Weekend of Hope Online: April 30-May 2, 2021
Check out the working schedule for the Weekend of Hope 2021 online experience!
New this year! The Remo platform is an interactive experience for attendees — you can talk to other participants in different virtual rooms, ask questions to presenters and treatment providers, sit & chat at tables, and more!
Registration will open in April 2021. Sign up for our email list to get the latest updates!
New this year! The Remo platform is an interactive experience for attendees — you can talk to other participants in different virtual rooms, ask questions to presenters and treatment providers, sit & chat at tables, and more!
Registration will open in April 2021. Sign up for our email list to get the latest updates!
Events indicated by the word “REMO” are on an interactive platform, and require an all-access pass for the weekend. Full event access is $35 per person. Agenda items in Zoom, YouTube Live or Facebook Live are available at no cost.
Schedule subject to change (updated March 26, 2021)
| FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021 | |
| 2:00 PM — 2:45 PM | Nurturing the Mind, Body, Sprit Connection Part 1 - Rae Carter, EmpowR; Stacy Burnett, Fiercely Flat Vermont; Hannah Rohloff, Tessera Massage (Participants interested in this session should plan to attend both parts to maximize their experience) Part 1: A nourishing workshop for cancer thrivers, survivors, and caregivers to engage in healing practices centered in holistic wellness. Cancer survivor and healing navigator, Rae Carter, will facilitate the workshop flow, beginning with helping us all ground into our bodies in the present moment. Cancer survivor and clinical social worker, Stacy Burnett, will guide us though a mindfulness meditation to help release overwhelming thoughts. Oncology massage therapist, Hannah Rohloff, will teach self care massage techniques. Rae will then guide us though a guided visualization to connect with our spirit guides, ancestors, and the Earth. |
| Genomic Medicine: A Cornerstone of Precision Cancer Care - REMO Nikoletta Sidiropoulos, MD, Larner College of Medicine With the completion of mapping the human genome in 2003, the world gained new foundational information that has driven innovation and opened frontiers for improving clinical care—especially in cancer. Advances in genomic testing are helping physicians understand patients’ unique cancer types and thereby driving the delivery of precision cancer therapy. The UVM Medical Center recently launched the Genomic Medicine Program with early efforts focused on improving cancer care. This session will present the story of genomic medicine broadly and here in Vermont -- where we’ve come and what’s ahead in this new field. Attendees will hear about the challenges and opportunities presented by implementing the Genomic Medicine Program across a health network and learn more about how the clinical laboratory is partnering with health care professionals to increasingly deliver the benefits of locally-practiced, genomically-informed cancer care. |
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| Stronger Together: Navigating Cancer with the Support of a Multidisciplinary Team - REMO Elizabeth Archer-Nanda, DNP, Norton Cancer Institute; Brian Schreck, Norton Cancer Institute This presentation will provide retreat participants an overview of common psychological- emotional challenges experienced during cancer and propose the utilization of available multidisciplinary team members as a way to enhance coping. In addition, opportunities may exist to more readily access available support from community programs as well as your personal support network. Participants will gain an understanding of common mental health concerns including challenges with adjustment, anxiety, and depression. An understanding of non-pharmacological and basic pharmacological interventions will be discussed. Through gaining understanding of common mental health concerns, individuals will be more able to engage in self-advocacy. During this presentation, participants will learn about staff roles within a cancer program. Cancer centers employ a myriad of employees in different roles including nursing, social services, expressive therapies, navigation services and of course, providers. We will describe ways a cancer survivor can utilize members within the team. Finally, Elizabeth and Brian will share stories (through case studies) about care delivered in their community cancer program and how cancer care can be at its best when a multidisciplinary team approach is utilized. |
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| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Oncology and Hematology in the 21st Century--20 years of progress - REMO Paul Unger, MD, Champlain Valley Hematology Oncology/University of Vermont Health Network Highlights of the some of the major advances in clinical cancer treatments in the last two decades. |
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Nurturing the Mind, Body, Spirit Connection, Part 2 - REMO Rae Carter, EmpowR; Stacy Burnett, Fiercely Flat Vermont; Hannah Rohloff, Tessera Massage (Participants interested in this session should plan to attend both parts to maximize their experience) Part 2: Participants are highly encouraged to attend Part 1, as this session will build upon the practices in the first session with a facilitated circle for participants to share and ask questions. |
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| Labyrinths and Our Cancer Journeys - A Mindful Practice for Solace and Healing - REMO Sadelle Wiltshire Explore an ancient tool that helps center the mind, body and spirit. Labyrinths have an ancient history, but have been making a recent resurgence as a tool for reflection, renewal and more. Labyrinths can be walked with feet, fingers, or pen. By following a single path to the center, they offer an invitation to bring life's questions, concerns and joys. Labyrinths can also be a wonderful touchstone to work with our cancer and healing journeys. Learn some ways to walk the labyrinth with your current life story and experience the power of this flexible healing tool as we “walk” as a group and journal our reflections. Learn how you can find labyrinths to walk in your own area. Open to all abilities, please join Sadelle in a facilitated group exercise by ‘walking’ a small printed finger labyrinth with pen, colored pencil or your finger (downloadable pdf will be provided). Optional: have a journal at hand if you would like to jot down thoughts that come to you after the walk. Caregivers and families welcome too. Sadelle Wiltshire, a teaching artist and labyrinth facilitator from Putney, Vermont will share some of her personal stories on the twists and turns of the labyrinth path as well as her own family’s cancer journey. |
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| 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM | An Overview of Integrative Oncology - REMO Jacob Hill, ND, Vermont Wellness Medicine and Integrative Oncology The research in integrative medicine has come a long way in 20 years. The internet offers many resources but after a cancer diagnosis, online forums, blogs and articles can be overwhelming. This session focuses on lifestyle changes to improve sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress management explaining the underlying research so patients and providers understand the 'why' of the advice. It also outlines the importance of sharing integrative practices with the oncology team so that you receive the safest effective care that science has to offer. |
| Simple Stress Reduction Practices - REMO Geri Ann Higgins, Fully Present, LLC In this workshop, Geri Ann will share a variety of breathing techniques, hand placements, body holds and mindful movements to help you feel less stressed, more often. The hour will include a blended approach of easy-to-use tools from the world of meditation, yoga and QiGong. There will be seated and standing portions; no equipment is needed except the use of a chair to sit in or a bolster to sit upon. |
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| Advances in Immunotherapy - REMO Shahid Ahmed, MD, University of Vermont We will discuss the role of the immune system in staving off cancer and how cancers can learn to evade it. We will also discuss how this knowledge has lead to the recent advances in immunotherapy to fight cancer. Lastly, we will discuss the role of diet, exercise and microbiome and how these impact the immune system. |
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| 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Welcome/Opening Remarks - REMO Keynote Address by Sarah Thomas: Grit, Grace and Goals How life lessons learned through marathon swimming helped me persevere through cancer and on toward becoming the first person to swim the English Channel four times, non stop. Sarah Thomas, 38, is an ultra-marathon swimmer who holds the current world record for the longest continuous, unassisted, non-wetsuit, swim done in current-neutral conditions. That record-breaking swim covered 104.6 miles over 67 hours and was completed in Lake Champlain (NY/VT) in August of 2017. Shortly after completing this swim, Sarah was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She was just 35 years old. While undergoing aggressive cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy, Sarah never gave up on her dream of doing a swim that most people thought was impossible. One year after completing her cancer treatments, Sarah did just that- becoming the first person in history to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel in 54 hours and 10 minutes.Sarah lives near Denver, Colorado, with her husband Ryan, their two beagles and their rescue mutt. She is a full-time recruiter. She also does keynote presentations for special events, where she shares life lessons that have helped her complete marathon swims and beat cancer. |
| SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | |
| 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM | Survivor Perspectives: Reclaiming Our Bodies After Breast Cancer Surgery - REMO Stacy Burnett, Fiercely Flat Vermont This workshop will feature a panel of survivors who represent all surgical options including reconstruction, lumpectomy, and asthetic flat closure, for one or both breasts. The focus of this will be for attendees to hear about the experiences of the panelists, including how they came to their surgical choice or recommendation, their treatment and experience with recovery, their reactions to their body’s changes, and how they have coped since. The goal for this workshop will be to validate and acknowledge the complexities within breast cancer surgeries, and to foster hope for body acceptance and quality of life post-surgery despite society’s focus on breasts and female bodies. We stress that all choices are personal and valid and support all survivors on this journey. This workshop will begin with structured questions for each panelist, followed by a Q & A session for attendees. Panelists include: Rae Carter, Liz Kiggen, Irene Farrar, Elanore Sinclaire, and Abby Kenney This panel is led by Stacy Burnett, a breast cancer survivor and clinical social worker. She specializes in trauma work, family counseling and body image issues, and currently offers services through her Jericho-based private practice. Stacy is also the creator of Fiercely Flat VT, an informal FaceBook support community for breast cancer survivors in Vermont and surrounding areas. For questions about upcoming group offerings or to join Fiercely Flat VT, email [email protected] |
| The Power of Guided Imagery too Enhance Health and Reduce Pain- REMO Teresa Huggins This workshop will provide an overview of ways to use guided imagery, breath, and imagery to support your healing journey. Teresa will share how she has used various techniques to transform uncertainty, doubt and fear. She will lead the participants in a guided imagery and time will be provided for journaling after the experience. In Teresa's own healing journey that began in Jan. 2016, she has navigated life with peace and joy and believes her healing practices have enhanced her health, eased her mind, and provided for an opening to healing that surprises doctors! |
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| Happiness & Healing: The Science of Well-Being - REMO Andrew Rosenfeld, MD, UVM Medical Center The session presents a mix of scientific data overviewing highlights from the fields of positive psychiatry and genetics related to promoting healing, as well as exercises to practice implementing these ideas. | |
| 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM | Break with yoga/stretching/etc. - ZOOM |
| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Acupuncture Medicine: Points for Your Care - REMO LiMing Tseng, Stowe Acupuncture Acupuncture Medicine is a complementary therapy system used in the treatment of symptoms and conditions associated with cancer care. In this workshop, you will learn about acupuncture's role in oncology. Practical hands-on information so that you may be able to learn some of the acupuncture points used to address issues ranging from ways to address fatigue, chronic pain, and other symptoms! Participants are encouraged to submit questions to be answered during this live session. |
| The Latest and Greatest Research in Breast Cancer at Dartmouth 2021 - REMO Mary Chamberlin, MD, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Richard Barth, Jr., MD, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center; Todd Miller, PhD, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Timothy Rooney, MD, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center We will give an introduction to basic concepts of our breast cancer research portfolio at Dartmouth, then individual investigators will provide 10 minute overview of their work in terms of imaging, surgical techniques, treatment before surgery and pain management after surgery. |
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| Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy: Provider Updates and Patient Perspectives Amidst a Global Pandemic - REMO John Hill, MD, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center; Kate Caldon, RN, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center; Phyllis Shankman, CAR T-cell Therapy Patient Survivor; Michael Shankman, Spouse and Caregiver; Kim Levitch, CAR T-cell Therapy Patient Survivor; Nancy Fournier, Spouse and Caregiver; Jim Chichwak, CAR T-cell Therapy Patient Survivor Dr. Hill will give a description of CAR T-cell therapy as a novel treatment modality that is gaining new treatment indications as well as the unique side effect profile. Kate Caldon RN will discuss the patient pathway and supports required to undertake this treatment. A panel of Dartmouth patients and caregivers will be available to give the lived experience and discuss resuming life after CAR T-cell therapy in the setting of COVID-19. |
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| 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Break with yoga/stretching/etc. - ZOOM |
| 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM | Cancer Treatment and Bone Health - REMO Jennifer Kelly, DO, UVM Medical Center As considerable advances in oncology over recent decades have led to improved survival, long-term consequences of anticancer treatments can raise concerns. Bone health is a major issue with different factors potentially leading to future increased fracture risk. This talk will focus on the possible causes of cancer treatment-induced bone loss and the best methods for prevention and treatment. |
| Nutrition Strategy for Cancer Survivors- REMO Kim Dittus, MD, UVM Medical Center Hippocrates had it right all those years ago: "Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food." Kim Dittus, MD, PhD Medical Oncologist at the UVM Cancer Center will discuss improving your diet and/or the diet of your patients, with an emphasis on veggies and other plant foods. Nutrition is an excellent way for cancer survivors and those in treatment to take action to contribute to better health. It is also an important factor in cancer prevention and survivorship. |
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| Self Myofascial Release for Neck, Back and Hips - REMO Jessie Owens, Fulcrum Massage and Bodywork, LLC Our fascia is our body’s most sensory-rich organ. By working with this connective tissue, we can benefit the body in many ways, including decreasing pain and tension, increasing proprioceptive awareness (awareness of body in space) and interoceptive awareness (awareness of internal states of being), increasing range of motion and fluidity of movement, and settling the nervous system to offer the body a general sense of wellbeing. In this workshop, we will explore methods to gently ease tension in commonly held areas in the body through myofascial release and self-massage techniques. This workshop will be gentle and is open to everyone. These techniques will be done seated or upright, and lying on the floor. We will use a small blanket or a yoga mat, and a massage ball or tennis ball (should be soft enough to squeeze). |
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| 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Cancer Risk - REMO Laura Colello, UVM Medical Center Some cancers have an inherited component. Knowing and understanding this risk can make a major difference in a person’s life. This session will discuss the features of hereditary cancer and explain the genetic counseling process. It will include a review of what happens during a genetic counseling session and review the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. |
| Lung Cancer Screening – where are we in 2021? - REMO Garth Garrison, MD, UVM Medical Center In this talk we will be discussing the rationale for lung cancer screening, touching on results from recent clinical trials, and reviewing the updated 2021 recommendations. |
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| A Doodle a Day Takes the Stress Away - REMO Teresa Davis, Davis Studio In this workshop, we'll say good-bye to perfection and invite our inner artist out to play. You will be guided through several relaxing and fun exercises to get your creative juices flowing. The simple act of putting pencil or pen to paper while doodling is incredibly engaging and uplifting. Creating something new is a wonderful life-affirming, mood-boosting activity. Even if you haven't drawn since you were a child you will experience a feeling of freedom and joy as we explore possibilities. After all, drawing is merely taking a line for a walk. If you can make a mark, dot, line, or circle you will be successful in this class. |
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| 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch Break by Cancer type: Lung, Liver, Pancreas, Sarcoma - ZOOM |
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Caring for the Caregiver Part 1 - REMO Claire Willis, Facing Cancer Together; Robert David, Boston Medical Center The role of caregiver can be particularly challenging, especially when it’s for a cancer patient who has had to endure prolonged, intensive treatment and possible side-effects. In a supportive environment we will offer a forum for caregivers to openly share their experiences, concerns, and questions, and to support and encourage one another. Through discussion and brief reflective exercises, participants will hopefully gain greater clarity and perspective on their situations and feel less alone in their journey. Please note: This 90 minute sessionis for CAREGIVERS ONLY. |
| The Importance of Exercise in Cancer Recovery- REMO Evelyn Nunlee Physical activity is linked to improved health outcomes and moods when dealing with cancer recovery. This lecture will provide information about starting, or maintaining, an exercise routine during cancer recovery and how Moving for Life can provide supporting and accommodating movement classes during this journey. |
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| Tumor Treating Fields--A New Modality for Cancer Care in the Brain and Beyond - REMO Alissa Thomas, MD, UVM Medical Center Tumor treating fields (TTF) are the most recent FDA approved treatment modality for glioblastoma. TTF are delivered through a portable, wearable electronic device. This treatment modality was first studied in glioblastoma, but is now also approved for the treatment of mesothelioma and is under investigation for multiple other types of cancer. The objectives are this talk are:
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| 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM | Caring for the Caregiver Part 2 - REMO Claire Willis, Facing Cancer Together; Robert David, Boston Medical Center The role of caregiver can be particularly challenging, especially when it’s for a cancer patient who has had to endure prolonged, intensive treatment and possible side-effects. In a supportive environment we will offer a forum for caregivers to openly share their experiences, concerns, and questions, and to support and encourage one another. Through discussion and brief reflective exercises, participants will hopefully gain greater clarity and perspective on their situations and feel less alone in their journey. Please note: This 90 minute session is for CAREGIVERS ONLY. |
| The Empowered Wellness Journey - REMO Teresa Huggins This workshop is an exploration of healing by using 4 dimensions: Physical, Psychological, Energetic and Spiritual practices to enhance health and well being. The presenter noted what worked for her healing over the last 5 years and will share what has worked to create the focus on wellness more than disease. The techniques can be weaved into your daily life. In the workshop we will explore elements of each dimension by exploring some of the strategies that can be implemented in your lives, including the use of affirmations, relaxation techniques, solution-focused perspectives and empowered decision making. Teresa will share how you can design a wellness plan where you feel strengthened, valued and aligned with your beliefs. |
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| 3:00PM - 3:15 PM | Break with yoga/stretching/etc. - ZOOM |
| 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM | iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation - REMO Lonnie Poland, Experience Yoga This gentle practice is offered to help you to experience your natural state of being, joy and wholeness, iRest is a research based transformative practice of deep relaxation and meditation currently being utilized in VA hospitals, military bases, hospitals and clinics, hospice, homeless shelters, community programs, and schools. Research has shown that iRest effectively reduces PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and chemical dependency while increasing health, resiliency, and well-being. |
| Fight Back Any Adversity in Life: Overcoming a Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis, The Pink Hulk Will Help You Find Your Inner Superhero - REMO Being cured of lymphoma and in remission with breast cancer, Valerie was diagnosed again with breast cancer, and this time with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer in the fall of 2018. With sophisticated medical advancements, she now has no evidence of disease—no trace of her cancer. Valerie wants to debunk the myth that someone with cancer, or any type of chronic illness, is not able to live a full life. Currently on oral medications with this diagnosis, she’s thriving and wants you to thrive, too. Through excerpts from her award-winning, one-woman show, The Pink Hulk: One Woman’s Journey to Find the Superhero Within, Valerie will inspire and empower those facing ANY adversity in life—especially cancer patients, cancer survivors and caregivers—and with PLENTY of humor. Included in this presentation, Valerie will perform two actual excerpts from her show, have a Q&A, improv games and writing exercises to help you find your own inner superhero and also spark your creativity within. In addition to Valerie sharing her story through The Pink Hulk, she has conducted both special talkbacks and professional panels following each of her performances, and has partnered up with many cancer organizations all across the United States and Europe. She also has led multiple workshops, including improvisation, writing your own memoir, journaling, playwriting plus providing tools to help fight challenges in your own life. And she will do all this with you, too, at this workshop! Valerie’s personal story has a universal message of hope and empowerment. Join her for this motivating and uplifting workshop. Visit https://pinkhulkplay.com/ for more info. |
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| Immunotherapy 2021, Triumphs and Challenges - REMO Ryan Sullivan, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital Will present details about how immunotherapy is changing the management of cancer for many patients. Additionally, I will discuss the limitations of therapy including resistance to therapy and toxicity, and strategies to overcome both. |
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| 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM | Break with yoga/stretching/etc. - ZOOM |
| 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM | The Joy and Benefit of Hula Hooping - ZOOM Carol Becker This presentation will teach the mechanics and benefits of Hula Hooping. Movement while hooping will be introduced. The use of the hoop as a simple fitness tool and also as a choreographic medium will be presented. Participants should dress in light clothing and wear flexible athletic shoes. |
| Living With Blood Cancer, Presented by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - REMO David Cranmer, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society |
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| Exploring Personal Metaphors - REMO Marv Klassen-Landis, D-H Arts Participants will find surprising insights into themselves—including the fact that all of us are poets. Are you an otter or a chipmunk? A Rubik's Cube or a bouncing ball? Using a playful approach to creative writing, participants will learn a process of accessing deeply held but rarely conscious beliefs and emotions--how do I see myself, how do others see me, who have I been, who am I becoming? We will use a non-analytical approach to metaphor and imagery to explore who we are. |
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| 4:30 PM - 5:40 PM | Mindfulness, Magic and Miracles: An Integrative View of Mind Body Healing - REMO Dr. Steve Taubman Mindset expert and bestselling author of Bulletproof, Dr. Steve Taubman, offers neuroscience-based observations about how individuals can master their mindset and self-direct their healing energy. This fascinating conversation touches on mindfulness (with interactive exercises), resilience, breath work, neuroplasticity (rewiring the brain), and self hypnosis. This paradigm shift opens the door to:
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| 5:15 PM - 6:15 PM | Happy Hour by Cancer type – Blood, Skin, Breast, Brain - ZOOM |
| 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM | Dinner Break |
| 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Candlelight Service – Zoom Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87474597697 Meeting ID: 874 7459 7697 One tap mobile +16465588656,,87474597697# US (New York) +13017158592,,87474597697# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 874 7459 7697 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kehUZYoBmH |
| 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM | Saturday Night Social Event – YouTube Live |
| SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 | |
| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Coffee Chat by Cancer type: Bone, Metastatic, GI, Thyroid - ZOOM |
| Morning Yoga Session - ZOOM | |
| 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Morning Yoga Session – ZOOM |
| 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Victory Hike – FACEBOOK LIVE |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Closing Ceremony - REMO |
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