Sometimes it takes a wake-up call like cancer to bring us back to ourselves. The crisis of illness may shake us free of the life that we have created and allow us to begin a return to the life that is our own.
Rachel Naomi Remen, MD
If you’ve been newly diagnosed, are at the beginning, in the middle of, or beyond treatment, or if you’ve lived with cancer for a while, we invite you to join a healing circle. Within a circle, you might find meaning in the challenge of cancer, bear witness to your own or othersâ suffering and loss, and explore your choices and capacity for healing.
Healing circles are a safe and supportive space in which you can walk with others through these times. Each circle is a blend of sharing and silence, compassion and curiosity. Agreements ensure acceptance and confidentiality. We honor our own unique paths to healing and respect the choices of others.
- $12 covers the cost of your participation in one circle
- $24 covers your participation in one circle and pays it forward for another participant
Living with cancer
We invite you to join a Living with Cancer circle. These circles are ongoing and limited to 10 participants. Although circles are free, donations are gratefully accepted.
Living with Cancer: Healing together 1
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Living with metastatic cancer as an LGBTQ+ person
LGBTQ+ people with metastatic cancers have unique needs and lived experiences. Few resources are specific to this underrepresented and largely underserved population’s needs. This circle seeks to give voice to those who are living with metastatic cancer around topics that matter to LGBTQ+ people: intimacy challenges; healthy relationships; body image; communication with friends, family, and healthcare providers; legacy; and the mundane issues of everyday life. Bring your sense of humor as well as your sorrowsâthis circle is welcoming and can hold it all!
Living with metastatic breast cancer as an LGBTQ+ person
Caring for a loved one who is living with cancer
This ongoing healing circle is for those who are caring for a loved ones who has cancer. Together, we create a safe community drawing upon the power of partnership and compassion, where each of us listens and is listened to deeply and generously. We cultivate an environment of safety, sanctuary, and trust; give ourselves space to embrace our common paths; and allow the gates to open to profound learning and healing.
Caring for a loved one with cancer
Reflections from our community
Questions?
Please contact us if you have any questions about this circle.
Please note
Healing circles are groups of peers who support one another through deep listening and compassion. Circle participants abide by agreements, including agreements around confidentiality. The volunteers who host healing circles do not provide medical or psychotherapeutic advice or treatment. Participation in a healing circle does not replace the care provided by a qualified healthcare professional.
The healing power of community
In this video, members and hosts of Living with Cancer circles describe the impact that healing circles have on their lives.
Resources
Here are some resources offered by other Commonweal programs that you might find helpful:
Help us plan new circles
As we plan new healing circles for those living with cancer, it would help us to know what days and times work best for you.
If you don’t see an available healing circle that fits your schedule, please fill out and submit this form.