Auckland Supportive Cancer Care Workshop
Health research suggests that simple lifestyle changes can have significant benefits to managing symptoms and improving quality of life during and beyond.
Thanks for you interest in the workshop to be hosted by Whole Person Cancer Care Working Group-Mana Whakaora (Healing Power) on the 23rd and 24th Of September 2023 on Whatua Kaimarie Marae at 11 Sutherland Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland.
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Meet the Team…
Dr. Shamsul Shah is a palliative Care Specialist at Te Toka Tumai (Auckland Hospital) and Honorary Lecturer At Auckland University. Her passion and interests include whole person and compassionate healthcare, and empowering people diagnosed with a chronic illness and their whānau to make informed, meaningful choices to support their healing.
Shona Hurndell has been on the cancer journey. After treatment and joining a Cancer Healing Retreat Shona came to understand that there were some simple and effective healing techniques, we can introduce into our daily routine that will empower the body. Shona has trained as a Reiki Master, Mindfulness, emotional freedom technique-tapping and Psych K facilitator. Shona now has a business supporting others on their healing.
Anitha Vivekanandan is an Insomnia Specialist at Auckland Sleep. Before moving to New Zealand she was an ENT Surgeon and Senior Lecturer in Malaysia. Having gone through caner herself, she has a deep understanding around cancer and how sleep can be affected during different stages of the cancer journey, Anitha has given numerous talks to spread awareness and educate patents and caregivers for various organisations including, Look Good Feel Better, Cancer Society and Pinc and Steel Foundation.
Tony Bland is a certified Radical Remission Coach and workshop instructor, Optometrist, and research scientist. His interest lies in helping people through their health challenges by adopting effective lifestyle factors that enhance the mind, body, and spirit. Tony’s interest in cancer research, combined with an integrative approach, led him to become certified to coach and run workshops specifically designed for individuals with chronic illness. His primary goal is to empower people using 10 scientifically proven healing factors. He firmly believes in the power of hope and using these healing factors that address the mind, body, and spirit, creating a harmonious environment where the healing process can flourish.
Liz Stilwell has a background on Occupational Therapy in New Zealand. Liz trained and worked with Gawler Cancer Foundation in Australia-leading Integrative medicine lifestyle change programmes and residential retreats in Melbourne for people dealing with a cancer diagnosis. She is a registered meditation teacher, with a passion for NZ and working with lifestyle change for serious and chronic illnesses.
What you’ll learn…
Join us on an interactive two-day workshop and discover:
- Ways to reduce stress and strengthen your immune system
- Evidence-based lifestyle changes as medicine
- Empowering the mind, body, and spirit
- How to reframe distressing thoughts
- Calming strategies to balance the body and mind
- The healing power of social connection
Through this workshop we will aim to help those with cancer adopt simple lifestyle changes that can be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments. Research evidence suggests that these can have significant benefits in managing symptoms and improving quality of life while going through treatment and after.
You’ll discover techniques that will strengthen your immune system, how lifestyle can become medicine, how to switch on your body to support your own healing, how the mind body and spirit is connected, and hear the stories of cancer thrivers.
Our workshop is comprised of 10 sessions:
- Introduction to integrated cancer care and lifestyle medicine
- Embracing the healing power of connection and Whānau
- Understanding and managing stress
- Reframing distressing thoughts and feelings
- Understanding your brains negativity bias and the benefits of gratitude and awe
- Deeping your spiritual connection and its effects on health
- Identifying things that give you meaning and purpose
- Using food as medicine
- Strategies for sleep
- Benefits of exercise and movement in cancer
On completion, our goal is for you to create a personalized plan of action to support your healing journey. You’ll receive a complete handout of information on each topic, and reference links for more.
Who will benefit?
Anyone diagnosed with cancer. Whānau or support person(s) are welcome.
When & Where to go…
23rd– 24th September, 8.30-4.30pm
Whatu Kaimarie Marae
11 Sutherland Road, Point Chevalier, AUCKLAND
Who to contact?
Phone Shona on 0274421900 to register your interest and answer any queries.
Important to know…
- Places are limited. Koha donation will be kindly appreciated.
