Reminder

We are now in our new location at the Inn of Waterloo at 475 King St N. The HopeSpring main entrance will be at the back of the Inn, with those who need an accessible entrance free to use the Inn's main doors.

September Fundraising Goal

Halfway through the month and we're halfway to our goal of $21,000. We're delighted by the community support we've been receiving since our move to the Inn of Waterloo. We are grateful to our board chair, Shuchanna, who ran her Triathlon Saturday, September 2 and is still accepting donations until the end of the month.
Sun Life Matching Gifts program
Did you know that every year Sun Life matches donations made by employees and Financial Centre advisors and managers to registered charities? Their donation program encourages the spirit of giving and is an expression of their commitment to charitable causes that their employees, advisors, and managers support.
We appreciate all your support. Donations are always gratefully accepted through our CanadaHelps, or calling in 519-742-4673 to make a donation by credit card or in person.

Open Appointments

Two Henna appointments and one Therapeutic Touch appointment available

Henna: Wednesday, Sep 20, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. and Therapeutic Touch: Friday, Sep 22, 10:15 a.m.. both in Waterloo

The henna is applied freehand using no stencils. The artist draws the design onto the participant.The design lasts approximately two weeks and dries within an hour. You may want to try a Henna crown as an alternative to a wig. You will benefit from a very calming and relaxing experience, feel strong and beautiful and gain self-confidence and self-esteem during your healing process. They also help relieve the burning side effects experienced during chemo.
Therapeutic touch is a healing technique designed to help restore the body's natural and healthy flow of energy. The treatment delivered by a certified volunteer practitioner provides a relaxing experience and improved sense of well-being. Appointments are 45 minutes in length.

Call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Can you help?

Thank you to those who were so generous with previous requests. We need:

• K-cups (popular ones are medium and light roasts, along with vanilla and hazelnut flavours)

If you can help, please feel free to bring it to our front desk volunteer. If you have any questions, please call Linda at 519-742-1544 ext 103

Better Sleep

Last Call for Fall Session

Wednesdays, Sep 20 to Oct 11, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. in Waterloo

Having difficulty falling asleep at night? Do you wake during the night and struggle to get back to sleep? Do you wake feeling tired? Do you have troubles settling your busy brain at night?
This program provides an overview of what robs us of energizing sleep and presents strategies to decrease insomnia through effective sleep behaviours, setting realistic sleep goals, relaxing the body and resting a busy brain. Over this 5-week program, members will learn sleep strengthening behaviours and techniques that prepare the mind and body for a restful night.

Register onlineor call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Cambridge Meditation

Come try meditation and gain skills to reduce your stress

Thursday, Sep 28, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Cambridge

Meditation has been used as a means to achieve healthy thought management by exercising control over thoughts and emotions. In this group program, cancer patients and caregivers are taught mindfulness meditation exercises and are encouraged to practice them at home to the greatest extent possible based on interest and health. This program is especially suited to members who are trying meditation for the first time.

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Laughter Yoga

Laugh and let go!

Tuesday, Sep 26, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Waterloo

Laughter Yoga is a practice which combines yoga breathing and laughter exercises. The fun and gentle activity boosts the immune system and stimulates the brain to produce endorphins - feel good hormones. Whether your laughter is real or not, your body will get the benefits of this wonderful program. It's great for all ages and stages of recovery including family and caregivers.

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Under 45 Women's Support Group

This Tuesday!

Tuesday, Sep 19, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Waterloo

Support among the group is offered, tips are shared and strategies for coping discussed. A wide range of on top of mind topics are discussed each week including everyday life events, past, present or future. Come discuss concerns about your future cancer treatments, eating problems and relationship issues. The group is warm and friendly and a good social circle for women with cancer.

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Tai Chi Returns!

First class for the Fall Session this week!

Thursday, Sep 21, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. in Waterloo

This coping skills program is a traditional Chinese system of health preservation that combines movement, meditation and breathing exercises to promote emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. Though traditionally performed while standing, most of the slow, gentle movements are easily adapted for members who find it necessary to remain seated because of illness or injury. Members, family, and caregivers are all welcome. If you can breathe you can join us.

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Nutritional Grocery Store Tour for Healthy Eating

Join Heidi for this informative tour

Wednesday, Sep 27, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in Kitchener

Come join the registered in-store dietitian at the Zehrs Laurentian location for a food tour that will empower you to make healthier choices including eating solutions to deal with cancer side effects. Registration required.

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Men's Program

Take charge of your cancer experience

Wednesday, Sep 20, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Waterloo

Come hang out with other guys who are going through cancer too! This program provides an opportunity for men who are patients in active or post treatment and caregivers to meet with each other for information gathering, networking, and conversation about their experience with cancer. Benefits of participating include increasing your overall well-being, gain information and reduce anxiety and depression. Take charge, gain confidence and become empowered. Registration required.

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

KW Meditation

First class in our new location!

Wednesday, Sep 27, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in Waterloo

Meditation has been used as a means to achieve healthy thought management by exercising control over thoughts and emotions. In this group program, cancer patients and caregivers are taught mindfulness meditation exercises and are encouraged to practice them at home to the greatest extent possible based on interest and health. This program is especially suited to members who are trying meditation for the first time.

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Coping with Cancer Workshop

Finding your next steps with the knowledgable people at GRRCC

Wednesday, Sep 20, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Kitchener

This one hour workshop is an introduction to the emotional, physiological, physical and practical issues faced by people diagnosed with cancer. In this workshop, you will learn tips, supports, and resources available to help you cope. Only those who have been a patient or have a family member at GRRCC can be registered at this time.

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Puddle Jumpers

Fall session begins September 30!

Saturday, Sep 30, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in Waterloo

Puddle Jumpers is a group-based supportive care program lead by Christine, our certified Child Life Specialist, for children aged 5 to 13. Each class has therapeutic lesson goals to help your child(ren) cope with a cancer diagnosis. We talk about really tough stuff and then engage in a fun age appropriate themed activity that helps improve their understanding of cancer and addresses both their informational and emotional support needs.

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Caregivers Workshop

Open to all caregivers of cancer patients

Monday, Sep 25, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in Waterloo

This 2-hour interactive workshop is open to all caregivers of cancer patients. Sometimes caring for others comes at a cost to the caregiver. Do you have compassion fatigue? Come learn the symptoms, and how to use your own leisure repertoire to improve the quality of life for you and your loved one. Don't miss it!

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information. 

Breast Cancer and Nutrition

Learn the link between breast cancer and your nutritional choices

Wednesday, Sep 20, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. in Kitchener

In this program you will increase your knowledge related to the role of nutrition and breast cancer. Suggestions for dietary changes to help in the prevention and/or recurrence of breast cancer are covered. Other topics include the impacts of healthy eating and weight, supplements, alcohol, physical activity, phytoestrogens, organic foods, calcium and Vitamin D. Only those who have been a patient or have a family member at GRRCC can be registered at this time.

Register online or call us at 519-742-4673 to sign up or for more information.