Social Activities
Our Social Activities offer you another way to spend time with other women who’ve also heard the words “You have cancer.”
Perhaps you’re not interested in a support group but would still like to meet and interact with other women in a safe, comfortable environment. Maybe you’re looking for a way to “escape” for a little while, to focus your mind on a fun, relaxing or creative activity, with others who understand what this feels like. Our social gatherings have what you’re looking for.
Our goal is to provide a variety of options to meet your needs and to enhance your quality of life while living with cancer.
Some social activities meet monthly. Others meet at different intervals throughout the year. Please view this page often to check for new offerings. You can also visit our calendar.
All of our programs are free. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Call us: 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290.
June Book Club
WHEN: Thursday, June 15; 7-8 pm (NY time)
WHERE: Zoom video conference
Open to people who have or have had breast, ovarian or any gynecological cancer. Pre-registration is required no later than 5pm (NY time) on Wednesday, June 14. To learn more or to pre-register, call Support Connection: 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290.
At the June Book Club, we will discuss American Dirt by Jeannine Cummins.
Lydia Quixano Perez runs a bookstore in the Mexican City of Acapulco until one violent day changes everything. Forced to flee, Lydia and eight-year-old Luca soon find themselves miles and worlds away from their comfortable middle-class existence. Instantly transformed into migrants, Lydia and Luca ride la bestia―trains that make their way north toward the United States, which is the only place they might feel safe. As they join the countless people trying to reach el norte, Lydia soon sees that everyone is running from something. But what exactly are they running to?
“I strive to write page-turners because I love to read them, and it’s been a long time since I turned pages as fast as I did with American Dirt.” – John Grisham
“American Dirt is an extraordinary piece of work, a perfect balancing act with terror on one side and love on the other. I defy anyone to read the first seven pages of this book and not finish it.” – Stephen King
Discussion leaders: Fran Contino and a Support Connection Peer Counselor.
We are always looking for good book suggestions. Please send suggested titles to robin.perlmutter@supportconnection.org.
Healing Arts
WHEN: Tuesdays, September 19, December 12. Check back for details.
WHERE: Zoom video conference
Open to people living with breast, ovarian, or any gynecological cancer. Space is limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration is required no later than 5pm (NY time) on Monday May 8. For information or to register, call Support Connection: 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290.
Relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself with an art program, offered in collaboration with The Art Effect. More details coming soon!
Music Therapy
WHEN: Monday, November 13; 7-8pm (NY time)
WHERE: Zoom video conference
This program is being offered in loving tribute to Don, one of Support Connection’s greatest cheerleaders. Don had a true love and appreciation for music. He encouraged others to find joy in music and understand the benefits it has on health and well-being. This program is being offered in his honor and is open to all cancer survivors and caregivers. Preregistration is required. To register, call Support Connection: 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290. Must register before 5pm on Friday November 10th. Space is limited.
Music Therapy is a fun and creative source of socialization and stress relief. Research shows that listening to and making music promotes relaxation, reduces pain, boosts mood, and improves sleep. This workshop will be an interactive mix of relaxation experiences, playful creativity, and social connection. In addition to group activities, you will learn simple techniques you can use at home to promote relaxation, increased physical comfort, and improved sleep. No instruments or prior musical experience are needed, and the session will be tailored to the needs and musical interests of those who attend. Participants are welcome to attend with their cameras off if they prefer their privacy and if they want to lie down.
Instructor: Julie Sherwood, MA, LCAT, CTS, MT-BC For many years, Julie has been helping people overcome stress, pain, and anxiety. She has been a staff music therapist at the Music Therapy Institute at the Music Conservatory of Westchester for almost 10 years and is proud to have been a part of their outreach programs in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. She has facilitated wellness workshops for patients, staff, and caregivers of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, Jefferson Health, the Veterans Health Administration, and many other organizations. She also worked with oncology patients and their caregivers for several years at Overlook Medical Center. Julie was an invited presenter for the “Less Stress, More Peace Caregivers Summit,” Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio, and the nationwide Reimagine Festival, where she supported patients and caregivers with her online “Comfort for Caregivers” programs. Julie loves uplifting others and believes no matter what we may be going through in life, we can always find more health, happiness, and inner harmony along the way.