CHD Cancer House of Hope Hosts ‘Just Not the Same’ Event Sept. 24

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon, the Center for Human Development’s (CHD) Cancer House of Hope will host a workshop sponsored by Survivor Journeys and Big Y. The interactive workshop, “Just Not the Same,” focusses on all aspects of the life-changing event of a cancer diagnosis — emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial. The ultimate goal of the workshop is to outline approaches for female cancer patients and survivors to enhance their daily lives and live well.

According to co-facilitator Cindy Sheridan Murphy, a breast-cancer survivor herself, “we encourage participants to create their own vision for the future — to explore aspects of the disease that can serve as tools for learning and growth.” Murphy joins forces with Debra Lynn Alt, a songstress and writer, as they share music, laughter, and writing as a guide for survivors. Special guest Eileen Kaplan, a breast-cancer-awareness expert, author, speaker, and humorist, rounds out the lineup, sharing her own experiences of how to use laughter when facing life’s challenges.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this event for Survivor Journeys. We share with them a commitment to bringing strength, resilience, and hope to those affected by cancer,” said Joe Kane, program director for the CHD Cancer House of Hope, adding that future partnerships such as this one between Survivor Journeys and the CHD Cancer House of Hope are already in the works.

To sign up for this event, call the CHD Cancer House of Hope at (413) 733-1858.

Organized as a nonprofit organization in March 2015, Survivor Journeys is a community-based support network of physicians, behavioral-health specialists, and integrative treatment providers with a mission to help provide emotional and social support to cancer survivors, family members, and their caregivers.