UAMS/ACRC Ovarian Cancer Survivors Retreat Sept. 27
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LITTLE ROCK – The Just Among Women Support Group at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will host its first retreat for ovarian cancer survivors Saturday, Sept. 27. The retreat, entitled “Shout About the Disease That Whispers,” will be from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the Arkansas Cancer Research Center (ACRC) at UAMS in Little Rock.
The retreat will celebrate ovarian cancer survivorship and will support National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (September) through a day of informative discussions and self-care activities, ranging from exercise and meditation to massage and manicures. The event is open to all women in Arkansas who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and to their caregivers.
The registration fee of $15 per person should be received by Thursday, Sept. 18; registration at the retreat will be $20 per person. To obtain registration forms or additional information about the retreat, contact ACRC licensed clinical social worker Debby Dean at (501) 686-8145.
The retreat will start with a continental breakfast where participants will have the opportunity to meet one another. Lunch will feature a keynote address by Jan Guthrie, a 20-year ovarian cancer survivor. Guthrie is the founder and director of The Health Resource Inc., an internationally acclaimed medical information service in Conway, Ark. She will share her insights about coping with ovarian cancer as a chronic disease and will present information about promising new treatments and research.
Other activities during the day will include the following:
● An introduction to tai chi – a joint-safe exercise that employs slow, gentle, concentrated movements for physical and mental well-being. The benefits of tai chi are reduced pain and stiffness; improved muscle strength and stamina; improved concentration and memory; improved ability to cope with stress and depression; improved posture and body awareness; and increased circulation and heart and lung function.
● An introduction to a complementary approach to the promotion of wellness and the prevention and treatment of disease
● Therapeutic massage
● Manicures and pedicures
● A question-and-answer session with an advanced practice nurse to address concerns of ovarian cancer patients
● Door prize drawings
To support these activities, the Just Among Women Support Group – which is for patients and survivors of all gynecological cancers – has received grants from pharmaceutical companies that produce drugs used in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A portion of this funding will be designated for scholarships to help those who want to attend the retreat, but do not have the financial means; to inquire about scholarship eligibility, contact Dean.
The Guesthouse Inn, 301 S. University Ave., Little Rock, is holding a block of rooms at a discounted rate for people attending the retreat. By calling the inn at (501) 664-6800 and mentioning “ACRC Retreat” when making reservations, participants can rent rooms that accommodate one to four people each at a nightly rate of $49. This special room rate is available only when reservations are made by Saturday, Sept. 20. Van service between the inn and ACRC and to nearby shops and restaurants will also be available.
Ovarian cancer ranks fifth among the most common cancers in women and fifth among the causes of cancer death in women. The American Cancer Society estimates that, in the United States this year, about 25,400 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 14,300 will die from the disease.