Refocus the Lens
In August, we introduced a new expressive arts series, Refocus the Lens. Members of 13thirty Cancer Connect submitted a photo that reminded them of the time when they were diagnosed with cancer. Some photos reflected one of the last moments when cancer was not on their minds. They may have been going off to college….
Lucas, 21
…or striking a pose as a dance major…
Kara, 19
…or just being a teen hanging out with your friends.
Alyssa, 19
For others, the photos represented the shock of diagnosis, or the interruption of life. Erma (17) was enjoying her senior year of high school when finding out she would need months of inpatient treatment.
Riley (21) beat cancer once and was a photography major in college upon being diagnosed once again.
See more of Riley’s work on Facebook at Riley Murray.
Being an adolescent or young adult (AYA) is already a difficult time, without adding cancer to the mix. AYAs with cancer face challenges specific to this age with regard to social connections, independence, appearance changes, and school or career goals. At 13thirty Cancer connect, our members know what it’s like to cope with these unique challenges and they find support in one another. In this time of COVID-19, connecting remotely poses a new set of challenges but sharing the experience of AYA cancer with others who understand helps to break those barriers.
Join us on September 21st, 2020 at 6:30 EDT on Zoom for the second program in the Refocus the Lens series when we will share photos reflecting treatment.
Fitness Friends
As we approach month six of quarantine, we have started to return to our usual routines, which for many include working out at our local gyms. A good workout, a crucial part of some people’s routines, benefits both our physical and mental health and serves as respite from our new normal but unfortunately, gyms remain closed.
At 13thirty Cancer Connect, we recognize the impact of physical activity on our well-being, especially following cancer treatment. We have continued to offer our fitness programs virtually to our AYAs and their parents. All of our workout programs include Rochester and Syracuse members, making connections across counties. Both of our trainers have gotten to know members and their families from both of our centers.
We are so thankful to have made connections with our local trainers— Michelle Dougan, CPT, from Elevate Fitness in Liverpool and Brianne Young, PT, DPT, from UR Medicine Home Care in Rochester. Our trainers have stuck with us through quarantine and adapted to our new remote program style via Zoom video chats. They both continue to challenge us at our monthly 13thirty Fit! and Parent Fit! programs. Check out our calendar and join us for our next fitness program!
If you’re interested in one-on-one sessions with Michelle, contact her today via Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/shelsworkout
No Bake Nutrition – AYAs
Steve teaches us two easy no-bake tutorials for simple protein packed snacks. Buy ingredients beforehand to follow along or just watch & chat.
Workout with Michelle – Families
Our trainer, Michelle, will lead a half-hour workout to help with our home workout routines. Bring your sibling or parent!
Happy Hour – Parents
Grab your drink of choice and enjoy some much needed social time with other Rochester and Syracuse 13thirty parents.
Mother’s Day Craft – AYAs
Let’s make our moms a Mother’s Day card together virtually. Use any supplies available and we’ll help with ideas.
Netflix Party – AYAs
Attend a viewing party of a Netflix movie on Google Chrome. You can chat and react during the movie and join us for a Zoom meeting afterwards.
Workout with Michelle – Families
Our personal trainer, Michelle, will lead a half hour workout on Zoom to help us with our home workout routines. Bring your sibling or parent to the video chat!
Happy Hour – Young Adults 21+
Grab your drink of choice and get the chance to socialize with other 13thirty members 21 and up in this time of social distancing.
Family Feud
Join us for a virtual game of Family Feud on Zoom and catch up with Rochester and Syracuse 13thirty members.