|
Community News Spring 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Winter Retreat: Connection, Learning and Sharing
For those who were not able to join us at the CancerFightClub winter retreat, held at Jouvence in the Eastern Townships February 15-17, here is a snapshot of the weekend.
The goals of the weekend were to connect, share, learn and have fun and judging by the feedback from all 30 participants, these goals were met! Participants made new friends, spoke openly about their challenges and learned how to build resilience in the face of adversity.
Workshops led by experts offered valuable tips. For example, young adult cancer pivot nurse, Daphnée Lamoussenery, explained the ins and outs of navigating within the healthcare team to better manage stress and energy levels. Small group discussions complemented the workshops. Participants came away from this retreat with practical strategies for dealing with many issues and challenges such as: caring for young families, sterility, caregiving, and adjusting to life post-treatment.
Participants - half of whom attended this FREE retreat for the first time - were grateful for the chance to enjoy a few days of relaxation and rejuvenation in a beautiful atmosphere. 96% said they would encourage other young adults to attend these retreats.
Thanks to the AP Fund for its invaluable support and for making these retreats possible!
|
Please allow me to tell you how much my husband and I have been benefited from the last retreat.
First of all, both of us now are aware there are a lot of resources available AND we don't feel ashamed to receive or reach out to these resources. This is an excellent step for us moving forward.
Secondly, both of us feel connected and supported. The retreat gave us a chance to validate our own feelings and limitations. Not being able to validate feelings blocked us from looking into ourselves and the future. Now, we can see forward and move towards our new focus and expectations.
Thirdly, benefiting from point #1, we are going to a family retreat with our kids in May. Yay! Moreover, I registered to attend a one-week rock climbing trip in N.Y. I can't fully express how excited I am. I feel so good being able to challenge my body in nature...
Thank you, thank you!
Best,
Daisy
|
French version of this website (vivreAfond.ca) to be launched soon!
|
T
he AP Fund Gala, held on March 23rd at Le Challenger was another smashing success, attracting a sold-out crowd of more than 300 people and raising much needed funds for Hope & Cope's CancerFightClub.
Founded in 2012 by a group of Antony Proteau's close-knit, childhood friends, with the blessing of his family, the AP Fund is a tribute to Antony's spirit and how he lived life with passion and purpose. "Pro was special. Even as a young man, he was focused, responsible and committed to doing the right thing," said Timothy Schiavi, who is also a Hope & Cope Board member. He explained that they chose to support CancerFightClub because the organization shares the values that Antony lived by. "Hope & Cope enables young adults to be true to themselves and to live like pros and play like pros."
Cyntia Grénier and Charles Verdun, a young couple who attended the retreat in February, shared their story as they thanked everyone for their support. Within the space of one month, Cyntia suffered a miscarriage, the shock of a cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy, all while caring for her one-year-old son. She and Charles spoke candidly about the challenges they faced individually, as a couple and as parents, and how the retreat was life-changing. "For the first time, I could talk with other guys about the anger, guilt and depression I was feeling," said Charles. "You saved my family," said Cyntia, as she expressed her gratitude to the AP Fund and all the donors who make these retreats possible.
|
Hope & Cope is proud to showcase young adults who are active in the community.
Julie Szasz and Denis Derochers, two young adults living with advanced cancer, will share how they found their voice through their cancer journey at the 29th annual conference for the Association québécois de soins palliatifs on May 8, 9 and 10 in Montreal.
Patricia Estephan lives her life to the fullest in support of National Denim Day on May 14, 2019.
|
CancerFightClub
Upcoming Activities
From workshops to movie nights to fundraising events, we've got you covered! The following events will take place at the Hope & Cope Cancer Wellness Centre, 4635 Côte Ste. Catherine Road, from
5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Call 514 340-3616 to register.
Wednesday, May 29
- GAME NIGHT
Bring your favorite board game and a snack.
Tuesday, July 16
- BBQ
 Enjoy our beautiful Wellness Centre garden! Bring you BBQ delicacy, we will provide drinks and snacks.
Thursday, August 29
- WINE & CHEESE
 Bring your favorite wine and cheese for tasting and sharing.
|
Tell Cancer to Take a Hike - Sunday, May 26
We're kicking off the 2019 edition of this fundraising campaign with a Family Day Hike & Celebration on Mount-Royal. Minimum fundraising commitment for this first hike only is $360 per family and all proceeds will benefit young families coping with cancer.
|
AP Fund Ball Hockey
Tournament
Saturday, June 1
Honouring the life of Antony Proteau, this friendly tournament is a great way to get together and raise funds for CancerFlightClub. With activities planned for all ages, this year's edition of this day-long tournament is set to be the best yet!
* Each team = enables 2 young adults to attend CancerFightClub's life-changing retreat
* Each team + team sponsor = enables 4 young adults to attend this life-changing retreat
Register now as an all-male team, as a co-ed team, as an individual player or as a team sponsor. And don't forget to come out to Le Rinque on June 1st to cheer the teams on and enjoy a great day for a great cause.
|
Learning from Remarkable Cancer Survivors
Monday, June 3
Jewish General Hospital
Block Amphitheatre B-106
Join us for Hope & Cope's annual celebration of cancer survivorship!
Dr. Rob Rutledge is a dynamic communicator who believes passionately in empowering people on their healing journey with science, wisdom and compassion.
Topics will include how to maximize your chance of recovery, the body-mind-spirit connection, and scientifically-proven healing skills.
Admission is free and open to the public. The evening includes door prizes, refreshments and free parking. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; program begins at 7 p.m. To register, call 514 340-8255.
To learn more about Dr. Rutledge's approach to healing, visit
|
|
We want to hear from you! What kind of activities would you be interested in attending? Do you have a fundraising idea, suggestions for this newsletter or a story to share? Talk to us: [email protected]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
