RENEW helps cancer survivors to move on

A cancer diagnosis is a difficult thing to handle, but for many having undergone chemotherapy, facing the future as a survivor is even scarier.

“For many people, there is the question of what is next and what is normal now,” said Christina Stergiou, Windsor Regional Hospital’s manager of psychosocial oncology and education. “They have all these questions about what to expect. They have a bunch of emotional concerns and, of course, the fear of a recurrence.”

To help cancer survivors move on to the next phase of their lives, Windsor Regional Hospital offers RENEW (Resources, Education, Nutrition, Exercise, Wellness). RENEW is a two-part program with a five-week education series followed by eight weeks of exercise for patients who have completed active treatment and are moving toward a life beyond cancer.

The free, five-week education series starts on Sept. 21 and runs Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The sessions provide information and support to patients who have had cancer, family members and caregivers.

Following the education series, the RENEW eight-week Back to Fitness program kicks off Oct. 17. The program costs $30 and is offered twice a week every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. until Dec. 7. A physician clearance is required to participate.

“A lot of times when a patient is finished treatment they almost feel lost,” Stergiou said. “This program is helpful to get them to the next level.”

Register at www.renewfall2017.eventbrite.ca or call 519-253-5253.