Celebrating cancer survivors and their loved ones

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, questions and concerns can overwhelm a person’s thoughts. While some of these issues will be covered by doctors and other health care providers during appointments and treatments, some worries may go unvoiced — and unaddressed. Sharp HealthCare hopes to amend this.

On Saturday, May 31, the Cancer Centers of Sharp HealthCare will offer free events to celebrate people who have experienced cancer, inspire those recently diagnosed, and provide support for family members. The events will be held at the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center on Sharp's corporate campus.

Self-care during treatment and recovery is crucial

According to Marlene Wendel, a licensed clinical social worker at the Laurel Amtower Cancer Institute at Sharp Memorial Hospital, self-care is crucial to quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. However, along with treatment, there continues to be the obligations of family, work and daily activities that can get in the way of focusing on yourself.

“To engage in self-care is to identify and attempt to meet our needs,” Wendel says. “But with cancer, the priorities are shifted, and we can soon be consumed by medical appointments, treatments, managing side effects, healing and recovery. Some wonder, ‘Where does self-care fit in?’”

During the events at Sharp, participants will engage in a variety of relaxing therapies, from massage to pet and art therapy. Additionally, “Look Good, Feel Better” fashion and makeup tips as well as information on nutrition, holistic therapies and supportive services available through Sharp will be shared.

Other event highlights include:

• Diet and Exercise information

• Social work and support groups

• Reiki, acupuncture, massage and other holistic therapies

• Pet and art therapy

• Information on supporting children through and beyond a parent's cancer

• Music and entertainment

• Self-care, fashion and makeup tips

• Giveaways and raffle prizes

• Light refreshments

Anyone who gets a cancer diagnosis must adapt to a "new normal" in life, Wendel says. This can be mentally, emotionally and physically challenging. Having hope and support can help cancer survivors cope, adjust and grow through the cancer experience.

Patients, families and caregivers are welcome to attend the Survivors Day event, Saturday, May 31, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center is located at 8695 Spectrum Center Boulevard, San Diego, 92123. Registration is not required.