Healing, Community and Resilience at CancerCare’s Women Empowerment Day
Women who are diagnosed with cancer gathered together on July 25 for CancerCare’s Women Empowerment Day at our Long Island office. The participants learned about topics related to physical and emotional health that are often overlooked during cancer treatment including beauty, skin care, wig care, sexual health, fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, advocacy and more. They also learned about communicating with health care teams, partners and other loved ones.
There were opportunities to meet with professionals and local organizations. “One of the most impactful aspects of the event was witnessing the connections formed between attendees and the professionals present,” said Cassie Spector, LMSW, CancerCare’s Breast and Gynecological Cancers Program Coordinator. “It was truly wonderful to see how these interactions fostered a sense of community and support for those who attended.”
The event was also marked by a sense of enthusiasm and positive energy from the people involved. “It was rewarding to see so many people engaged in caring for themselves and learning more about the meaning of empowerment and how they can apply that in their everyday lives,” shared Marissa Fors, LCSW, OSW-C, C-ASWCM, CCM, CancerCare’s Director of Specialized Programs.
One participant shared, “Thank you for putting an event together like this. I am always grateful for all the events that your office has for us.”
Providing support and spaces for women diagnosed with cancer empowers them to be advocates in all aspects of their lives and build resilience. “Coping with cancer is overwhelming, scary, stressful – learning more about how to take action can make people feel more in control and learn how to move forward,” said Marissa.
Thank you to all who attended as well as CancerCare staff for putting on this event! We would also like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their contributions: Rock the Treatment, Prima Dona Cosmetics, New York Institute of Beauty, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Lisa Marie Appelt, FNP-BC from Smithtown Women’s Health at Stony Brook Medicine, Maurer Foundation, Joyce Pommer, Oncology Spa Solutions, Strength For Life, Moving For Life, The Giving Doll Foundation, Project Glimmer and Dr. Martin Drasin, RPH, DC.