SID JACOBSON JCC’S
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!
“When the soul lied down in that cold winter night, a new light begins to grow inside. Do not fear the quiet or the darkness; they are the womb of your next becoming.”
—Rumi
National Cancer Prevention Month
Younger Adult Cancer Connection
FOR INDIVIDUALS 18-49 YEARS WITH A CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Connection is about finding understanding and strength through shared experiences
Sid Jacobson JCC’s Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center’s new initiative offers free programming specifically for young adults ages 18–49 affected by any type of cancer whether newly diagnosed, in active treatment, in remission, or navigating survivorship.
We recognize that cancer at this stage of life presents unique challenges, and we are here to provide support, community, and resources for young adults and their loved ones.
SUPPORT GROUPS fosters hope and connection
NUTRITION WORKSHOPS with a registered oncology dietician
ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING with a licensed social worker
EXERCISE CLASSES taught by cancer exercise specialists
ART AND WRITING WORKSHOPS offering healing through creative expression
A Look Back...
OCTOBER 30: NUTRITION WORKSHOP
Hillary Sachs, a board-certified oncology nutritionist, led a powerful discussion on the connection between food and overall health. She offered an in-depth, practical guide for cancer survivors and their families, covering supplements, nutrition during treatment, and sustainable food choices.
NOVEMBER 5:MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS WORKSHOP
Lindsay Steinberg, a trauma-informed yoga educator, led a calming, restorative workshop in which participants explored guided meditation and learned practical mindfulness tools to help manage stress, cultivate presence, and support emotional well-being.
NOVEMBER 13: COFFEE & CONNECTION: FRIENDSGIVING GATHERING
Our Friendsgiving was a heartwarming and cozy celebration, filled with the comforting aroma of coffee and everyone's favorite homemade treats. Guests gathered to share delicious dishes, unwind, and enjoy each other’s company. The room was full of laughter, relaxed conversations, and the simple joy of being together.
NOVEMBER 18: VIRTUAL LYMPHEDEMA
WORKSHOP
We closed out the month with a highly informative virtual session on lymphedema, led by Amanda Grilli. Her expertise offered participants valuable education, practical self-care tools, and a clearer understanding of effective lymphedema management.
DECEMBER 4: EXPLORING SPIRITUALITY AND WELL-BEING
We were joined by Rabbi Susan Elkodsi and Rev James Kessler in a thoughtful conversation on spirituality, well-being, and how faith traditions can offer comfort, strength, and community during challenging times.
DECEMBER 18: COFFEE & CONNECTION
Member Nancy Metz led 15 members in a creative and joyful candle art project. Thank you, Nancy, and to all who participated!
Member recommendations. Read, watch, listen, and join!
WHEN WOMEN GET SICK
BY REBECCA BLOOM, NMCWC GUEST
SPEAKER
When Women Get Sick offers an insightful look at the unique challenges women face when navigating illness. The book explo the emotional, physical, and social dimensions of women's hea highlighting the importance of being heard, understood, and supported throughout the healing process. It's a thoughtful and empowering read for anyone interested in women's healthcare journeys. NMCWC had the privilege of hosting Rebecca Bloom to speak to our members in the fall, and it was well-received. several members gave rave reviews of her new book.
THERE IS NO GOOD CARD FOR THIS: WHAT TO SAY AND DO WHEN LIFE IS SCARY, AWFUL, AND UNFAIR TO PEOPLE YOU LOVE BY KELSEY CROWE, PHD AND EMILY MCDOWELL
This book was reviewed by best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert as “a wonderful crash course in Humanity 101 and shows you how to show up as the best possible version of yourself when it matters most”.
THE LET THEM THEORY: A LIFE-CHANGING TOOL THAT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT BY MEL ROBBINS
This book offers a simple yet powerful mindset shift, encouraging you to let go of the need to control others and reclaim your energy and happiness. Robbins combines real life stories and research backed strategies to help readers focus on what truly matters. The Let Them Theory is available wherever books are sold.
THE HAPPINESS LAB
A popular podcast and online course by Yale Professor
Dr. Laurie Santos that explores the science of well-being and offers practical strategies for living a happier, more fulfilling life. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and online at thehappinesslab.fm.
HAPPINESS WITH TAL BEN‑SHAHAR
Dr. Tal Ben Shahar, an expert in positive psychology, explores what truly makes life meaningful and joyful. His Happiness Studies Academy podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and online at talbenshahar.com/podcasts.
National Cancer Prevention Month
A time to honor resilience, raise awareness, and remind ourselves of simple steps that can reduce cancer risk, like healthy eating, exercise, and good sleep. Our February workshops support these choices with practical self-care tools.
EXERCISE CLASSES
WOMEN WITH BREAST OR GYNECOLOGIC CANCER (Virtual)
Full-body conditioning tailored to meet your specific needs. Mondays, 10-10:45am
STRENGTH + STRETCH
A blended session of Pilates and yoga, focusing on breath-tomovement flow.
Tuesdays, 11:35am-12:30pm
MEDITATION
Experience peace, clarity, and connection in this gentle class designed to support healing and emotional well-being.
Wednesdays, 1-1:50pm
AQUATICS EXERCISE
This gentle, water-based exercise class focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance while minimizing stress on the joints. Participants must bring their own swim cap and towel.
Wednesdays, 1:30-2:15pm
WALKING GROUP
Get your steps in while walking with our social worker and others at the Nassau County Museum of Art.
Thursdays, 10-11am
RESTORATIVE EXERCISE (Virtual)
Full body conditioning tailored to meet the needs of individuals at any stage of a cancer diagnosis.
Fridays, 10-11am
All classes and groups meet in person at Sid Jacobson JCC, unless otherwise noted
DISCUSSION GROUPS
BREAST/GYNECOLOGIC CANCER SURVIVORS
Exchange information and lean on one another throughout your journey. Tuesdays, 10-11am
YOUNGER ADULT CONNECTION (Virtual)
Ages 18–49 who have been impacted by cancer whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, or living in survivorship.
Held every first and third Tuesday of the month, 7-8pm
GENERAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Connect with others with a cancer diagnosis to share experiences and gain insights throughout your journey.
Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30pm
CARE PARTNERS OF SURVIVORS (Virtual)
Connect with others, receive and share resources.
Held every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8pm
POWER OF WORDS (Virtual)
For writers of all levels, form friendships and share thoughts and feelings. Thursdays, 4:30pm
FOR METASTATIC, ADVANCED, OR RECURRENT CANCER SURVIVORS (Virtual)
Connect with others and receive/share support and resources. Fridays, 1:30-2:30pm
WEEKLY CLASSES
*Denotes Virtual Session
10-10:45am
Women with Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Exercise Group* 10-11am Women with Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Discussion Group 11:35am-12:30pm Stretch + Strength 7-8pm Younger Adult Cancer Connection Discussion Group* (Biweekly) 1-1:50pm Meditation 1:30-2:15pm Aquatics Exercise
1:30-2:30pm General Cancer Support Discussion Group 7-8pm Care Partners of Survivors Discussion Group* (Biweekly) 10-11am Walking Group 4:30-5:30pm Power of Words* 10-11am Restorative Exercise* 1:30-2:30pm Metastatic, Advanced, or Recurrent Cancer Discussion Group*
PROGRAMS FUNDED IN PART BY:
Harvey Marx
Annette & Sheldon A. Sinett BASICS Fund
Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer
Marilyn Lichtman Foundation
Jeffrey Marx, MD
Northwell Health Cancer Institute
Elias Savada
Morton J. Savada
Sid Jacobson JCC's Stronger Than Cancer 5K
Run, Walk, and Family Block Party
Sunshine Foundation
Penny Zangas Memorial Foundation for Women’s Health
To register, email Joy Rubel, LCSW, at jrubel@sjjcc.org
THE THINKING PATIENT (IN-PERSON)
Become an informed and proactive participant in your own health care! Led by Dana Sherwin, founder of The Thinking Patient LLC, a professional services firm that provides consulting, speaking, and training resources to support and enhance patient–physician communication.
Tuesday, January 27, 1:30-3pm
FOR YOUNGER ADULT CANCER CONNECTION MEMBERS: NOURISHMENT WITHOUT OVERWHELM (VIRTUAL)
Join Hillary Sachs, MS, RD, CSO, for simple, realistic tips to make whole-food meal planning easier during treatment and recovery. Learn practical ways to nourish your body, save energy, and reduce stress around food.
Wednesday, February 11, 6pm
THE BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE (IN-PERSON)
Licensed acupuncturist Jenn Chasin introduces the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine and discusses how these practices support overall wellness, reduce stress, and help manage treatment-related symptoms.
Thursday, February 12, 12-1:30pm
COFFEE AND CONNECTION (IN-PERSON)
Join fellow cancer survivors in a safe, supportive space to share your journey, create beautiful art projects, and connect with others who truly understand. Talk, listen, or simply be in the presence of those who understand we welcome you with open arms.
Thursdays, 11:30am-1pm February 19 and March 19
NUTRITION FOR STRENGTH, COMFORT & HEALING
Join oncology-certified dietitian Hillary Sachs for a three-session series focused on winter nourishment and digestive support. Explore how to stay energized, manage cravings, and reduce digestive discomfort before, during, and after treatment with practical, healing‑centered nutrition tools.
Tuesday, February 24, and Thursday, April 23, 6pm (IN-PERSON)
Tuesday, March 24, 6pm (VIRTUAL)
SEXUALLY SPEAKING WITH DR. ANNE KATZ (VIRTUAL)
Join Dr. Anne Katz renowned sexuality counselor and author for a candid conversation about intimacy and sexual health after cancer. Learn practical ways to rebuild comfort, connection, and quality of life
Tuesday, March 3, 6pm