From new support group opportunities to preparing freezer meals for patients, and even learning to dance the tango, there are fun and exciting things happening to support patients through the Oregon Cancer Foundation.
Classes and support groups
The following support groups and classes are hosted by Oregon Cancer Foundation at our office at 2296 Oakmont Way in Eugene.
Spring Survivorship Series
Registration is now open for OCF’s Spring Survivorship Series, a 10-week series of classes that provide information and support to manage the challenges that arise after cancer treatment. Topics include: managing anxiety about cancer recurrence, sadness, depression and other emotions; understanding how cancer impacts relationships; and learning how to eat and exercise to be healthy and reduce risk of recurrence. Each session includes an expert presentation, followed by a facilitated group discussion.
When: Every Thursday, April 4 – June 6
Time: 6:00 p.m.
This series of classes is free to attend, but registration is required. Learn more and sign up here.
Alumni Support Group
When: Second Monday of the month
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
This group is for anyone who has attended Oregon Cancer Foundation’s Survivorship Series in the past.
Breast Cancer Support Group
When: Second Wednesday of the month
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
This group is for anyone who has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, at any stage: newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, and survivorship. All are welcome.
Coffee, Tea & Cancer
When: Second Thursday of the month
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
This group is for anyone diagnosed with cancer, at any stage of their journey.
GYN Support Group
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
This group is for anyone who has been diagnosed with any form of gynecological cancer, at any stage: newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment and survivorship. All are welcome.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are so thankful to local groups and individuals who donate their time and efforts to raise funds to support OCF’s mission. Consider getting involved in these fun events:
Monthly Freezer Meals
Each month, Oregon Cancer Foundation partners with a local Wildtree representative, Erin Cunning, and prepares 100 meals for the month. Ten families each receive 10 prepared and packaged freezer meals that are ready for the slow-cooker. These meals are a source of help and comfort for patients undergoing treatment and their caregivers.
For this project, OCF has reserved the incubator kitchen at Hummingbird Wholesale once a month. This fully-stocked commercial kitchen provides the space needed to prep the meals in a safe and sterile environment. The kitchen is located in the Stellaria Building, also the home of Hummingbird Wholesale, at 150 Shelton McMurphey Blvd. in Eugene.
No cooking experience is required when you volunteer. If you can chop vegetables, measure spices, open canned foods and fill storage bags with prepared meal ingredients, you’re qualified! All that we request is approximately two hours of your time, that you wear closed-toe shoes for safety purposes and bring your favorite kitchen knife to cut the vegetables. OCF will provide you with an apron, all the instructions and food. Enjoy a great time helping others!
If you or your group is interested in volunteering in our monthly freezer meal preparation, please reach out to katie@oregoncancerfoundation.org.
Have fun and get active
Tango for a Cause
Interested in learning the fine art of Argentine Tango? Instructors Charles & Wella Augustine offer classes every Friday at Celebrations Belly Dance and Yoga Studio, with proceeds benefiting OCF. “Argentine Tango is very different from the Tango in International and American ballroom dancing,” says instructor Charles Augustine. “It’s an improvisational social dance. There’s no competition involved; it’s really about everyone’s own personal style, despite their skill level.” Classes are offered for beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers. These are drop-in friendly classes, and you do not need to come with a partner. Learn more about upcoming classes by following Dance for a Cause on Facebook.
Team Endure
Looking to get active and physically stronger? Team Endure is currently recruiting members. This local group brings together people with different fitness levels—beginners to seasoned athletes—to train for endurance events. But they don’t just take on the challenge for their own benefit; they do it to support cancer patients through OCF’s Financial Assistance Program. Team Endure trains year-round, participating in events, like century bike rides, triathlons and half marathons, but their main focus is participating in the Pacific Crest Weekend Sports Festival each June in Sunriver, Oregon. For more information, email: teamendure@oregoncancerfoundation.org.
Cooking healthy
Oregon Cancer Foundation continues to partner with Positive Community Kitchen (PCK) to offer free monthly classes on healthy eating and nutrition, provided for cancer survivors and their families. Shanna Hutton, PCK’s board president and a former chef for the organization, leads the classes, offering nutrition information and demonstrating tasty ways to prepare meals that are gluten-free and feature seasonal ingredients. PCK is a nonprofit in Eugene that prepares and delivers nutrient-rich, organic meals to people fighting life-threatening illnesses. The NOURISH: Food for Life classes are held at various locations throughout the community each month. For the complete schedule, click here.
Supporting survivors when they need it most
Financial assistance is the core of Oregon Cancer Foundation, providing stopgap funds to patients undergoing cancer treatment in Lane County. Patients can apply for assistance by calling 541-632-3654, or email requests@oregoncancerfoundation.org.
