Church's seminar to focus on cancer care and treatment
If you, a close friend or family member have been diagnosed with cancer, you may want to head to Christ Church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at 31st Street and York Road in Oak Brook.
The church is hosting a day-long seminar focusing on treatment and care for those who have received the shocking news from their doctors.
"It seems to be so prevalent in our society. We all know people in the community who are struggling with it," said Bob Geelhoed, prayer and care pastor for Christ Church.
Several church members, including Geelhoed, are now going through cancer treatments while many more are cancer survivors. A breast cancer support group was started recently.
Hosting the workshop seemed like a natural extension of what the church can offer the congregation and the community, Geelhoed said.
The workshop costs $65, and late registrants may sign up between 8:30 and 9 a.m. today. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
The seminar "Cancer: 50 Essential Things To Do" will be presented by Greg Anderson and the Rev. Michael Gingerich of the Hershey, Pa.-based Cancer Recovery Foundation.
Anderson, the organization's founder, will speak from personal experience. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1984 and told he had 30 days to live. More than 20 years later, he is still helping others who have received similar diagnoses.
Geelhoed said Anderson will address many issues, including how to best live with cancer and work toward healing and growth. He will also discuss treatment and the importance of using modern medicine along with proper nutrition, as well as the importance of taking an active role in treatment and recovery.
"There's a passivity. We just give ourselves over to whoever is taking care of us and we just go with that," Geelhoed said.
But it is important to be attentive and assertive when necessary and to listen to what your body is telling you, he added.
Gingerich, whose wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, will discuss the importance of beliefs and attitudes.
Some type of spiritual perspective, whether it be Christian or another religion or belief, do have a role in recovery, Geelhoed said. Gingerich will discuss those issues, as well as the importance of healing prayer and meditation.
"There is evidence that specific practices of meditation have a calming influence on the body and mind," he said.
Geelhoed said the church is expecting between 50 and 100 participants, some coming from outside Illinois. For those unable to make today's seminar, Anderson and his staff hold similar workshops across the country.
More information about the Cancer Recovery Foundation is available online at www.cancerrecovery.org.
Directions and more information about today's seminar are available on the church's Web site, www.cc-ob.org.
If you go
What:Christ Church of Oak Brook will present "Cancer: 50 Essential Things to Do" with Greg Anderson and the Rev. Michael Gingerich
When:9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today; late registration from 8:30 to 9 a.m. today
Where:Christ Church, 31st Street and York Road, Oak Brook
Cost:$65
Details:www.ccob.org