If you have any questions about our classes or workshops, contact us at loransmithcenter@piedmont.org.

Knowledge

• Hormone Therapy Class
  Tuesday September 19, 1:00 – 2:30pm, Wednesday November 15, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
  Facilitated by Robin Black, RN, Oncology Nurse Navigator
  This class is for women on hormone therapy for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer (Tamoxifen, Arimidex, Aromasin, Femara, etc). In this class you will learn the science behind the treatment and discuss methods for managing side effects.
  RSVP required. Call 706-475-4900.

Movement

• T'ai Chi Class
  Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
  T'ai Chi is a moving meditation that improves fitness of mind and body. It is easy to learn and can be done by people of all ages and ability levels.

• Yoga, Peace, Calm and Hope
  Fridays, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  This ongoing, weekly yoga class is designed for the cancer patient. The class incorporates gentle movement in a nurturing environment. To help increase energy, remove pain, and recover strength.

Peace

• Healing Touch
  Individual sessions focus on the body's energy system to promote relaxation, reduce stress and minimize side effects.
  By appointment only. Call 706-475-4900.
   
• Mindfulness for Mind and Body
  Facilitated by Brooke Bidez, LMSW
  Every Friday 10:45 – 11:15 am. Out of respect for others, we ask that you do not enter class after 10:45.
  This in-person class includes a variety of techniques – guided imagery, breathing practices, body observation and awareness – to help address many various conditions including stress, pain, depression, and insomnia.
   
• Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction
  Facilitated by Mike Healy, Ed.D.
  Learn ways to reduce stress, lessen physical and emotional pain, and cope better with everyday demands. Second Friday each month.
  Call Mike at 706-248-8918 for more information.

• Breast Cancer Support Groups
  Facilitated by Sandy Pyle, RN, BSN, ONN-CG, and Robin Black, RN Nurse Navigators
  Second Thursday each month at 5:30 pm.
  A group for women with a diagnosis of breast cancer to share information, resources and experiences.
   
• Caregiver Support
  Facilitated by Lauren Liverman, LCSW and Brooke Bidez, LMSW
  First Thursday of each month. Times vary – see monthly calendar.
  A group for caregivers who takes care of anyone to share information, resources and experiences.
   
• Grief Support
  Individual and group support for grieving adults.
  By appointment, call 706-475-4900
   
• Women's Cancer Support Group
  Facilitated by Robin Black, RN and Brooke Bidez, LMSW
  Second Tuesday each month from 1:00pm - 2:30 pm.
  A group for any woman with any type of cancer diagnosis. A group to discuss treatments, side effects, coping, stress reduction and survivorship in a safe, confidential setting.
   
• Triple Negative Breast Cancer Support Group
  Facilitated by Robin Black, RN, Oncology Nurse Navigator.
  Fourth Saturday of every month 2:00 - 3:30 pm.
  A group for women diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, aimed to address the unique needs of this community.
   
• Illness Adjustment Counseling
  Individual sessions to address issues such as stress, anxiety, treatment decisions, and family communication.
  By appointment, call 706-475-4900.
   
• Monday's for Men - General Cancer Support Group
  Facilitated by Joel Siebentritt, LCSW
  Fourth Monday every month: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
  A confidential setting for male cancer patients to discuss treatment, side effects and survivorship. Any man from any diagnosis currently in treatment through long-term survivorship is welcome.
   

Sustenance

• Nutrition Counseling and Side-effect Management
  Individual sessions by physician referral.
   
• Cooking for a Lifetime
  Presented by UGA Extension & Piedmont Athens Regional Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support.
  Where: 240 Talmadge Drive Athens, GA 30606
  When: September 7, 2023 and November 30, 2023
  Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
  Call for more information and to register!
   

If you are a cancer patient at Piedmont Athens Regional, someone from the center will visit you during your stay.

If you are outside the hospital, you can contact the center at 706-475-4900 or visit the center in Athens at 240 Talmadge Drive. Parking is right next to the center.

In either case, you will have an opportunity to share your concerns and ask questions about support and services that would be helpful to your particular situation.

Compassionate and knowledgeable staff and volunteers are available to assist you with your questions and concerns.

Only cancer survivors truly know the fears and concerns you're experiencing. Many patients find a support group helps them learn more about their cancer and treatment. It can also help you better understand your thoughts and feelings.

Many of us think that if we were strong enough, we could fix our problems and deal with our fears. That path can be lonely. Talking with other cancer patients helps because they understand and offer hope and encouragement.

If you do not want to attend meetings or groups, our Licensed Clinical Social Workers and nurse navigators are available for one on one consultations by phone, on telehealth platforms and in person.

Regular workshops are offered in the community to educate people about screening tests and cancer risk factors. The hope is to increase awareness so we will be able to detect cancers sooner and increase the effectiveness of treatments.

The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support also offers a series of free seminars, workshops and classes for cancer patients, families and friends. These programs are all designed to give people the tools they need, as they need them, to navigate their path during diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

All services are provided free of charge to any patient or family in our community through the Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation, a not-for-profit arm of Piedmont Athens Regional.

The center relies on the generosity of volunteers and benefits from their time and talents in a variety of ways. Many volunteers are cancer survivors or family members, others are interested people from the community, and still others are professionals who give their time and skills.

The compassion and unique perspective of our volunteers enrich our quality of services. If you are interested in volunteering, call 706-475-4900 or email LoranSmithCenter@piedmont.org.

Our mission is to provide all the services of the center at no cost to anyone who enters our door. To assist us, individuals, families and corporations may donate in honor or in memory of a loved one. These donations may be designated for the endowment or direct patient services. For more information, call the Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation at 706-475-9007.