Weekend Schedule

Each year the Stowe Weekend of Hope schedule includes hands-on workshops, informational and support group gatherings, retail environments supportive of healing and growth, sporting opportunities and time for relaxation. Inspirational musical events, ecumenical services, and motivational talks are designed to heighten the emotional experience of healing and growth.

The Stoweflake Resort (1746 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT) will be the hub of activity for the weekend. This is the location of event registration, the opening ceremony and keynote address, Friday evening activities, all sessions on Saturday, the health fair, and the closing ceremony on Sunday. Daytime sessions on Friday are held at various locations throughout Stowe, as well as some other agenda items, such as the Ecumenical Candlelight Service for Remembrance and Hope. Locations of events will be indicated on the schedule at-a-glance. 

The schedule of events provided below is subject to change (as of March 4, 2020). Please check back for updates!

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
4:00pm - 7:00pm	REGISTRATION LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Atrium Stop here first to pick up your nametag and other registration materials – all attendees, speakers and volunteers.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
7:30am - 5:30pm	REGISTRATION LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Atrium Stop here first to pick up your nametag and other registration materials – all attendees, speakers and volunteers.
8:00am - 3:30pm	FULL-DAY SESSION: Hope and Wellness Through Movement for the Mind and Body LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort Back by popular demand! Join us for a day of healing activities including yoga, swimming, biking, and much more! Pick what's right for you and join us for our Weekend of Hope exercise program. All levels and abilities welcome! This program is designed so you can try a new activity that you can continue on your own at home if you like it. New this year, pre-registration is NOT required. You can attend any session you would like. There will be first come-first serve sign up sheets outside the Stowe Room (near the Stoweflake Atrium) for the day so you can sign up for what you would like to attend. These sign-up sheets will give first priority into the sessions as there are room capacities. The schedule of events for the Movement Day is below. Please note, because pre-registration is not required, you will not receive a reminder email with instructions on what to bring with you. If you would like to attend any of these sessions, you should bring comfortable clothing and sneakers that you can be active in. Please bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. You should also bring a bathing suit and towel, along with a change of clothing for after if you plan on attending the aqua aerobics class. 8:00am - 8:45am | WELCOME, OVERVIEW OF THE DAY, AND OPENING SPEECH LOCATION: Stowflake Resort; Stowe North and South Rooms 9:00am - 10:00am | CONCURRENT MOVEMENT SESSION BLOCK 1 Bike Riding for Exercise and Pleasure – led by Bill and Lois Parmelee LOCATION: Meet at the Stoweflake Front Entrance We will take groups for rides on the bike path. We will be able to accommodate all level of riders. Must wear the helmets provided with the bikes. Your Empowered Wellness Journey – led by Teresa Huggins LOCATION: Stuart Discover strategies for navigating your healing journey, experience a peaceful guided imagery, explore ways to design your life that creates vibrancy, joy and peace, even when you are navigating a healing journey. Teresa has navigated a healing journey since 2016 and has discovered that healing happens in 4 dimensions: physical, psychological, energetic and spiritual. This workshop is interactive, uplifting and filled with laughter and support. Participants leave with a renewed sense of hope, practical strategies to weave into every day life and the awareness that self-advocacy, solution-focused mindset and daily practices lead to greater healing where her doctors say "we didn't expect results like this...yet, you did, right?" and she smiles! She will share her formula for creating a path of possibility. Gentle Stretching and Exercise Tips – led by Moving For Life (Martha Eddy) LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Green Mountain Gather in a group to share or discover what your exercise goals are including dealing with aches and pains. Be lead in easy-going stretches and strengthening activities to relieve joint pain, improve alignment, and to increase lymphatic flow and energy. Can be done seated, standing or lying down based on your capabilities and desires. Strength Training – led by Kale Poland LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Mansfield Details coming soon! Yoga – led by Kate Graves LOCATION: Jewish Community Center Details coming soon! Aqua Strength and Conditioning – led by Greta Irwin LOCATION: TBD Water-based workouts can be adapted to meet the needs of everyone and are especially beneficial for persons with lymphedema! Using pool noodles and balls, each one hour session will enable participants to learn simple strengthening exercises while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of being in the water. Participants will also learn how to grade each exercise to meet their personal needs. Come splash and laugh with us! 10:30am - 11:30am | CONCURRENT MOVEMENT SESSION BLOCK 2 Bike Riding for Exercise and Pleasure – led by Bill and Lois Parmelee LOCATION: Meet at the Stoweflake Front Entrance We will take groups for rides on the bike path. We will be able to accommodate all level of riders. Must wear the helmets provided with the bikes. Your Empowered Wellness Journey – led by Teresa Huggins LOCATION: Stuart Discover strategies for navigating your healing journey, experience a peaceful guided imagery, explore ways to design your life that creates vibrancy, joy and peace, even when you are navigating a healing journey. Teresa has navigated a healing journey since 2016 and has discovered that healing happens in 4 dimensions: physical, psychological, energetic and spiritual. This workshop is interactive, uplifting and filled with laughter and support. Participants leave with a renewed sense of hope, practical strategies to weave into every day life and the awareness that self-advocacy, solution-focused mindset and daily practices lead to greater healing where her doctors say "we didn't expect results like this...yet, you did, right?" and she smiles! She will share her formula for creating a path of possibility. Moving for Life Dance Exercise for Cancer Recovery – led by Moving For Life (Martha Eddy) LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Green Mountain Gentle aerobics that can be done seated or standing. We begin with breath and body awareness and then moving into active aerobic dancing and strengthening, followed by stretching and check-ins. Strength Training – led by Kale Poland LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Mansfield Details coming soon! Yoga – led by Kate Graves LOCATION: Jewish Community Center Details coming soon! Aqua Strength and Conditioning – led by Greta Irwin LOCATION: TBD Water-based workouts can be adapted to meet the needs of everyone and are especially beneficial for persons with lymphedema! Using pool noodles and balls, each one hour session will enable participants to learn simple strengthening exercises while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of being in the water. Participants will also learn how to grade each exercise to meet their personal needs. Come splash and laugh with us! 12:00pm - 1:00pm | LUNCH ON OWN 1:00pm - 2:00pm | CONCURRENT MOVEMENT SESSION BLOCK 3 Bike Riding for Exercise and Pleasure – led by Bill and Lois Parmelee LOCATION: Meet at the Stoweflake Front Entrance We will take groups for rides on the bike path. We will be able to accommodate all level of riders. Must wear the helmets provided with the bikes. Your Empowered Wellness Journey – led by Teresa Huggins LOCATION: Stuart Discover strategies for navigating your healing journey, experience a peaceful guided imagery, explore ways to design your life that creates vibrancy, joy and peace, even when you are navigating a healing journey. Teresa has navigated a healing journey since 2016 and has discovered that healing happens in 4 dimensions: physical, psychological, energetic and spiritual. This workshop is interactive, uplifting and filled with laughter and support. Participants leave with a renewed sense of hope, practical strategies to weave into every day life and the awareness that self-advocacy, solution-focused mindset and daily practices lead to greater healing where her doctors say "we didn't expect results like this...yet, you did, right?" and she smiles! She will share her formula for creating a path of possibility. Relaxation and Meditation – led by Moving For Life (Martha Eddy) LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Green Mountain Learn Moving For Life’s approach to finding deep relaxation. Learn a variety of meditation options (breath, mindfulness, Relaxation Response) and how to get comfortable in still positions. Whether seated, standing or lying down – enjoy a rejuvenating as well as calming experience. Strength Training – led by Kale Poland LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Mansfield Details coming soon! Yoga – led by Kate Graves LOCATION: Jewish Community Center Details coming soon! Aqua Strength and Conditioning – led by Greta Irwin LOCATION: TBD Water-based workouts can be adapted to meet the needs of everyone and are especially beneficial for persons with lymphedema! Using pool noodles and balls, each one hour session will enable participants to learn simple strengthening exercises while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of being in the water. Participants will also learn how to grade each exercise to meet their personal needs. Come splash and laugh with us! 2:30pm - 3:30pm | CONCURRENT MOVEMENT SESSION BLOCK 4 Bike Riding for Exercise and Pleasure – led by Bill and Lois Parmelee LOCATION: Meet at the Stoweflake Front Entrance We will take groups for rides on the bike path. We will be able to accommodate all level of riders. Must wear the helmets provided with the bikes. Osteo Pilates for Wellness – led by Melinda Teutschel LOCATION: Stuart Osteo-Pilates is a modified Pilates class designed for anyone with low bone density. Participants will learn: 1) How to powerfully and gracefully create posture while building bone, balance, strength and flexibility. 2) How movement can help build postural and breath awareness. 3) Contraindications (movements that are counter-productive). 4) How to properly modify any “core” activity to fit your personal needs. 5) Strategies to reverse the effects of forward-bending posture. 6) Information that is easy to understand and apply to life. Everyone will leave with a clear sense of how to proceed with any exercise regime or movement skill (i.e., sitting at a computer, in a car, cooking, bending, lifting, etc.). Dance Fusion – led by Vanessa Underwood LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Green Mountain Get Fit, Get Strong, Get Happy! Join us for FUN & FITNESS . No rhythm? No worries, Just Move! We will twist and shout, do some body training, Zumba dance, have a few laughs and lots of smiles. You will have yourself a good time and a fun work out. We will dance for cardio, stretch for flexibility, squat for strength and laugh for your soul. The moves are simple but effective. You will get a total work out and have a blast doing it. EVERYONE is invited, I can adjust any and all moves for you! Healthy Steps Exercise Class – led by Vickie Yattaw LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Mansfield This is a nationally recognized interactive exercise program to help increase circulation and uses your own body to activate the lymphatic system. This program is gentle stretching, low impact and a fun use of props to get people moving, increasing circulation, stamina and wellness. This program is set to fun music and the choreography is designed by physicians and classically trained dancers to help you use your own body in slow smooth motions to increase lymphatic flow. There a few breaks during the one hour class and ends with a guided imagery body check. Gentle Flow Yoga – led by Rachel Lacourciere LOCATION: Jewish Community Center A great place for beginners as well as those looking to slow down their yoga practice. This class is designed to accommodate all beginners - utilizing blocks, blankets and straps to find a stretch that is beneficial to all. Aqua Strength and Conditioning – led by Greta Irwin LOCATION: TBD Water-based workouts can be adapted to meet the needs of everyone and are especially beneficial for persons with lymphedema! Using pool noodles and balls, each one hour session will enable participants to learn simple strengthening exercises while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of being in the water. Participants will also learn how to grade each exercise to meet their personal needs. Come splash and laugh with us!
10:00am - 12:00pm	CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS {pre-registration required} I. Mental Health in a Cancer Diagnosis: Normal Experiences in an Abnormal Situation PRESENTERS: Kathryn Lail LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Stowe South When a diagnosis of cancer occurs, people are often faced with making serious decisions and to comply with a number of tremendous challenges. Cancer may impose experiences such as facing the diagnosis of a life threatening illness, aggressive medical treatment, changes in lifestyle, direct effects of the disease, financial challenges, sexual dysfunction, changes or challenges to a support system, and family conflict. Although distressing, it is not abnormal to experience emotional distress and mental health problems at any point in time whether that is during diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, recurrence or end of life. II. 20 Years of Progress in Cancer Treatment PRESENTERS: Paul Unger LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Stowe North This talk will focus on the amazing progress of translational science from lab bench to bedside over the last 20 years. III. Making Memories Count- Legacy Work in the Oncology World PRESENTERS: Jennifer Hauptman, Julia Conner and Ali Waltien LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Beatrice The idea of legacy work has grained incredible traction in recent years as a wonderful approach to palliative care at end of life, in which patients can leave their mark on the world for their loved ones. Please join us for an interactive exploration of legacy opportunities available. Participants will leave this workshop with some meaningful, creative, and personalized legacy project ideas and information regarding what a legacy project can be. This workshop is appropriate for an adult audience. IV. Creating Space for Sensuality and Spirituality PRESENTERS: Rae Carter and Mitch Pauley LOCATION: Trapp Family Lodge (700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, VT); St. George Room Ground into the present moment in a compassionate and safe space for couples navigating cancer and caregiving. Healing Sanctuary hosts, Rae Carter and Mitch Pauley, share how their experience with breast cancer and caregiving went from horror and suffering to empowerment and truth. They will then facilitate a dialogue for sensuality and spirituality conversations and questions. Meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, letting go, perspectives, and narratives will be explored as ways to encourage intimacy and empower resiliency in the mind, body, and spirit. V. Knitting Circle of Friends-AM Session PRESENTERS: TBD LOCATION: TBD VI. Belief, Knowledge, and Truth in Medicine PRESENTERS: Eike Blohm LOCATION: TBD
1:30pm - 3:30pm	CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS {pre-registration required} I. Opening to Grief: Finding Your way to Peace PRESENTERS: Claire Willis LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Stowe South Nothing can arouse stronger feelings in any of us than being told "You have cancer.” With that diagnosis often comes fear accompanied by many layers of loss: loss of our previous identity, of certainty in our future, loss of our work, previously held roles as a parent, loss of income, and loss of our strength and confidence. Our unexpressed grief can be a big source of stress as we try to hold our life together. There is considerable research suggesting that journaling 3-4 times a week for up to six weeks about things that bother us can actually improve our immune system and reduce our stress. Bring your journal and your favorite pen and join us in learning a variety of ways to jumpstart your writing and begin to open your heart to the grief you carry. We will build a trusting and supportive community together. You may even walk away feeling less alone, and a bit lighter, clearer and happier. II. I Have So Many Feelings I Can't Think Straight PRESENTERS: Marilyn McEnery LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Stowe North A diagnosis of cancer is a big emotional event. This high emotional time makes it hard to think about the many decisions needed to continue to live a vibrant, connected life. This workshop will offer some understanding of the relationship between our feelings and our thinking. It will give people tools and an opportunity to try them out in a safe way with each other, as well as a theory connecting emotions and thinking. We would not be the intelligent, creative, powerful and loving humans that we are if we did not feel. Feelings are not the enemy; they are part of a healing process. Allowing ourselves to feel in a safe way is giving ourselves an opening to more of life, including clearer thinking control our lives allow. III. The Synergy of Reiki and Dreams: Accessible Tools for Wellness and Recovery PRESENTERS: Nancy Mosher and Gerette Buglion LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Beatrice Through conversation, reflection, journaling and the gentle process of receiving Reiki, each participant will have an opportunity to unearth the unique wisdom of a dream. The unconscious can be a tremendous resource in the healing process. Reiki helps lift the veil to our deepest and truest selves with tenderness and loving support. This approach to dream exploration is intensely personal. No one is asked to share unless they are so moved. Each participant will have the opportunity to find new reservoirs of energy and wisdom to support her on her journey, as well as to learn how Reiki, as a personal practice, can provide lifelong support and healing. “…Opening to the dream world is a courageous and irrevocable act. When we push past our fear and judgment and dare to go to the edge, we witness a vast and infinite expanse beyond our wildest imagination.” -Healing Night by Rubin Naiman. In addition participants will learn a few simple tools for finding Reiki comfort from their own hands. IV. Culinary Medicine for Cancer Survivors PRESENTERS: Kim Dittus LOCATION: Trapp Family Lodge (700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, VT); St. George Room Culinary medicine is a 2 hour hands-on workshop provided by a chef and a physician. Our goal is to jump start culinary skills that will help you consume more health enhancing fruits and vegetables. V. Knitting Circle of Friends-PM Session (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm) PRESENTERS: TBD LOCATION: TBD VI. How to Carve a Soapstone Pendant PRESENTERS: Louise Granahan LOCATION: TBD VII. Healing with Creative Endeavors PRESENTERS:Ruth Reich LOCATION: TBD VIII. A Smorgasbord of Movement and Breathing Techniques (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm) PRESENTERS: Geri Ann LOCATION: Jewish Community Center Geri Ann will share useful information from her wellness “toolbox” and survivorship experience. She will demonstrate some methods she uses to reduce anxiety, balance the immune system and improve mobility through breath and movement. Attendees are invited to sit, listen and watch or participate in the gentle movement and breathing techniques from a chair or standing position. Come and savor some good morsels from a healing menu of gentle yoga, breathing, stretching, and qigong.
4:00pm - 5:30pm	OPENING CEREMONY LOCATION: New for 2020! Stowe Performing Arts Center (located 4 miles from Stoweflake on Route 100 North, adjacent to the Stowe Ski Area) The official kick-off of the Stowe Weekend of Hope festivities featuring keynote speech by Joe Andruzzi.
7:30pm - 9:00pm	FRIDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES Roundtable and panel discussions will be offered on a variety of topics from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. There is no fee to attend, and advance registration is NOT required. Survivors, caregivers and family members are welcome to attend. Join us after you’ve dined in Stowe for informal and informative discussions on your topic of choice. These events will take place at the Stoweflake Resort. Topics will include: Living with Blood Cancer Young Survivors Panel Ovarian Cancer Roundtable , Breast Cancer Hot Topics Roundtable (the choice to be flat post mastectomy, clinical trials, social support, survivorship post treatment, psychological concerns and breast cancer) Lung Cancer Roundtable Metastatic Roundtable
8:30pm - 9:30pm	ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE BY CHRISTINA NORDSTROM LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Charlie B's
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020
All daytime events will take place at the Stoweflake Resort (1746 Mountain Road) unless otherwise noted. All events are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is NOT required.
7:00am - 8:15am	BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS MEET & GREET BREAKFAST{Please note: Pre-registration required; $20.00 fee per person} LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle Ballroom Connect with other breast cancer survivors to share coffee and conversation. A healthy and hearty buffet breakfast will be available.
8:00am - 4:00pm	REGISTRATION/INFORMATION DESK OPEN LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Atrium
8:30am - 9:30am	CONCURRENT SESSION I I-1. Balancing the Risks and Benefits of Cancer Immunotherapy PRESENTERS: Dr. Ryan Sullivan LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle A I will review the rapid development of cancer immunotherapy from folklore to standard of care for many tumor types. However, with the excitement of new and potentially curative therapies have come new sets of side effects that require specialized approaches to effectively treat. I-2. Thyroid Cancer is NOT the "Good Cancer" PRESENTERS: Jaime Soderberg LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle B Thyroid cancer affects people of all ages, from young children to seniors. This discussion led by thyroid cancer facilitator and nineteen year survivor Jaime Soderberg will explore the challenges a thyroid cancer diagnosis brings such as: finding the right doctor for you, second opinions, medication options, specialists, and overcoming barriers. Thyroid cancer diagnoses are predicted to increase slightly to 52,890 in 2020, compared to 52,070 in 2019, based on information from the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Newly diagnosed? Preparing for treatment? Facing a recurrence? Join us and let's navigate this journey together! I-3. Ovarian Cancer: Past, Present and Future PRESENTERS: Cheung Wong LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle C Ovarian Cancer is the major cause of death among women with gynecologic malignancies. The treatment of ovarian cancer has significantly changed in the past 10 years. This lecture will review past, present and future treatments for this deadly disease. I-4. Genomic Medicine: A Cornerstone of Precision Cancer Care PRESENTERS: Dr Nicki Sidropolous LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Beatrice 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. I-5. Caring for the Caregiver Part 1 (of a two hour session) PRESENTERS: Claire Willis and Bob David LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Mansfield 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 SESSION is for CAREGIVERS ONLY. I-6. The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy to Help Manager Cancer Drugs Induced Peripheral Neuropathy PRESENTERS: Julie Rossignol LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Stuart Introducing the clinical use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to help reduce pain and improve nerve conduction to the hands and feet after chemotherapy causing cancer drugs induced peripheral neuropathy. I-7. Navigating Cancer Patients Throughout Their Journey in a Rural Academic Health System PRESENTERS: Cherry Lyn Maglangit LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Executive Boardroom Navigating Cancer Patients Throughout Their Journey In A Rural Academic Health System Background: Being informed that you have cancer is already overwhelming. In addition, getting treatment for cancer is very stressful. Treating cancer is not a stand-alone treatment, but rather, it is a combination of approaches that involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other diagnostic tests/procedures that come along with it, that are handled by different multi-disciplinary team members. A navigation program is one way of facilitating/assisting patients and their families in handling and navigating the complexity of cancer treatment. According to the Commission on Cancer (2019), a navigation team is established to identify barriers to care for patients with cancer and implement a process to overcome the identified barrier. One study showed, navigation program results in fewer unnecessary procedures, less anxiety, and improved outcomes (Perkins, 2019) Objective: The primary objective of this program is to facilitate patients and their families in identifying and overcoming barriers of cancer care as they undergo their cancer journey. Other objectives include, to improve patient outcomes overall and to determine improvements since the inception of the nurse navigation program. Methods: Norris Cotton Cancer Center (NCCC) is one of the country`s designated National Cancer Institute (NCI) facility. It is one of the NCI facilities that is located in the rural area. NCCC established the nurse navigation program in the summer of 2018. It started with hiring seven (7) nurse navigators – with different backgrounds and experiences in nursing, to work with different cancer groups (hematology, GI, GU, neuro, breast, pediatrics, head and neck, thoracic and melanoma). Each nurse navigator contacted and shadowed hospitals within the Northeast Region with established navigation program. Navigators worked with their teams in building and establishing guidelines/processes in determining different patients` needs and overcoming those challenges/barriers to care, such as, transportation, coordination of care, lack of communication between healthcare providers, and lack of or no insurance. Nurse navigators call their patients before they come to their outpatient appointment/s, re-enforce patients` cancer diagnosis and treatment/s, identify potential barriers to care, and make referral/s to resources within the health system and outside the hospital system, as needed Outcome: Since the start of the program in summer of 2018 until the fall of 2019, Nurse Navigators have interacted with 896 patients. The navigation program is continuously growing, and we are monitoring the impact of oncology nurse navigators on the patient experience using CG-CAHPS Survey results. Identifying barriers to care and connecting patients to resources allow patients to receive their cancer treatment in a timely manner.
9:30am - 10:00am	30-MINUTE BREAK
10:00am - 11:00am	CONCURRENT SESSION II II-1. Harnessing the Immune System to Fight Cancer PRESENTERS: Shahid Ahmed LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle A Cancer treatments are rapidly evolving. In this session we will talk about immunotherapies and how they have already changed how we treat cancers. However there are also many challenges that remain, and we will discuss what the future may look like if we are able to overcome these challenges. II-2. Happiness & Healing: The Science of Well-Being PRESENTERS: Andrew Rosenfeld LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle B 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 interactive exercises to practice implementing these ideas. II-3. Advancing Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Management: A look at the University of Vermont Cancer Center’s High Risk Breast Program PRESENTERS: Marie Wood LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle C This lecture will describe ongoing research at the University of Vermont into cancer risk, screening and prevention for women. This will largely focus on breast and ovarian cancers. II-4. Integrative Cancer Care: Prioritizing the Evidence in Lifestyle Medicine and Self-Care PRESENTERS: Amy Littlefield LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Beatrice 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. II-5. Caring for the Caregiver Part 2 (of a two hour session) PRESENTERS: Claire Willis and Bob David LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Mansfield 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 SESSION is for CAREGIVERS ONLY. II-6. Clinical Research from All Sides PRESENTERS: Amy Thorndike LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Stuart Clinical research presented from the point of view of the patient, the site and the industry. A discussion on enrollment barriers and what to know about informed consent. An overview of drug development and the clinical trial phases along with a review of where we have been and where we are going. II-7. Preventing Blood Clots and Cancer - What Should I know? PRESENTERS: Neil Zakai LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Executive Boardroom Thrombosis is the second leading cause of death in people with cancer after cancer itself. Treatment and complications from treatment can derail cancer therapy. This session will focus on what your providers and you can do to prevent blood clots while you are being treated for cancer. II-8. Hula Hooping PRESENTERS: Carol Becker LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Outdoor/Pilates Studio II-9. Labyrinths and Our Cancer Journeys - A Mindful Practice for Solace and Healing PRESENTERS: Sadelle Wiltshire LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Yoga Studio 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 us in a facilitated group exercise by ‘walking’ either an 18’ canvas labyrinth or a small finger labyrinth. Optional: bring a journal if you have one. 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. There is a beautiful herbal labyrinth in the courtyard of the Stoweflake Resort. If weather permits, Sadelle may also lead an additional walk there.
10:00am - 4:00pm	HEALTH FAIR & WELLNESS EXPO LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Atrium & Stowe North and South Rooms Visit with numerous organizations for valuable resources and information.
10:00am - 5:00pm	REIKI SESSIONS LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Green Mountain Room Ongoing throughout the day on a sign up - first-come, first served basis. Sign-up sheets will be available at the Welcome Desk The Vermont Reiki Association is offering 15 minute complimentary sessions. Reiki helps reduce stress and increase energy. Many cancer patients and others use it as part of their wellness program.
11:00am - 11:30am	30-MINUTE BREAK
11:30am - 12:30pm	CONCURRENT SESSION III III-1. Mock Lung Cancer Multidisciplinary Case Conference PRESENTERS: Farrah Kahn, Sharon Mount and Nataniel Lester-Coll LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle A Will present cases for multidisciplinary (Med Onc, Rad Onc, Pulmonary, Thoracic Radiology, Pathology) discussion of lung cancer management, similar to what is done in a "real life" tumour board. III-2. Learning Big Things from Little Things: What Viruses Can Teach Us About Cancer PRESENTERS: David Davis LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle B Early on in the Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, when it was not known what was causing this disease, many adult men were presenting with a cancer called Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS). KS which often presents as purple lesions on the skin was so rare prior to the AIDS epidemic that many doctors did not even know about it. Eventually it was learned that a retrovirus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), was the cause of the disease we now know of as AIDS. Interestingly, the discovery of HIV as the cause of AIDS was accelerated due to research being done at the National Institutes of Health by Robert Gallo. He had discovered a retrovirus called adult T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) which was the cause of certain forms of adult T-cell leukemia's. HIV is a close relative to the HTLV and due to what was learned at the time about HTLV by Gallo and his colleagues it accelerated the discovery of HIV and the tests needed to diagnose the disease. It was curious that a retrovirus like HIV would lead to an increase in the cancer, KS. It was learned that HIV was destroying the immune system of infected people and that in turn was leading to diseases, like KS, increasing because, presumably, the immune system was required to prevent these other diseases. It was learned that KS was also of higher incidence in transplant patients who have to be on immunosuppressive therapy and the link to immunosuppression was strengthened. The occurrence of KS in AIDS patients demonstrated what appeared to be another transmissible disease. The search was on for another virus that might cause KS. After many failed attempts to isolate such a culprit the virus, first called Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus or KSHV, was discovered in 1994 by Chang and Moore. I began studying KSHV in 1995 and at that time there were no tests for the virus or much to work with. Over the years of research on this and other cancer causing viruses we have learned a wealth of information as to how viruses have evolved to escape our natural immune systems ability to eliminate them and ward off cancer. In fact, all cancers must be able to avoid immune system recognition and alter the cells natural abilities to defend itself even if through cellular suicide. Our studies have found that virus infected cells evade the immune system by down-regulating those molecules that our immune system uses to recognize a cancer cell. In fact many if not all cancers have found similar ways to avoid immune recognition. KSHV the virus that causes KS avoids immune recognition by producing its own proteins that then cause degradation of important immune molecules. Turns out these proteins have counterparts in cells and this has taught us how cancers not caused by viruses can "benefit" from mutations in cellular proteins that have similar functions to the viral proteins. We have now identified compounds (drugs) that can reverse the effects of these viral proteins, this in turn restores their immune surface molecules and this in turn allows the immune system to recognize and kill the cancer cells. I will tell you about our latest discoveries of what viruses have taught us about cancer and the newest ways in which we are trying to restore immune recognition and at the same time boost the immune system cells that are responsible for surveying and eliminating cancer the most natural way possible. III-3. Novel approaches to breast cancer patient care: MRI and Beyond at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center PRESENTERS: Mary Chamberlin LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle C The Comprehensive Breast Care Program at DHMC is a multi-disciplinary group of physicians, nurses, social workers and genetic counselors working together to optimize care for our patients with breast cancer. Over the last 20 years DHMC has led the region in innovative research, screening recommendations and exciting new surgical approaches to optimize breast surgery. We will review the highlights and introduce the future directions of our work. III-4. Advances in Care for Brain Cancer: 20 years of Improving Treatments and Diagnosis PRESENTERS: Alissa Thomas LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Beatrice In this session we will discuss the major advances in clinical care for patients with brain tumors over the past 20 years. We will discuss the medications and treatment modalities, surgical techniques, radiation technique, and imaging that have changed the way we diagnose and treat primary and metastatic brain tumors. III-5. Surviving and Thriving with Chronic Cancer PRESENTERS: Gerald Florio LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Mansfield Living with cancer as a chronic illness demands different coping skills than those used when managing an acute illness. With an acute concern, people are challenged to put most other stresses to the side and focus all their resources on the crisis at hand. When the goal of treatment is to control someone’s cancer, coping approaches are more aimed at making cancer a part of life, not the focus of life. This is endurance coping rather than crisis coping. Drawing upon personal experience and recent research, Dr. Florio will help participants discover and practice a path for developing or strengthening their endurance coping skills. III-6. Leukemia and Blood Cancer: Understanding the Diagonosis and Treatment PRESENTERS: Sakshi Jasra LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Stuart While acute and chronic leukemias can be painful and devastating diagnoses, the constant evolution of existing treatments and the advent of precision medicine are making new diagnostic methods more readily available and new therapies more effective. This session will provide an overview of the modern approach to diagnosis and treatment of leukemia. III-7. Genetic Counseling and Testing for Cancer Risk PRESENTERS: Laura Colello LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Executive Boardroom Some cancers are hereditary and knowing and understanding the risks 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 explain the risks, benefits, and limitations of undergoing genetic testing for cancer risk. III-8. Dance Fusion PRESENTERS: Vanessa Underwood LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Outdoor/Pilates Studio Get Fit, Get Strong, Get Happy! Join us for FUN & FITNESS . No rhythm? No worries, Just Move! We will twist and shout, do some body training, Zumba dance, have a few laughs and lots of smiles. You will have yourself a good time and a fun work out. We will dance for cardio, stretch for flexibility, squat for strength and laugh for your soul. The moves are simple but effective. You will get a total work out and have a blast doing it. EVERYONE is invited, I can adjust any and all moves for you!
12:30pm - 1:30pm	LUNCH BREAK - On Your Own
1:30pm - 2:30pm	CONCURRENT SESSION IV IV-1. Body • Energy • Awareness • Movement (BEAM) Class PRESENTERS: Bob David LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Beatrice A series of low-impact exercises, some set to music, that cross the lines between stretching, Tai Chi, dance, and meditation. The overall goal is to engage the whole body in satisfying activity that brings awareness of internal energy and greater awareness, comfort, and facility with our bodies. Specifically, the exercises help us: (1) activate and loosen the joints, (2) isolate, stretch, and strengthen muscles, (3) free up and fine-tune movements, (4) improve coordination, (5) tune into and release body tension, (6) focus on balance and weight shift, and (7) stimulate and unify energy throughout the body. IV-2. Radical Remission: Applying the 9 Healing Factors Into Your Own Life PRESENTERS: Kristi Cromwell LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle B This session will be an introductory presentation to the typical 12 hour Radical Remission workshop based on Dr. Kelly Turner’s work. Dr. Turner studied over 1,500 cases of Radical Remission—people who had complete reversal of a serious or terminal cancer diagnosis—and discovered they shared nine common healing factors. Attendees will be introduced to the nine healing factors and how they can apply them into their own lives through making lifestyle choices such as diet change, stress reduction, and meditation. All of the factors can help boost the immune system in scientifically proven ways. The healing factors can be used safely in conjunction with conventional medicine to help reduce side effects and to help improve overall health. Attendees will take part in a guided imagery exercise and fill out worksheets to explore some of these factors. IV-3. Trials in Progress - Phase 2 Study of Preemptive Oscillation of ER Activity Levels Through Alternation of Estradiol/Anti Estrogen Therapies Prior to Disease Progression in ER+/HER2 Metastatic or Advanced Breast Cancer PRESENTERS: Gary Schwartz LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle C Background: Patients with estrogen receptor alpha-positive (ER+) breast cancer are treated with anti-estrogens that antagonize ER signaling, including the selective ER modulator tamoxifen, the aromatase inhibitors (AIs), and the selective ER downregulator fulvestrant. All patients with metastatic disease will eventually develop endocrine resistance. Several decades ago, synthetic estrogens (E) such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) were used to treat breast cancer. Preclinical evidence suggests that anti-estrogen-resistant ER+ breast cancers are sensitized to the anti-tumor effects of E. The response rate to E is similar to that of anti-estrogens, particularly in the advanced disease setting. Post-menopausal physiology creates a low-E environment, which sensitizes tumors to E therapy. Four recent clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy of DES or estradiol (E2) in patients with endocrine resistance. Anecdotal evidence indicates a strategy of alternating E and antiestrogens is effective in some patients. IV-4. Understanding your Blood Cells PRESENTERS: David Ospina LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle A Understanding your blood cell. Will review the blood count report, the different types of blood cells, their function and the effects of chemotherapy and other treatments on these cells. Time for questions, encourage attendee's to bring their report to review at or after the presentation. IV-5. Culinary: Kitchen "Farm"acy PRESENTERS: Megan Diehl LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Mansfield Modern techniques and culinary ideas, around using your home kitchen as a place of healing and change, starting with healthy food options and easy kitchen remedies. We will discuss topics and recipes related to food and healing, as well at traditional methods and recipes that can influence health wellness and overall well-being. IV-6. The Young Adults Guide to Cancer - This is Going to Suck But You are Going to Be OK PRESENTERS: Jennifer Bremser and Charles Charboneau LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Stuart By chance, a psychology professor and a network TV writer realized they shared a common bond, a cancer diagnosis at age 34. While they found some solace in the shared aspects of their experience, both found themselves in uncharted territory. Whether it was from too many “hugging face” emoji’s sent via social media as a superficial indicator of social support to the dated medical guides found in their hospital folders created with a different generation in mind, they felt the understanding of the unique needs of young adults with cancer was lacking. Both turned to creative expression during and after treatment to help navigate their way through cancer and would like to help others do the same. Chance meetings like the one we described between young adults will be more frequent. A 2019 study provided evidence that millennials are more than twice as likely to develop certain cancers than baby boomers were at their age. While treatments are becoming more effective, young adults experience a different set of concerns related to cancer. For example, what are the long-term side effects of treatment, how do I manage a young family during treatment, and what impact will this have on my career and finances? This workshop provides an opportunity for others to activate their creative power through improvisational exercises, individual and group writing, humor, and introspection to create a Young Adult’s Guide to Cancer. Although we think this guide will resonate most with young adults with cancer, we encourage conference participants of any age that are interested to attend. Our goal in this workshop is to help participants use their experience to tell it like it is, starting with: “This is going to suck, but you’re going to be ok.” IV-7. Patient Advocacy PRESENTERS: John C White III LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Executive Boardroom Patient Advocate that provides hope and Inspiration to the countless others diagnosed with Cancer of all forms with the current advent of Genomic Sequencing and Precision Targeted Therapies/ Immunotheraphy to personalize treatment options.
2:30pm - 3:00pm	30-MINUTE BREAK
3:00pm - 4:00pm	CONCURRENT SESSION V V-1. Patient Navigation as the Future of Patient Centered Care PRESENTERS: Sydney Rubin Fitzgerald LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle A This case description presentation will discuss how navigation created a safe and supportive environment for successful tri-modality treatment in a psychosocially complex lung cancer patient across two hospital systems. V-2. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy: New Treatment Driving Progress for Patients in the Fight Against Cancer PRESENTERS: John Hill, Kate L. Caldon and Lisa J. Wesinger LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle B This presentation will briefly review the history of T-cell immunotherapy, the rationale for improved modalities, and the details, results and potential complications of CAR T-Cell Therapy. What will follow will be an open question/answer discussion period, along with the the possible offered perspective of a patient "survivor who wishes to share his experience and "give back" to others. V-3. Importance of Centering and Grounding PRESENTERS: Ruth Reich LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle C As we navigate through the journey that a cancer diagnosis sets us on, the importance of self-care and the ability to “live in the moment” cannot be understated. The ability to be able to regulate the often overwhelming emotions and energy that can threaten to negatively influence our daily lives is so very important to patients, survivors, family and friends. Participants in this seminar will learn how to ground, center, use soft eyes and proper breathing to create calm, lessen anxiety, reduce tension in body, soul and brain and reconnect with self. Persons involved in any type of physical activities; dance, fitness, skiing, skating (the list is rather endless) or even singing and the playing of an instrument, will find this a helpful seminar. This is a seminar where all are encouraged to participate but one may also choose to just listen and be involved in a non-active way. Group conversation is encouraged as is sharing of the experience as seminar progresses. Connections and new friendships are often formed as the group explores this healing modality. Class size: unlimited. If possible, would love to hold this outside. If not possible, a large room with the ability to have participants move around will be needed. V-4. Fight Back Any Adversity in Life: Overcoming Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer- The Pink Hulk will Help You Find Your Inner Superhero PRESENTERS: Valerie David LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Beatrice 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 will be 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. V-6. Living with Blood Cancer PRESENTERS: David Cranmer LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Stuart This is an opportunity to meet and share with others living with a blood cancer diagnosis - and their caregivers - in a safe, positive, informal environment. Suggested discussion topics to include: how are you... living with a treatable, but not curable disease; taking time out for the caregiver; taking care of yourself – physically, mentally and financially. LLS Resource material will be available. V-7. Memoir Writing PRESENTERS: Marv Klassen-Landis LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Executive Boardroom Write about your memories, thoughts, emotions, values, accomplishments, family and day-to-day life. Learn techniques and starting points and write together and listen and respond to each other’s writing. No previous experience necessary. V-8. Beaded Journal PRESENTERS: Louise Granahan LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Outdoor/Pilates Studio Create your own handmade journal by sewing pages together with a cover and decorating it with beads. The journal could be used to draw, colour, or maybe keep track of your special weekend here at Stowe. You do not need to have any bookbinding or sewing experience. Children ages 8 and up are also welcome to attend with an adult.
4:00pm - 4:30pm	30-MINUTE BREAK
4:30pm - 5:30pm	SPREADING HOPE THROUGH HUMOR WITH THE BOOBIE SISTERS LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle Ballroom The Boobie Sisters will provide an hour program that will use a combination of songs and stories using laughter for the healing process to face breast cancer as well as other cancers. The program will include audience participation.
7:30pm - 8:30pm	ECUMENICAL CANDLELIGHT SERVICE FOR REMEMBERANCE AND HOPE LOCATION: Stowe Community Church (137 Main Street) This interfaith service is one of the most poignant elements of the weekend. Through singing, dancing, sharing, and memorial candle lighting, those gathered will honor cancer survivors and remember those lost to cancer.
8:00pm - 10:00pm	GAME SHOW LOCATION: Akeley Memorial Building, Town Hall, Main Street Details coming soon!
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2020
8:00am	SPECIAL MASS AND BLESSING FOR CANCER SURVIVORS LOCATION: Blessed Sacrament Church (728 Mountain Road)
8:00am - 9:00am	MOVING FOR LIFE PRESENTERS: Martha Eddy and Moving for Life team LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Green Mountain Room
9:00am - 10:30am	SURVIVOR'S VICTORY STROLL! LOCATION: Outside; Meet in the Stoweflake Resort, Main Lobby
11:00am - 12:30pm	CLOSING CEREMONY & DEDICATION OF FLAGS OF HOPE & HEALING LOCATION: Stoweflake Resort; Pinnacle Ballroom

 

Keynote Speaker Announced

We are incredibly excited to showcase our Stowe Weekend of Hope 2020 Keynote Speaker Joe Andruzzi!

Founded in 2008 by former New England Patriots three-time Super Bowl-winning offensive guard Joe Andruzzi and his wife Jen, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) grew out of Joe’s own successful battle with cancer and the couple’s ongoing work within the cancer community. In 2007, Joe was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma, ending his football career. Joe remains cancer free today, but a new passion grew from his own cancer experience: helping other patients and their families. After witnessing first-hand, the financial stress cancer can cause, Joe and Jen created a foundation to help cancer patients and their families meet life’s day-to-day challenges. The Joe Andruzzi Foundation provides assistance to cancer patients of all ages throughout New England who have fallen on financial hardships as a result of their diagnosis.

Please check out Joe and his foundation at https://joeandruzzifoundation.org

---