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A Cancer Support Community at the J
The Hamsa Wellness Community (formerly Sharsharet Supports STL) is a cancer support community at the J serving individuals with a cancer diagnosis—especially those with breast and ovarian cancer—regardless of where they are in their cancer journey. We also educate individuals regarding hereditary cancer risks—especially women and men of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, who have an increased risk of carrying a hereditary cancer gene mutation.
The Hamsa Wellness Community is founded on five pillars: Connection, Hope, Education, Strength, and Support. We offer a holistic approach to cancer support through fitness, emotional care, and education. We offer educational resources, a monthly support group, and specialized fitness programs provided in partnership with the J’s Fitness team and led by oncology-trained instructors and therapists.
We welcome the full spectrum of diversity and support all who reach out, J members and non-members alike! The Hamsa Wellness Community is a community partner of the national nonprofit organization Sharsheret.
Upcoming Events
Check back here periodically or keep an eye on the J’s Events calendar or newsletters for upcoming events hosted by The Hamsa Wellness Community!
Programs
Breast & Ovarian Cancer Monthly Support Group
This monthly group at the J provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post treatment. The group is professionally facilitated, and we periodically welcome guests offering meaningful and relevant experiential activities.
Breast & Ovarian Cancer Support Group
Yoga for Cancer
Yoga for Cancer is a research-based specialized yoga methodology addressing the specific physical and emotional needs left by cancer and its treatments. This method is gentle and restorative and focuses on movement and breath and the special needs of current cancer patients and survivors. Trained teachers adapt this valuable methodology to all cancer types and stages.
This in-person class builds community and creates a safe space while being together with other class participants. In addition to focusing on movement and breath, provides hands-on instructional opportunities to modify the gentle and restorative poses to accommodate individual needs.
Oncology Massage
Oncology massage is a specialized, non-invasive therapy that helps one manage the symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment. It uses a light touch along with slow, steady movements, and is intended to help the body relax. A safe massage plan generally revolves around the side effects (both short-term and long-term) of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Strength Over Cancer 1 and Strength Over Cancer 2 Fitness Courses
Strength Over Cancer is a specialized fitness course for both cancer patients and those who have completed their treatment. As certified cancer exercise specialists, our instructors are specifically trained to meet your unique needs in the short-term and long-term, through recovery and into survivorship. Even if you were not active before your cancer diagnosis, you will receive the help you need to build your strength and mobility safely and successfully.
Strength Over Cancer Fitness Courses
Resources
Sharsharet National Resources
As a community partner of the national nonprofit organization Sharsheret, we connect individuals to Sharsheret resources so they can participate in a variety of free, individualized and confidential resources, including:
- A clinical team of trained, skilled mental health professionals and genetic counselors to speak with privately at any point in your cancer journey
- A peer support network connecting women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer one-on-one with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences
- Program for parents facing breast cancer or ovarian cancer while raising children or teens
- Services and subsidies for eligible individuals for non-medical services that are critical to a woman’s quality of life and body image, and that are only partly covered by insurance companies, if at all
- Tailored resources for caregivers’ family members and friends to help support their loved ones facing cancer
- Individualized support and survivorship kits for breast and ovarian cancer survivors
- Specialized support for individuals with advanced breast cancer and recurrent ovarian cancer
Contact
Chelsea Leon
Director of the Hamsa Wellness Community
cleon@jccstl.org