Hopewell Cancer Support Center

I have recently discovered Hopewell Cancer Support Center, a beautiful facility located on Falls Road. It offers programs and workshops for people who have cancer or are recovering from cancer, and their caregivers. This week I signed up for Mindfulness Meditation, a worthwhile endeavor indeed. Mindfulness Meditation is learning to experience life fully as it unfolds, at that moment. I don't mean escaping or just skipping it, I mean learning to have an experience without automatically reacting. It's taking the time to think about what just transpired and perhaps making another choice. What a gratifying experience. I look forward to the next time we meet. It also was nice being around other men and women who are in the same boat. While none of them have leukemia, the root of our bond lies in the fact that we are all members of an exclusive club - the cancer club. During the session many of us shared our fears and sources of stress, validating many of my feelings. It was comforting to look around the room and see others who look just like me, bald, tired, cold, thin. Although my body is on it's way to a healthy state, I am just now realizing that some emotional issues still linger. While my friends and family have rallied 'round, only someone who has had cancer can truly understand.

Hopewell offers yoga, stretching and toning classes and group discussions among other things. I am very impressed with their programs. As an added bonus, it's all free. If you know anyone with cancer, please recommend Hopewell. Their website is http://www.hopewellcancersupport.org/.