EN FAMILLE

Talking to your child/children about your cancer diagnosis is never easy and their age will play a part in how much information they need to know. When you are not sure what to say, En famille can help. This unique program offers young adults with children under 18 years of age tools and resources such as:

Resource kits with information about:

• Possible reactions your children might have
• How a parent can help children cope
• Explaining treatments to children
• Speaking with your children’s school.

Special programs for children such as:

• Drumming and other creative workshops
• Arts and crafts
• Annual family barbecues

We also offer:

• Peer mentoring and one-on-one counselling
• Professional referrals
• Meetings and support groups for parents
• Private or family coaching sessions

There is a great selection of age appropriate library books for children as well as parents in our radio-oncology department. For those days after treatment when you are too exhausted to cook, we provide home cooked meals prepared by talented, generous volunteers.

Camp Erin

A new program for children who have experienced the death of a loved one

Camp Erin is a summer bereavement camp that provides support for families and children dealing with the loss of a loved one. It will be held from August 11 to 13, 2017, at the Harry Bronfman Y Country Camp in Huberdeau, located among 650 acres of rolling countryside in the Laurentians, about an hour-and-a-half from Montreal.

The camp is open to children between the ages of 6 and 17 who have lost a significant person in their lives, whether a relative or friend. The loss does not have to be recent and there is no charge to attend.

Camp Erin is run by the Moyer Foundation. For more information, call 514-737-6551, ext. 264 or email camperin@ymywha.com.

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.

BEREAVEMENT

Everyone handles loss and grief differently. Hope & Cope provides a safe, confidential place to express yourself and to learn coping strategies. Our services include:

• Twice monthly Mourning Cafés (drop in)
• Peer matching by telephone
• Mourning Walks on Mount Royal (weekly throughout the year)

For additional information please contact 514-340-8222 ext. 25531

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

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