“This presentation was information-packed! The topic of food and nutrition is topical for ALL of us, and having a handle on what foods actually nourish me, as opposed to fill me, will help me stay healthy and feel better,” shared one recent attendee of “Integrative Approaches to Food Choice” on June 16th.
This hybrid workshop was presented by Dr. Kim Dittus, a new faculty member of the UW Department of Medicine School of Medicine and Public Health. She’s a visiting professor in Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care.
The 40 attendees, both at the clubhouse and via Zoom, were rapt during Dr. Dittus’ information-filled session. Integrative oncology looks at treating cancer holistically vs. only focusing on the medical side.
“In my opinion, this information could bring so much to the prevention/survivorship education and experience. Dr. Dittus’ delivery was that of factually-supported current findings, paced well, visually effective, and offered the empowerment of choice with compassion, to do what you can, as you are able,” another attendee shared.
Giving people agency during their cancer journey
One of the key pillars of Gilda’s Club program isf providing education to those on their cancer journey. “There’s a lot to learn about life after diagnosis,” shares Kirsten Norslien, Gilda’s Club Program Director. “Often, people don’t know where to go.” At Gilda’s Club, we work to line up highly-qualified presenters on the topics that will be useful to our members.
“These kinds of things are all about giving people tools to feel like they have a little more agency. So often, cancer treatment can be disempowering,” Kirsten continues.
“I chose thrivership”
“Integrative Approaches to Food Choice” is one in a series of presentations and workshops that support those touched by cancer to feel empowered during their cancer journey. The recent “To Use a Supplement or Not?” workshop, along with the perennial series “Cancer Transitions” and brand-new “Radical Remissions” also focus on this idea of having agency during your cancer journey. Our educational lectures are open to the public, while workshops are open to Gilda’s Club members. As with all of Gilda’s Club’s programs, they are provided at no cost.
The ultimate goal of this programming is to help folks in our community have the tools they need to thrive- regardless of which stage of their cancer journey they are in.
As one of the attendees shared: “When dropped at the survivorship door, often we are hungry for regaining some sense of control and goal setting in the next unknown. I chose thrivership.”
Thank you to all of our donors for helping make presentations like this possible. To learn more about our upcoming workshops, including our next sessions of “Radical Remission” and “Cancer Transitions,” visit our program calendar at gildasclubmadison.org/calendar.