23 Commerce Park, PO Box 322, Ellsworth, Maine 04605

207-664-0339 • [email protected]

Special News:

In Focus Article: Reflexology for Wellness

Mark Your Calendars: To find out more, visit our website or call the Center 207-664-0339.

New - Seven Week Session:

 * Also please see the attached "Complementary Therapies and Support Groups List" for more classes in both Hancock and Washington Counties.

Please Note

the temporary

CHANGE IN SCHEDULE FOR REIKI For January

and February 2019

We are Proud to Announce that the Maine Cancer Foundation Awards Beth C. Wright Center $25,000 Grant

Funds will further Center’s mission

 

Ellsworth, Maine —The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center in Ellsworth is proud to announce that the organization has been awarded a $25,000.00 grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation in Falmouth, Maine. “We appreciate receiving this grant and all the support that the Maine Cancer Foundation has shown to the Beth C. Wright Center over the years,” said Michael Reisman, Executive Director.

 

The Beth Wright Center is one of a few free-standing cancer resource centers in Maine that serves both Hancock and Washington counties. The general, unrestricted operating grant will enable the Center to continue to provide and expand the valuable resources it offers to those in need. The knowledgeable staff assist cancer patients and their loved ones to navigate through the cancer journey and beyond by offering educational resources, home-delivered meals made by volunteers at Home-Cooked Healing, travel and lodging assistance, and a supportive, listening ear and much more to offer support and ease stress. 

 

The Center also offers cancer survivor and caregiver support groups; healthy cooking demonstration classes; complementary therapies to help ease the side effects of cancer treatment and stress such as yoga, reflexology, reiki, healing touch, mindful sessions, and two annual cancer conferences. 

 

The generous grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation, will enable the continuation of life enhancing activities such as the monthly healthy cooking demonstrations. The healthy food demonstrations have been one of the most popular series in 2018. The healthy food options, the warmth of the kitchen and the inclusiveness offered by the presenting chefs provides an environment fostering health, relaxation and fellowship for the participants. To find out more about the series or the Center, call 207-664-0339 or visit  www.bethwrightcancercenter.org .

 

Maine Cancer Foundation’s grant is offered as part of their ongoing Challenge Cancer 2020 initiative, aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality 20% by 2020. They have awarded nearly $9 million since 2015 in support of this initiative, focused on prevention, early detection and screening, and access to care for all Mainers. To learn more about Maine Cancer Foundation, visit  www.mainecancer.org , or contact Kristen Smith,  [email protected] , 207.773.2533.

Christine B. Foundation Partners to Support Cancer Patient Navigation Program

Healthy Acadia and Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center are thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Christine B. Foundation (CBF) to strengthen the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program. CBF has joined the leadership committee as well as invested $10,000 in this program serving the Washington County cancer community.

 

In 2008, at age 47, Christine B. Dexter lost her battle to stomach cancer. A loving wife, mother, sister, and friend to many, Christine's passion to build strong relationships between family and the community inspired many. Her son, Matt, founded the Christine B. Foundation (CBF) in 2014 as a single fundraising run to support surrounding organizations working to build a community of support for those affected by cancer in Eastern Maine. A dedicated team, which includes Christine's daughter, Danielle, and husband, Jim, has helped CBF to evolve into a foundation with multiple programs that serve to connect the cancer community and foster collaboration within cancer care. 

 

"The CBF is delighted to be collaborating with Healthy Acadia and the Beth C. Wright Center in this impactful program which they've built. As CBF explores ways to build a community of support for those affected by cancer in Eastern Maine, we knew that this is a vital service for many in Washington County and that initial funding is diminishing.” said Matt Dexter, who serves as CBF's President, Secretary & Executive Director. “Both the $10,000 investment from CBF and the collective leadership surrounding the programs future will help active patients, survivors, and their caregivers receive navigation services.” Dexter also serves on the Beth C. Wright Center Board of Directors.

 

The Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program was launched in late 2016 to serve community members across the continuum of care, in collaboration with other partners in Washington County, a region of high cancer incidence, mortality, and limited access to care. Cancer Patient Navigators support patients at all stages of their cancer journeys. Navigators also provide prevention and education services in communities across Washington County to reduce cancer rates and increase early detection and treatment.

 

A three-year grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation's Challenge Cancer 2020 Initiative provides partial funding for the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program, and requires the partners to raise local matching funds to continue and to further develop the program into years two and three. CBF's generous contribution, along with a grant from the Cummings Trust of the Maine Community Foundation, and funds raised through Healthy Acadia's “Hungry for Health” 2017 campaign, in partnership with Hancock and Washington county restaurants, enables this work to continue into year two and provides a boost to fundraising efforts for year three. 

 

To date, the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program has helped more than 160 cancer patients and caregivers to navigate the healthcare and social service systems and access appropriate diagnostic, treatment, recovery, support, and financial services. The Program receives support and guidance from a volunteer steering committee; interested community members are welcome and invited to participate.

 

For more information about the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program or to make a donation, visit  www.healthyacadia.org  or  www.bethwrightcancercenter.org  and designate your gift for the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program. To learn how you can provide support and guidance for the Program as a steering committee member or community volunteer, email  [email protected] or  [email protected] . 

 

Maine Cancer Foundation’s grant is offered as part of their ongoing Challenge Cancer 2020 initiative, aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality 20% by 2020. They have awarded nearly $9 million since 2015 in support of this initiative, focused on prevention, early detection and screening, and access to care for all Mainers. To learn more about Maine Cancer Foundation, visit  mainecancer.org , or contact Kristen Smith,  [email protected] , 207.773.2533.

Reflexology for Wellness

By Amy Kurman, Program Director & Volunteer Coordinator

Reflexology is based on the idea that stimulating specific points on the feet and hands can improve the functioning of corresponding organs, glands and other parts of the body. This hands-on modality uses a thumb and finger walking technique to apply pressure on the reflex points of feet and hands. It is an ancient practice that has developed over thousands of years. Reflexology reduces stress, improves circulation and is used to encourage relaxation throughout the body. 

The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center offers half-hour sessions free to people living with cancer and their caregivers. Treatments are done while seated. Call the Center at 664-0339 for appointments with Michael MacDonald at the BCWCRC, Ellsworth, with June Atherton at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, and with Susan Bushman at St. Aidan’s Church, Machias. 

The following is from an article entitled “How Can Reflexology Benefit Cancer Patients” published by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, July 2016

"When cancer patients face stress, fatigue, or nausea, they may turn to integrative therapies such as reflexology to help ease symptoms. Although each patient responds individually, reflexology can support relaxation and comfort during cancer treatment and offers an alternative to traditional massage. 

Foot reflexology is not the same as foot massage. Unlike massage, reflexology does not encourage relaxation through muscle and tissue manipulation. Instead, practitioners touch specific zones in the feet that correspond to reflex points in other areas of the body. Touching the feet stimulates nerve pathways that facilitate relaxation elsewhere.

Reflexology may be a good choice for patients who don’t want to be touched, or who can’t be touched or moved during treatment. Unlike massage, it involves only the feet, with no repositioning or undressing required.

Reflexology may benefit patients who feel  stressed , anxious,  nauseous , or who have  trouble sleeping . If patients feel more relaxed on reflexology treatment days, they may sleep better that night and have more energy the following day. Reflexology can be a reprieve from the stresses of cancer diagnoses, treatments, and everyday life."

January & February Events!

Enjoying Healthy Fats

with Jacob Wartell

Wed., Jan. 16 - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Lately there’s been lots of talk about the benefits of incorporating healthy fats into our diets.

Jacob Wartell will be in the Beth Wright Cancer Center kitchen to introduce people to the power of nourishing fats for health and happiness on Wednesday, January 16 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.

Participants will learn about using fats and oils for food and medicine. Concepts from Ayurvedic bodywork, such as warming and cooling qualities and medicated oils, will also be included. Participants will be encouraged to help in the kitchen and sample the dishes afterward.

Jacob Wartell has worked as a private chef; an organic farmer and he is also a Reiki master and trained in Ayurvedic Bodywork and Yoga.

This program is free, open to all and will be held at the Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center located at 23 Commerce Park in Ellsworth. If you have questions or would like to register call 207-664-0339 or REGISTER HERE .

Chocolate Treats

with Cas Dowden

Wed., Feb. 6 - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Have you always wanted to make you own chocolate treats to give to loved ones on Valentine’s Day? With the special day right around the corner, the Beth Wright Center will be offering a chocolate treat preparation cooking demonstration on Wednesday, February 6, 2018 from 11:30 – 1:30 pm with Chef Cas Dowden.

Chef Dowden will bring the Beth Wright Center kitchen alive with the sweet smells of chocolate, as she demonstrates techniques for preparing chocolate desserts and snacks for someone special or yourself. Participants will be encouraged to help in the kitchen, sample treats, and can take home recipes to try on their own.

Cas is a personal chef from Bar Harbor known for her down-home cooking.

The Beth Wright Center is located at 23 Commerce Park in Ellsworth. If you have questions or would like to register call 207-664-0339 or REGISTER HERE .

Low Impact Exercise Class

with Stacey Giancarlo

7-Week Series

Wed. - Feb. 6 through March 20, 2019

5 - 6 pm.

at the Beth Wright Cancer Center

The Beth Wright Center will be hosting a 7-week class of low impact aerobics, weight resistance & yoga. This class also consists of tummy exercises such as excessive laughing, heartwarming camaraderie, and rewarding distraction from the demands of life!!!

Stacey Giancarlo Estes, is a breast cancer survivor living life to the fullest. During her cancer treatments, her doctor suggested joining an exercise group which she did half-heartedly. 

A couple sessions into it, she discovered that exercise is a both a physical and emotional thing that she could do purely for herself. She realized that the exercise made both her body and mind feel better. 

Stacey also discovered that this was a way to socialize with a group of like-minded people who were affected in some way by cancer. It was not just exercise for her body and head, but therapy for the soul! 

Stacey says she has established tremendous lifelong friendships through these exercise classes, and  she is still going “strong in every sense of the word.” She has taught gentle exercise classes through Maine Coast Memorial Hospital.

If you have questions or would like to register call 207-664-0339 or REGISTER HERE .

The following are the different free offerings that we provide in Hancock and Washington Counties to cancer patients, their caregivers, family, friends and interested community members:

Reiki | Chi Gong | Massage | Healing Touch Sessions | Yoga | Reflexology

Cancer Exercise Programs | Support Groups | Mindfulness Practice

Please see specific locations, dates, and times here

If there is anything you'd like to see published in our newsletter, please email us to let us know. Also contact us for more information or requests. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center