BFMC Offers Writing Workshop for Cancer Patients

GREENFIELD — Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s Oncology Department will offer a free writing workshop, “Spirit of the Written Word,” for Western Mass. residents touched by cancer. The 10-week workshop will take place on Thursdays, March 13 through May 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Artspace, 15 Mill St., Greenfield.

The workshop is intended to promote healing and help individuals experience the therapeutic benefits of group writing. No writing experience is required, and all sharing is voluntary and confidential. Refreshments will be provided.

Facilitating the workshop is Pam Roberts, a writer, artist, and certified yoga instructor who is also a 20-year breast-cancer survivor. An ordained graduate of the IM School of Healing Arts in New York, she has been leading writing workshops for people affected by cancer and loss for more than 11 years. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Roberts found writing to be an important part of her healing process. She believes deeply in the transformative and healing power of writing within a safe and supportive workshop environment.

One of the participants in a recent workshop commented, “writing with others living with cancer strengthened my voice and gave me a safe place and time to listen closely and to express it.” Another said, “the creative aspect of writing was valuable. The camaraderie was also very special. Pam has a gentleness and genuine caring that makes writing easy.” And a third participant noted that “it just feels good to know that you are not alone and that others know how you feel.”

The workshop — sponsored by BFMC Oncology and grant-funded by Rays of Hope — is limited to 12 participants, and registration is required. To register, or for more information, contact Roberts at (413) 625-2402 or pamro@aol.com. Information is also available in the Oncology Department at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.