Tag: social support

Spiritual Care: Enlightenment Through Candle Making

A person trims the wick of a candle in a candle-making class.

Join us for a unique event where we’ll explore your spiritual journeys while creating personalized candles. Candles have long been a symbol of light, used in various religious and spiritual practices to represent hope, energy, and enlightenment. Come engage in meaningful discussions and craft a candle that resonates with your spiritual path!

For more information and to RSVP, contact: Jamie Madrigal, MSW | Spiritual Social Worker

Jamie@cancercareservices.org

Únase a nosotros en un evento único en el que exploraremos sus viajes espirituales mientras creamos velas personalizadas. Las velas han sido un símbolo de luz, utilizado en varias prácticas religiosas y espirituales para representar la esperanza, la energía y la iluminación. Ven a participar en conversaciones significativas y crea una vela que resuene con tu camino espiritual.

Para obtener más información y confirmar su asistencia, comuníquese con: Jamie Madrigal, MSW | trabajadora social

Jamie@cancercareservices.org

Creating a Safe Space for Teens

A diverse group of teenagers pose in front of a lake at Cancer Care's Teen Retreat 2024.

A Special Story of Hope from Teen Retreat 2024

Connections can change lives as they did for Jayden, a 15-year-old who recently lost his mom to breast cancer. This summer, we hosted our second Teen Retreat, a two-day therapeutic retreat focused on coping and connection for teens impacted by cancer. There, Jayden found a safe space to connect with others who understood his grief.

Struggling with losing his mom and hesitant to attend therapy, Jayden was reserved and quiet the first morning. Jayden blossomed through the retreat’s therapeutic activities and found solace in connections with those sharing his experience. After attending the Teen Retreat, Jayden found the strength to cope with his grief and is now ready for counseling.

Imagine the strength Jayden draws from knowing he’s not alone. This strength comes from connecting with others who have had a mom, dad, grandparent, sibling, or a loved one diagnosed with cancer.

What is Cancer Care’s Teen Retreat?

Cancer Care’s Teen Retreat aims to fill the gap of support for teens with a loved one impacted by cancer. This overnight retreat at YMCA Camp Carter involves sneakily therapeutic activities and lots of outdoor time! This year, our camper tried out new activities like paddle boarding and archery tag!

From splashing in the pool to therapeutic kickball, our camp counselors ensured every activity was infused with bonding time and coping tools. When doing “highs and lows” on the last day, the only low our teens gave was that the retreat was not long enough!

We’re so excited to see our teens again next year!

Three teenage boys wearing black helmets pose while holding archery tag bows at Teen Retreat 2024. A teenage girl and boy high five while playing kickball at Teen Retreat 2024.A teenage girl sits on a paddle board in the middle of a lake at Teen Retreat 2024.A teenage boy waves as he zips past on a zipline at Teen Retreat 2024.

CampCARE 2024 in Action

What’s happening at CampCARE 2024?

CampCARE 2024 is in full swing! Each year, we host a week-long summer day camp for children ages 5-12 who have a loved one impacted by cancer. This week, we have already hiked nature trails, caught giant fish, played laser tag, canoed with friends, and so much more.

A group of pre-teens stand in a group overlooking a scenic view at CampCARE 2024. Two pre-teen boys race during a game at CampCARE 2024.

Day One saw our campers welcome friends with big hugs and excited laughter. Our talented counseling team led fun get-to-know-you games that inspired new friendships and bonds – and helped each child realize they are not the only one impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

Two girls and one boy roll cookie dough into balls to place onto a baking sheet at CampCARE 2024.A young girl pets a snake held by a handler while two boys watch in awe at CampCARE 2024.

Day Two introduced new games like laser tag and brought back old favorites like archery! Each activity allows a child to grow beyond their comfort zone and build self-confidence.

A young girl stands in an archery range preparing her bow and arrow at CampCARE 2024.
Click on the image above to watch activities from Day 2 of CampCARE!

We are so grateful to the Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth for making CampCARE possible. Thank you to our many wonderful volunteers, donors, board of directors, and staff for creating a safe, welcoming, and fun-filled camp!

Keep up with the fun on our Facebook and Instagram!

 

Reel Connection 2024

An older man unhooks a fish from a young man's fishing pole at Reel Connection.

Join us for our annual fishing event: Reel Connection. We will spend the morning fishing out at YMCA Camp Carter. Breakfast items, coffee, and a catered lunch from Carpenter’s Cafe will be included. Cancer Care Services will provide the fishing poles and all fishing supplies. Please bring your favorite outdoor chairs and/or blankets. It’s going to be a fun morning!

To RSVP, contact Megan Clifton, Director of Client Engagement: Megan@CancerCareServices.org

Acompáñenos en nuestro evento anual de pesca: Reel Connection. Pasaremos la mañana pescando en YMCA Camp Carter. Se servirá desayuno, café, y un almuerzo proporcionado por Carpenter’s Cafe. Cancer Care Services proporcionará las cañas de pescar y todo lo que necesita para la pesca. Por favor, traiga sus sillas favoritas al aire libre, y / o mantas. ¡Será una mañana divertida!

Para inscribirse, póngase en contacto con Megan Clifton, Director of Client Engagement: Megan@CancerCareServices.org

 

Interested in volunteering? Find Reel Connection volunteer opportunities on our Volunteer Portal.

Celebrating Love

A couple slow dances at Cancer Care's Valentine's Dinner 2024.

Valentine’s Dinner 2024 Recap

“Will you be our Valentine?” 41 cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones said “yes!”

A couple poses for a Valentine's themed photo booth at a Cancer Care Services Connect Night.

Cancer Care shared the love at our annual Valentine’s Dinner (generously hosted by AHUMC) with intentional couples/family bonding sessions and a freshly prepared gourmet dinner with live piano accompaniment. The night concluded with a dance party featuring a command performance by our very own VP of Programs, Tracey, as the DJ!

A group of women dance at the annual Valentine's DInner.

Newly engaged couples and long-time partners were present, in addition to singles and friends. Couples answered guided questions to strengthen their relationship while our singles gathered to discuss topics based on conversation hearts!
A couple laughs at Cancer Care Services' Valentine's Dinner 2024.
One of our clients, Therese, was “…bound and determined to make it out tonight. I have not been out of the house since my surgery, but really wanted to come tonight to share this experience with my husband, son, and grandson. I am so glad I came. We made wonderful memories.”

The dinner and dancing were a welcome break from the challenges of cancer, and parents were able to enjoy this rare one-on-one time thanks to free childcare. Everyone experienced moments of joy and connection with their loved ones – reminding them that they don’t have to cope with cancer alone.

A couple dances at Cancer Care's Valentine's Dinner.

Wondering how to support cancer patients and their families all year long?

Valentine’s Day may be over, but you can spread the love all year long. Join our monthly giving club so that cancer patients like Therese can continue to make special memories with her family. Every amount makes a difference, even just $10 a month (the cost of a nice box of chocolates!):

Reel Connection 2023

Three kids sit on a dock fishing at Reel Connection.

Family Fishing Day: Reel Connection 2023

Reel Connection is a one-day fishing event at YMCA Camp Carter. Clients and their loved ones are invited to enjoy a morning of fishing, light breakfast items, and nature! Fishing poles and all supplies will be provided. A box-style lunch will also be served. Bring your chairs, blankets, sunscreen, and smiles!

To RSVP, contact:
Megan Clifton, Client Connection Manager
Megan@CancerCareServices.org
817-482-5996

Register Here: https://hipaa.jotform.com/210046374588156

To volunteer: Contact Megan Clifton or sign up.

Día de pesca de la familia: Reel Connection 2023

Reel Connection es un evento de un día en Camp Carter de YMCA. ¡Clientes y sus seres queridos son invitados para disfrutar una mañana de pesca, aperitivos de desayuno y la naturaleza! Cañas de pescar y todo el equipo será proveído. Un lonche será servido. ¡Traigan sus sillas, cobijas, protector solar y sus sonrisas!

Para mas informacion contacten con,
Megan Clifton, Client Connection Manager
Megan@CancerCareServices.org
817-482-5996

 

Reel Connection 2023 flyer in EnglishReel Connection 2023 flyer in Spanish

TCC Trinity River Counseling Awareness Day

Mom comforting teenage son displaying a typical grief reactions in children of his age.

On Counseling Awareness Day, join Trinity River Campus counseling and student support services, as well as community partners, to discover helpful support on-campus and in the community. Learn how to tap into the help you need for yourself and your loved ones. Be proactive about the care you and others need!

Cancer Care’s counseling team will be in attendance to share more about our emotional and social services for those impacted by cancer!

January Connect Night: Cooking with Cuisine for Healing

A family and volunteer participate in a cooking class at a Cancer Care Services Connect Night.

January Connect Night

Join us for our first Connect Night of the year: Cooking With Cuisine for Healing! Cuisine for Healing will lead us in a healthy, delicious Cooking Class in which you and your loved ones can participate. We will make the recipe together, then eat what we made! You don’t want to miss it!

To RSVP, contact:
Megan Clifton, Client Connection Manager
Megan@CancerCareServices.org
817-482-5996

Register Here: https://hipaa.jotform.com/210046374588156

To volunteer: Contact Megan Clifton or sign up.

Noche de conexión de enero

Acompañenos para nuestra primera Noche de Conexión del año: ¡Cocinando con Cuisine for Healing! Cuisine for Healing nos guiará en una clase de cocina saludable y deliciosa en la que usted y sus seres queridos pueden participar. ¡Haremos juntos la receta y luego comeremos lo que hicimos! ¡No te lo querrás perder!

Para mas informacion contacten con,
Megan Clifton, Client Connection Manager
Megan@CancerCareServices.org
817-482-5996

January Connect Night FlyerJanuary Connect Night Flyer

 

Camp Connect 2022

Three girls at Camp Connect.

Fall Retreat: Camp Connect 2022

Cancer Care Services will be hosting a fall, overnight retreat at YMCA Camp Carter. Family and friends will be able to enjoy a day of archery, hiking, canoeing, high ropes course, a campfire with s’mores, and more! You don’t want to miss it!

To RSVP, contact Megan Clifton, Client Connection Manager:

Megan@CancerCareServices.org

817-921-0653

To Volunteer: Contact Megan Clifton or sign up here.

Retiro de otoño: Camp Connect 2022

Cancer Care Services celebrará un retiro de otoño, durante la noche en YMCA Camp Carter. ¡La familia y los amigos podrán disfrutar de un día de tiro con arco, senderismo, piragüismo, curso de cuerdas altas, una fogata con s’mores, y mucho más! ¡No querrás perdértelo!

Para confirmar tu asistencia, contacta con nosotros Megan Clifton, Client Connection Manager

Megan@CancerCareServices.org

817-921-0653

Camp Connect 2022 Spanish Flyer Camp Connect 2022 EnglishFlyer

Encanto Under the Stars

Clients wait for Encanto to start at the March 2022 Connect Night.

March 2022 Connect Night

“I love it!” One of our youngest clients of the night had a blast at the Encanto-themed selfie station! Thank you, Selfie Factor FW, for setting up the adorable selfie station so our clients could capture special memories. Our staff, volunteers, and clients smiled wide for their pictures as the magical Encanto characters surrounded them. Look at those sweet smiles! 

A family takes a photo with the selfie station at the March 2022 Connect Night.
A family takes a photo with the selfie station.

Cancer Care’s counseling intern led the therapeutic component and brought an abundance of laughter and energy. Each person drew their own door, like the special doors in Encanto, that represented their strengths and interests. Then, they drew another door that showed their true selves – fears and all!  

Megan and Sabrina at the March 2022 Connect Night.
Cancer Care’s counseling intern and Client Connection Manager lead the therapeutic component of the night.

Our volunteers enchanted the night with welcoming smiles, tasty popcorn, and hot chocolate. A perfect treat on a chilly night! The families snuggled up in their blankets and snacked on their treats as the opening song began the movie. 

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” proved to be the fan favorite since everyone couldn’t help but sing along. Miss Megan even danced around the parking lot and sang to each of the kids! Just like how Mirabel unites her family, our March 2022 Connect Night brought the Cancer Care community together. Stay tuned for the next Connect Night!