Writing Workshop Offered for Those Touched by Cancer
GREENFIELD — Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s Oncology Department, in partnership with Forest Moon: Celebrating Cancer Survivorship, 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 6 to May 16 (excluding April 11), from 6 to 8 p.m., at Artspace, 15 Mill St., Greenfield.
Individuals are invited to promote their own healing and 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, Forest Moon’s program director. A 19-year breast-cancer survivor, Roberts is a writer, artist, and certified yoga instructor. An ordained graduate of the IM School of Healing Arts in New York, she has been leading writing workshops for 10 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, supportive workshop environment.
One of the participants in a recent workshop said that “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 noted that “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, according to yet another participant, “it just feels good to know that you are not alone and that others know how you feel.”
The workshop is sponsored by BFMC Oncology and Forest Moon: Celebrating Cancer Survivorship, and is grant funded by Rays of Hope.
The workshop is limited to 12 participants, and registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Roberts at (413) 625-2402 or pam@forestmoon.org. Information is also available in the Oncology Department at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.