From tango and triathlon training to cooking classes and survivorship support, the new year brings fantastic opportunities to get involved with Oregon Cancer Foundation.
We are so thankful to local groups and individuals who donate their time and efforts to raise funds to support OCF’s mission. Consider getting involved in these fun events:
Tango for a Cause
Interested in learning the fine art of Argentine Tango? Instructors Charles & Wella Augustine offer classes every Sunday at Northwest Fencing Academy, with proceeds benefitting OCF.
“Argentine Tango is very different from the Tango in International and American ballroom dancing,” says instructor Charles Augustine. “It’s an improvisational social dance. There’s no competition involved; it’s really about everyone’s own personal style, despite their skill level.”
Classes are offered for beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers. They are drop-in friendly and you do not have to come with a partner. Learn more here.
Team Endure
Looking to get active and physically stronger? Team Endure is currently recruiting members. This local group brings together people with different fitness levels-beginners to seasoned athletes-to train for endurance events. But they don’t just take on the challenge for their own benefit; they do it to support cancer patients through OCF’s Financial Assistance Program.
Team Endure trains year-round, participating in events like century bike rides, triathlons and half marathons, but their main focus is participating in the Pacific Crest Weekend Sports Festival each June in Sunriver, Oregon. For more information, email: teamendure@oregoncancerfoundation.org.
Cooking healthy
Oregon Cancer Foundation continues to partner with Positive Community Kitchen (PCK) and Whole Foods Market to offer free monthly classes on healthy eating and nutrition for cancer survivors and their families.
Shanna Hutton, PCK’s board president and a former chef for the organization, leads the classes, offering nutrition information and demonstrating tasty ways to prepare meals that are gluten-free and feature seasonal ingredients. PCK is a nonprofit in Eugene that prepares and delivers nutrient-rich, organic meals to people fighting life-threatening illnesses.
The NOURISH: Food for Life classes are held on the third Wednesday of the month and run from 6:30-7:30 pm in the upstairs meeting room at Whole Foods Market, located at 353 E. Broadway in Eugene. The classes are free to attend, but registration is required.
Spring Survivorship Series
If you’ve finished treatment, consider signing up for the OCF’s spring Series on Surviving Cancer.
This unique, 10-week survivorship series will be held April 5 – June 7 and covers a broad range of topics that address the questions and challenges that arise after cancer treatment, including: managing anxiety about cancer recurrence, sadness, depression and other emotions; understanding how cancer impacts relationships; and learning how to eat and exercise to be healthy and reduce risk of recurrence. Each session includes an expert presentation, followed by a facilitated group discussion.
There is no cost to attend. Survivors may participate on their own, or they can ask a spouse, partner or caregiver to attend with them. Get more information here.
Supporting survivors when they need it most
Patient assistance is the core of OCF, providing stopgap funds to patients undergoing cancer treatment in Lane County. Patients can apply for assistance by calling 541-632-3654, or email amy@oregoncancerfoundation.org
