Speakers & Session Descriptions
Mike Lang is a three year Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor and graduate of Trinity Western University with a B.H.K. in Recreation. Mike and his wife Bonnie have worked for a number of years as adventure guides with “at risk” youth and since Mike’s cancer diagnosis in May 2008 have taken their passion for outdoor experiential education into the realm of young adult cancer survivors. Based in Calgary, Mike and Bonnie are the directors of an adventure therapy program for young adult cancer survivors called Survive & Thrive Expeditions (www.survivethrive.org). Mike is also the CancerBridges Survivor Network Coordinator with the University of Calgary/Tom Baker Cancer Centre and with Bonnie has facilitated over twenty retreats, conferences, adventure trips and activity-based support groups for young adult survivors over the past three years. Mike and Bonnie are a package deal and together they love to make inspiring, uplifting films, ski, rock climb, kayak and stand on top of big mountains.
Key Note Speaker & Link for a complete biography for Mike.
Ebb & Flow: Storytelling for Cancer Survivors
"Facts lead to knowledge, but stories lead to wisdom" - Dr. Rachel Remen
Many young adult cancer survivors either don't know that they have an amazing story or do not know how to tell it. This session will use the short film "Ebb & Flow: Storytelling for Cancer Survivors" to explore the idea of storytelling as it relates to cancer. The goal of the session will be to empower and inspire young adult cancer survivors to tell their stories so that the wisdom they have gained from their painful, and incredible, cancer journey is shared with others.
Dr. Kristin Bigen, PhD has been working with AYAs for many years as a researcher and the co-founder of the Young Adult Oncology Group in Milwaukee's Medical College of Wisconsin. This resulted in her being selected by LIVESTRONG to be a part of the Young Adult Alliance, informing them on behavioral health issues. Her dedication to AYAs and research on their behalf has benefited many.
Ellen Barnard, MSSW is a sex educator and counselor, and the co-owner of A Woman's Touch Sexuality Resource Center. She has been working for 15 years with cancer survivors around the issue of how cancer affects sexual wellness and intimate relationships, and enjoys helping survivors and their partners find practical solutions so that they are able to enjoy the intimate lives they wish for.
Dating and relating after cancer: a frank discussion for single women.
It's hard enough to get out there into the world and date sometimes, but then there's that extra fact of being a cancer survivor that comes along with you. What's the best way to handle letting a potential partner know you're a survivor? We'll discuss other dating strategies, plus what you need to know about sexuality & intimacy after cancer, to help you feel more comfortable as you get to know new people, especially potential partners. Expect frank discussion, and plan on sharing what you know and have tried so we can all learn from each other.
Sexuality after cancer for those in relationships, men and women welcome. Cancer changes everything, including sexual wellness and intimacy. What are those changes, and what can you do to make sure that you are able to enjoy healthy and pleasurable intimacy together? Partners are welcome, and please plan on sharing your stories, asking questions, and discussing strategies so that everyone leaves with solutions.
Rebecca Gerogia, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor working at the Family Clinic of Natural Medicine on Madison's east side. She uses safe, not-toxic approaches to correct underlying causes of disease. Patients are treated as individuals and their treatment is tailored to their specific needs. A variety of research based modalities are used including; healthy lifestyle changes, vitamins and minerals, herbal medicine, counseling, craniosacral therapy and homeopathy.
Aaron Henkel, ND has been involved in the field of natural medicine for over 15 years as a health food store owner, and Naturopathic Doctor. As a father of 6, and past sufferer of a chronic auto-immune disease, Dr. Henkle believes strongly that our diet and lifestyle habits are crucial for good health. His passion is to equip patients to take power over their own health by using nature and the body's inherent ability to heal itself.
Eating Your Way Healthy- This energetic discussion will include information about what types of foods decrease inflammation, promote healing, and prevent disease. You will leave feeling motivated and inspired to change your current diet and begin eating your way to health!
Christopher Mueller, RN is the Oncology Manager at Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He loves to cycle, run, play outside with his family. He is a nine year Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor.
Managing Uncertainty - A cancer diagnosis can create so much uncertainty in life. Finding successful coping mechanisms can be challenging. Learn some tips to prepare for the changes that will undoubtedly lie ahead.
Dr. Amye Tevaarwerk & Dr. Diane Puccetti will look at Long Range Follow Up & Side Effects. Survivors of childhood cancers and those who are diagnosed in early adulthood have concerns about how to follow up with their medical team. Learn what side effects to watch for, and how to manage your long range follow up.
Jesse Sherman, physical trainer has been working with cancer survivors for several years. His approach is to help you do your best.
Get Moving will give you a hands on opportunity to look at how fitness and activity is part of your daily life. Exercise is critical to your health. The choices you make daily make a difference. Leave with a feeling that fitness is within your grasp.