Medical Overview of Adult Cancer
Speaker: Beth Ann Lesnikoski, M.D.

This introductory session will provide you with a basic biological understanding of cancer. We will cover the various types, current treatments and demographics to help you understand and discuss the cancer diagnosis of a parent.

Beth-Ann Lesnikoski, M.D., an oncologist for over 15 years, currently serves as Director of Education for the Center for Clinical Investigation at Brigham & Women's Hospital. Dr. Lesnikoski is a guest lecturer at Harvard Medical School and Boston University Medical School. She has also been a member of the Women's Oncology on Wheels (WOW) team in the Pan-Mass Challenge for the past two years.

Discussing illness with children and understanding their feelings, fears and reactions can be augmented by understanding cognitive development. This workshop will provide guidelines and facilitate role-plays to aid in your communication with children.

Dr. Nancy Frumer-Styron is a Staff Psychologist, Supervisor, and Director of Training at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston. She has been working with pediatric and young adult cancer patients and their families for the past 11 years, and has been a clinical supervisor in the area of child abuse and neglect for the past 20 years.

Schools as Communities of Caring: Panel Presentation
Facilitator: Harriet Berman, Ph.D.

As institutions of learning, schools help us to learn about life, including how to cope with unexpected events, illness and grief. A group of parents coping with cancer and teachers will aid in facilitating a discussion of the various responses that school communities often have to the crisis of cancer.

Harriet Berman, Ph.D., is the Program Director of The Wellness Community - Greater Boston. A clinical psychologist practicing in the greater Boston area for 25 years, she has focused her work in life cycle issues, including illness and health. Harriet's own diagnosis of breast cancer, and the experience of her school-age children have been important influences in her work

Caring for Ourselves as Caregivers
Speaker: Laura Basili, Ph.D.

Teachers and school personnel are essential members of a support network for children of families facing cancer. Often, this can be a trying and emotional time for the teachers and school personnel lending support. Discover ways to care for yourselves, and learn how to acknowledge the impact of illness and uncertainty in the lives of others.

Laura Basili, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist. For the past 10 years, Laura has worked as a clinical psychologist at Boston Children's Hospital. Her clinical work focuses on children, adolescents, and families experiencing a range of acute, chronic and life-threatening illnesses, on individual and family bereavement support, and on support interventions for staff working with children and their families.

Addressing School Concerns: Discussion Groups
Facilitator: The Wellness Community

Meet with a clinician in small groups for insightful discussions of real-life situations within the school system and with the schools’ families, in an effort to address specific concerns and issues.

The Wellness Community helps people with cancer fight for their recovery by providing free psychological and emotional support, as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment.

Family Functioning in the Context of Cancer
Speaker: Stan Berman, Ph.D.

When a family member is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is changed forever. Gain an understanding of family role changes and resource changes, and learn how to enhance effective communication within these dynamics.

Stanley J. Berman, Ph.D., is the Director of the Institute for Clinical Health Psychology at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, and a Visiting Associate Professor at Wellesley College.

Resources to Help Families Coping with Cancer
Speaker: Karen Fasciano, Psy.D.

Explore a variety of services available to help support children, families and schools. Review support services for children, teens and families available throughout the greater Boston area. A comprehensive annotated bibliography will also be provided.

Karen Fasciano, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and a group facilitator at The Wellness Community. Dr. Fasciano has worked in psycho-oncology for over eight years both with children, adults and families. She has a special interest in school consultation in the context of a cancer diagnosis within the school community.

© Copyright 2002 Hurricane Voices Breast Cancer Foundation and The Wellness Community. All rights reserved.
 

"This is the best conference that I have attended in 28 years, and the first to touch upon this subject."

"I wish our entire staff could have experienced this day. I will certainly try to share as much of what I learned today."

"I wish I could replicate every word of this day for the guidance counselors and others in my school!"

"Excellent! This was very well organized. Everyone that spoke was highly knowledgeable, but able to focus their talks on the crucial information. I feel so fortunate to have attended today."