On Wednesday, August 5th three of Cancer Lifeline’s facilitators will be presenting at this year’s Pierce County Cancer Survivorship Conference. Held online this year, the Conference is now open for registration.
Here are the Presentation Descriptions along with speaker bios.
LIVE SESSION | Coping With Cancer When You Are On Your Own with Nicole Taylor
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Navigating the impacts of cancer be very overwhelming even when you have a partner or family to support you. For many, managing a cancer diagnosis when you are on your own can feel isolating and untenable. Come learn about ways you can get the support you need and how to connect to others with shared experience.
Nicole Taylor is relatively new on staff, but not new to Cancer Lifeline, as this is where she went for support when diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the young age 34. Wanting to help others navigate through treatment is what brought her to working with local and national cancer nonprofits that offer emotional support and education to those living with cancer and their loved ones for the past 15 years. She is passionate about education, outreach, engagement, and collaboration in efforts to offer more comprehensive support services to as many people as possible. She is the proud mother of an 18 and 21-year-old, is married to her High School Sweetheart, and has recently started her own Urban Farm in her backyard that includes three hens.
LIVE SESSION | Benefits of Laughter – Dr. Carrie Horwitch
2:00pm – 2:45pm, Aug 5
It doesn’t matter if it’s real or fake, research shows laughter to be truly powerful medicine for strengthening the immune system, reducing cortisol levels, increasing growth hormone levels, endorphins, and much more.
Carrie A Horwitch is a board-certified internal medicine physician. She is also credentialed as an HIV care specialist from AAHIVM. Dr. Horwitch graduated from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her Master of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. Her current position is at Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington where she is a primary outpatient physician. She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington Dr. Horwitch’ s interests are HIV care, STDs, laughter in medicine, emerging infections and public health, ethics and professionalism, high-value care and graduate medical education. She is a certified laughter leader through the World Laughter Tour since 2007. She is on the wellness committee at Virginia Mason Medical Center and promotes laughter as one technique of wellness to health care workers and patients. She is the author of Death of my Uterus and other humorous events.
LIVE SESSION | Managing Information Overload – Meg Sweeney, MSW, LICSW
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Wed Aug 5, 2020
In today’s world information is coming at us from many different sources. Come learn ways to tactfully manage the information overload that can come with a cancer diagnosis.
I’m endlessly inspired by the human spirit. Despite obstacles and crises, people do their best to cope and be brave in the face of hardship. But sometimes difficulties are too great, our coping mechanisms limited or time-worn, and we yearn for a new way to experience ourselves, to find relief. Therapy can provide emotional support, new skills and insights, and clarity about our strengths and the unique gifts we have. I obtained a Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington in 2003. I’ve done extensive post-graduate studies in Spirituality and Meaning and obtained a certificate in Psychodynamic Counseling. My experience includes over fifteen years working with chronic illness, end of life, cancer, Alzheimer’s, caregiver concerns, ADHD, stress, depression, and panic I approach my work with a focus on enhancing strengths, client goals, and fostering skills in mindfulness/compassionate self-awareness.
Sessions
Meg Sweeney,