CRAAB! - Free Services

FREE Timely Information And Practical Services (T.I.P.S.)

Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer! offers FREE Timely Information And Practical Services (T.I.P.S.) for women who have or have had breast cancer.

WORKSHOPS TO PREPARE WOMEN TO UNDERGO SURGERY, RADIATION AND/OR CHEMOTHERAPY, based on the work of psychologist Peggy Huddleston, a pioneer in mind-body medicine. Designed to help patients feel profoundly peaceful before treatment and create the biochemistry of healing to speed recovery, this workshop is best experienced a few days to a week or so before undergoing treatment, and includes a book and relaxation audiotape for use at home. Consultations are available to individuals and small groups by appointment.

WORKSHOPS TO HELP WOMEN IDENTIFY AND OBTAIN QUALITY BREAST CANCER CARE, based on the Guide to Quality Breast Cancer Care published by the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund. This workshop provides a wealth of information and resources to help women understand their diagnosis, participate in treatment decisions, evaluate care based on clinical standards and medical evidence, give and get respect from health care providers, understand their health insurance, obtain needed services, and much more. Available to newly diagnosed women and women at risk for breast cancer, individually or in small groups by appointment.

THERAPEUTIC DANCE AND MOVEMENT CLASSES, based on The Lebed Method© Focus on Healing through Movement and Dance.TM This program of gentle, therapeutic exercises is designed to help persons who have had any kind of breast surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, and those experiencing lymphedema or fatigue as the result of treatments. It incorporates deep breathing techniques, gentle stretching for flexibility and range of motion, and strengthening exercises, all performed slowly and smoothly to uplifting music. No special abilities or coordination are needed, and the movements can be done sitting or standing. Certified Lebed Method Instructor Diane Levesque-Kopecki conducts the program.

HEALING WITH CREATIVE VISUALIZATION AND GUIDED IMAGERY: A support group in workshop format that focuses on the use of creative visualization, guided imagery, dreams and personal imagery to access the inner strength and stamina that are helpful in the healing journey. Participants learn to use the rich tapestry of creative visualizations, dreams and personal images for healing and for connecting with the deeper story of their lives. Survivors and caregivers will discover their own abilities to listen to their bodies and mine their dreams or personal images for healing symbols. Call for the dates of the next upcoming series.

RESTORATIVE YOGA AND MEDITATION: The practice of varied calming breath techniques to help promote lymph flow, gentle stretching moves and postures to enhance range of motion and flexibility, and total body relaxation and life-affirming meditation to aid the natural self-healing process. Classes will start on March 1 at The Yoga Loft in Albany, convenient to the southern terminus of I-787 and Thruway Exit 23.

For more information about any of these free services, please call CRAAB! at 435-1055.