A three-part Cancer Coaching Workshop, presented by Lorrie Rail and Silvia Dondera, of the National Association of Professional Cancer Coaches, Fridays, Nov. 9, 16 and 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at John Braithwaite Community Centre. Cost: $10 per session to offset room rental and printed materials. To register, phone 778-237-4137. Info: cancerwipeout.com.
PROFESSIONAL cancer coach Lorrie Rail hopes an upcoming community workshop she's leading helps local cancer patients lead healthier lives.
Rail, a North Vancouver resident and registered nurse, joined the National Association of Professional Cancer Coaches last year.
Following a Calgary-based friend's diagnosis with cancer, Rail began researching Calgary-area cancer programs in an effort to augment her friend's treatment and care through the public health system.
Rail came across the National Association of Professional Cancer Coaches, though her friend succumbed to cancer before she was able to access its services - a mere five months after her diagnosis.
While her friend passed away two years ago at age 58, Rail remained interested in the association, which is active across North America.
"I was so impressed by their body of knowledge and the services they offered that I thought, 'Wow, I really want to do that too,'" she says.
Cancer coaches, referred to as cancer patient educators, undergo training and become registered with the association in addition to being registered and licensed health care professionals, like nurses, psychologists, medical doctors, nutritionists, naturopaths and pharmacists.
According to the association's website, coaches are educated in and support both conventional and holistic cancer medicine, known as integrative medicine, which they believe is the best incorporation of treatment options for cancer patients interested in a higher quality of life and recovery.
The association offers free non-profit public programs, like the upcoming community Cancer Coaching Workshop Rail is preparing to offer in North Vancouver, as well as private coaching, which, for a fee, takes a more in-depth look into things like diet, supplements, lifestyle, exercise, emotional health, risk factors and prevention.
"The thing I like about the association is that people take away a feeling of empowerment, that they realize they are not powerless over this disease, there are plenty of measures they can take themselves, from a very powerful holistic perspective. It's not complicated, it just takes some education and direction to make some changes in your life that can greatly impact your ability to change the course of their cancer," says Rail.
"It makes me so happy to see people empowered and knowing they have the tools to alter their cancer course," she adds.
Rail underwent the required training last year and became a certified cancer coach and is excited to help the program grow in the Lower Mainland.
She's the sole North Shore cancer coach and, along with Burnaby educator Silvia Dondera, is excited to be leading her first North Vancouver workshop starting Nov. 9 and running Nov. 16 and 23.
The three-part workshop, taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. at John Braithwaite Community Centre, was designed by the association and targets active cancer patients or those in remission. Partners, spouses and support people are also welcome to attend.
"Our program is so full of educational material, it makes me proud to offer it," says Rail.
Examples of topics covered include risk assessment, diet and nutrition, how to stay healthy during various cancer treatments and therapies, environmental links to cancer, avoiding reoccurrence, psycho-social connections to cancer, exercise and how to deal with the emotions experienced, including anger, following a cancer diagnosis.
"I hope that people take away that empowerment, to have the education to make the changes in diet and lifestyle that builds up their immune system and limit metastases to battle this disease," says Rail.
For more information, visit cancerwipeout.com.
