LIVING IT SOLO
Many of your friends are getting married, having children and focusing on their careers while you are dealing with concerns about dating, body image, sexuality and fertility. Your friends and family might not understand what you are going through, but we do.
WHAT WE OFFER…
SUPPORT GROUPS
Connecting with others who understand what you are going through is so important. Hope & Cope hosts support groups for many different types of cancer, led by trained facilitators. We also provide one-on-one peer matching when available.
For a list of all other support groups, please check the Hope & Cope calendar.
RETREATS
CancerFightClub hosts a winter retreat completely free of charge for young adults with cancer as well as their supporters. It is open to those living in Montreal and the surrounding areas as well as Ottawa and Quebec. This three day getaway is designed to help you get away from all it all and rejuvenate in nature. The weekend also offers a variety of strategies and workshops for living with cancer.
EDUCATION
Knowledge is power. That’s why CancerFightClub offers educational seminars and workshops that deal with issues specific to young adults. Topics include:
- Dating, sex and intimacy
- Fertility
- Facing fears about recurrence
- Finding balance
FERTILITY
Young adults often tell us that fertility is one of their biggest concerns when faced with a cancer diagnosis at such a young age. Below are some links that can provide you with information.
EXERCISE
Our unique ActivOnco program is designed to help you regain as much strength, balance and flexibility as possible and to cope with side effects of treatments such as fatigue. Our team of professional specialists will provide you with a careful assessment and a personalized exercise plan that can be completed at home or in our fully equipped gym. If working out in the gym is not your thing, you can always try other physical activities in our beautiful Wellness Centre/Lou’s House such as
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Qi gong
- Dance
Registration, a physical evaluation and medical authorization are required prior to participating.
BREAST & BONE HEALTH PROGRAM
Bone health is not just a concern for our parents and grandparents. Young women diagnosed with breast cancer can be at risk for osteoporosis, bone fragility and fractures, often as a result of their cancer treatment. This Hope & Cope initiative, funded by the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation and offered at the Segal Cancer Centre, is run by a physiotherapist and a nurse who provide education about, exercise, nutrition and lifestyle modifications, as well as personalized exercise programs.
For more information please contact glau@jgh.mcgill.ca.
COOKING CLUB
Our monthly cooking club is always a big hit. Whether you are looking to make delicious, nutritious, budget friendly, easy meals, or socialize with friends old and new, we invite you to come on out to Hope & Cope’s Wellness Centre / Lou’s House for a great evening. Our monthly recipe is featured in our newsletter so you have so many to choose from. We also celebrate the birthdays of the month!
BROS CLUB
In general, men don’t like to talk about their health and cancer is no different. Whether it is at Hope & Cope’s Wellness Centre / Lou’s House or out in the city, the Bros Club is a place where young men can bond and share similar experiences. Great activities include:
- Game nights
- Museums
- Dinners at local restaurants
- Axe throwing
YOUNG ADULT CLINIC
The Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the Jewish General Hospital’s Segal Cancer Centre in Montreal is the only medical centre in Quebec that addresses the unique challenges and needs of the young adult population. The clinic provides a dedicated multi-disciplinary team for 18 – 39 year-olds.
The team offers individualized services including fertility consultations, assessment of the impact of illness on daily activities, monitoring of physical and cognitive functioning, rehabilitation services, nutrition assessment and education, and psycho-social support for parents and families.
