Note: This workshop is being offered in both Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. Information for both locations is below.

and

and

present

Finding Meaning Through Cancer

SEATTLE WORKSHOP
April 24 & 25, 2010
Saturday 9 to 5
Sunday 9 to 4

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Hutchinson Center Arnold Building
1100 Fairview Ave North
Seattle, WA 98109

PORTLAND WORKSHOP
May 1 and 2, 2010
Saturday 9 to 5
Sunday 9 to 4

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
Stanley-Shafer Rooms 20 – 23
9155 SW Barnes Rd.
Portland, OR 97225

INSTRUCTOR / FACILITATOR
Debra Jarvis, “the irreverent reverend with something to say,” is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. She is a breast cancer survivor and author of It’s Not About the Hair: And Other Certainties of Life & Cancer (Sasquatch, 2007) which was a finalist for the 2009 Washington State Book Awards.

She has worked as a hospice spiritual counselor and currently serves as chaplain for the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. She is a commentator for NPR & speaks at conferences and workshops on cancer, death and dying, medical staff care, spirituality and the importance of quality chocolate. www.debrajarvis.com

THE WORKSHOP
One of the most astounding things about the cancer experience is discovering that only a small part of it is about medicine. Most of it is about feelings and faith, and losing and finding your identity, and discovering strength and flexibility you never knew you had. It’s also about looking at life and staring death in the eye. It’s about realizing that the most valuable things in life are not things at all, but relationships. It’s about laughing in the face of uncertainty and having the courage to turn down the broccoli and ask for more chocolate.

The cancer experience brings up our deepest beliefs and often we’re not sure exactly what we believe. Exploring questions about life’s meaning, spirituality, death and grief helps us clarify our beliefs and find meaning in our experience.

This workshop will provide a safe forum for discussion and exploration of:
• life’s meaning
• spirituality
• death and grief
• integration of our beliefs

Using a combination of brief lectures, small group sharing, visual journaling, music, guided imagery, and gentle movement, we will enter into discussions in a spirit of inquiry, curiosity, discovery, and collaboration.

Over the course of two days Debra will open a space in which it is safe to unwind, explore, laugh and share. Aspects of childhood beliefs, patterned behavior and cultural norms are a few of the guideposts for our sharing. Dark chocolate will be provided.

Participants can expect to:
• gain new perspectives
• increase their comfort level when discussing these issues
• gain a deeper understanding of their beliefs
• find new meaning in their experience

This workshop is for all levels: cancer patients, families and friends, medical staff, clergy, counselors, social workers, or anyone wanting to find meaning in life’s challenges.

More information for Finding Meaning Through Cancer