughout the difficult journey of cancer, writing can help. Studies show that when we write about experience of illness, pain, or suffering, it not only unburdens our souls, but also helps us heal. Writing can help to reduces stress, discharge complex emotions, and gain perspective. It helps us integrate the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our lives. And when we write and share our stories with one another, a strong and supportive community is fostered. Join Sharon A. Bray, author of When Words Heal: Writing Through Cancer, for this interactive workshop. We discuss key research highlights and, in short exercises designed to delve into our stories of the cancer experience, we explore how writing can be an important tool in healing.
SATURDAY EVENING
6:00 p.m.–7:15 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. "One Mutant Cell" — a one-woman show with Kathy LaTour
Kathy LaTour, author of The Breast Cancer Companion, often says that cancer did not take her life, but that she has given it willingly to educate and empower men and women about the disease and to help them understand that cancer is a journey of time that takes us into the deepest part of ourselves and out again. In 2004, she premiered her one-woman show, One Mutant Cell, which takes the audience on her personal journey through the experience of cancer and includes many of the “asides” added by previous audiences, which led her to the knowing that while cancers types and treatments may differ, there are many universal experiences. By connecting with each other about these moments, we reach understanding and affirmation.
8:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. "Comic Relief" — Comedy & Juggling with Scott Burton
When most people began learning about cancer, they hear the medical and statistical sides. But perhaps more than any other form of survivorship, there is a great need to grasp the human side, the emotional side. As a cancer survivor himself, Scott Burton—an award-winning comic, champion juggler, and author—delivers that life-affirming message loud and clear as he shares his own story to health care professionals and survivors nationwide. With refreshing honesty, stand-up comedy, and world-class juggling, Scott Burton breaks convention by crafting a comedy routine—laced with joy and passion—of his personal battle with cancer. A veteran of hundreds of shows since his diagnosis, Scott erases the mystique and fear of chronic disease, and shares the healing gift of laughter that helps cancer survivors (or those facing any trial in life) feel normal and see their lives as precious.
SUNDAY MORNING
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Optional yoga, meditation, and tai chi classes
7:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Morning Opening & Mindfulness Practice with Carolyn Scott Kortge
10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Walking Well: A Spirited Walking Exercise with Carolyn Scott Kortge
We all know that walking is a great way to improve physical fitness and health. But walking has special significance for people who face the challenges of cancer. Join Carolyn Scott Kortge for a Sunday morning talk and a gentle, guided walk that links mindfulness tools with physical steps to reduce stress and renew spirit. Get your feet back on the ground by bringing tools of meditation into your walk and create a healing merger of body, mind, and spirit.
10:45 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Break
11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m. Closing Address with Jeremy Geffen
11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Conference Closing Remarks