MCC event helps family cope with cancer
"Cancer In My Family, What's Next for Us?" will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 1 in the McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.
"Cancer In My Family" will feature three concurrent programs for adults, middle school-age children and teens in high school.
"In addition to learning new information, it's our hope that participants will also have an opportunity to meet peers in similar situations. Sometimes that in and of itself can be very comforting and provide a resource," said Linda Brogan, health promotions specialist at McHenry County College.
Kathleen McCue, author of "How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serious Illness," will facilitate the adult session by discussing how adults can help children of various ages successfully navigate the ups and downs of living with a family member who has cancer.
McCue is currently Children's Program director at The Gathering Place, a community for those touched by cancer in Beachwood, Ohio.
Middle schoolers in grades six through eight can join Elizabeth Bolash, a licensed clinical psychologist, for an activity-based session focusing on exploring the questions and concerns specific to middle school children experiencing cancer in their families.
Bolash specializes in working with children, adolescents and families who are coping with medical illness, grief and trauma.
Teens in grades nine through 12 can join in a discussion-based session with Stuart Pinkwater as he addresses the special concerns and challenges of teens. Pinkwater is clinical director of the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook and works primarily with children, adolescents and their families.
An 8 p.m. reception for all attendees will immediately follow the breakout sessions.
"Cancer in My Family" is presented by Centegra Health System, McHenry County College, McHenry County Mental Health Board, and Hospice of Northeastern Illinois.
To register, call (815) 455-8581. Specify if registration is for adult, middle school or teen program.