Free Event at Mass General Cancer Center Encourages Patients, Caregivers, and Survivors to “Own Their Story”

For patients and their loved ones, a cancer diagnosis is life-changing. Everyone processes their emotions differently, be it grief, anger, or confusion. You may start examining or questioning your purpose in life. Why is this happening? What can you do? How can you avoid being defined by cancer?  What really matters most?

Massachusetts General Cancer Center will host “Own Your Story: Creating Meaning From Your Cancer Experience,” a free event for patients, families, and friends to discuss ways to cope with cancer and its effects on daily life. Patients, caregivers, and care providers will discuss different methods of expression like art or music therapy, journaling, spirituality, and more.

The conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 16. Start the day with breakfast, then enjoy a welcome from Mara Bloom, JD, the executive director at Mass General Cancer Center.

In the first demonstration, Matthew Frigault, MD, the Administrative Director of Cellular Therapy Service, will present on CAR T-cell therapy, an innovative cancer treatment. Immediately following, David Ryan, MD, the Chief of the Division of Hematology Oncology and Clinical Director, and Vicki A. Jackson, MD, MPH, the Chief of the Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, will discuss their book “Living with Cancer.”

A panel of providers will discuss how they work with patients to help them find meaningful ways to tell their narratives. Panelists include art therapist Meg Carleton, ATR-BC, LMHC; music therapist Lorrie Kubicek, MT-BCC; oncology chaplain Katrina Scott, MDiv, BCC; and oncology social worker Emily Doerr, MSW. Following the provider panel, a patient panel will share their personal experiences. The event concludes with lunch and the opportunity to connect with others.

Cancer is only part of your story; you can choose how you want to craft the rest.

To register for the event and view the full schedule, visit massgeneral.org/survivorconference. Parking and meals are free for attendees. The conference will take place on June 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Simches Research Center at 185 Cambridge Street on the third floor of the Charles River Plaza.