Body and Soul Strength Training Class. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-1:15 p.m. in the McLean Presbyterian Church Multipurpose Room, 1020 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Demonstration classes are March 15 and 17, and the new 10-week session starts March 29 if enough interest is shown. Demonstration classes are free. The 10-week session costs $50 for two classes per week, $27.50 for one class per week. Wear comfortable fitness clothing, bring a set of dumbbells if you have some, elastic resistance training equipment you might have, an exercise mat or large towel and a friend. Body and Soul is a non-profit ministry in Christian fitness that offers a Christ-centered alternative to secular fitness programs. Everyone exercises at their own level, so this class is appropriate for beginners through advanced students, young and older. Contact Dana Elsnick at 703-847-9814 or greatdane@speedymail.org to reserve a spot or voice interest.
Donate Blood. There is an urgent need for donors with all blood types. Inova Blood Donor Services is open weekdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at its main location at 3289 Woodburn Road in Annandale. To inquire about appointments at a convenient donor center or blood drive, call 1-866-BLOOD SAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit www.inova.org/donateblood.
Other Inova blood donation sites are Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, 703-504-3500; Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, 2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria, 703-664-7229; CentreMed, Centreville, 703-322-1970.
Expressive Arts: Acrylic Painting. Pair up with a partner to spontaneously create two unique acrylic paintings. The experience can be a great reflection of our connectedness. Facilitated by healing artist Maureen Wolford. Wednesday, March 9 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Please register by Monday, March 7. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Caregivers Meetings, for family members to discuss topics including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer, its treatment and more. Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Children's Educational Support Program. Continuation of an eight-week group with discussion and activities for children ages 5-12. Learn about cancer and find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer. Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room B. Registration is necessary. Call 703-208-5623.
Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Oncology counselor Dodi Christiano, M.A., will guide the class in learning techniques proven effective in enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms and stress, and promoting insight. Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6 and 13 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Please register by Monday, March 7. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Breast Cancer: A Tour of Care: Pre-Op Classes for Mastectomy and/or Reconstruction. A breast cancer nurse educator will provide information and support for women who have scheduled a mastectomy and/or reconstruction. Wednesdays, March 9 or 23 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Register by calling 703-776-2820. If your surgery is before the class date, ask to speak with Deborah Cook, RN.
GYN Cancer Group. Speaker Karen Oleszewski, RN, MS, AOCN, will address "Emerging Treatments for Gyn Cancers," giving an update on clinical trials as presented at the recent meeting of the Gynecological Oncology Group. Women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers are invited to drop in. Wednesday, March 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Head and Neck Cancers: Heads Up! This educational support group is for current and former head and neck cancer patients and their significant others. Facilitated by an oncology social worker and a Radiation Oncology team member. Wednesday, March 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
CanSurvive. A patient-led, drop-in, lunchtime, general cancer support group for those dealing with any type of cancer. Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24 and 31 from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Call 301-610-9146 or see www.can-survive.net.
Leukemia Group. Family and friends are welcome to join us as we share and discuss "The Next Chapter." Social worker Stephanie Herman will help facilitate discussion on end-of-life issues and how to prepare ourselves and others for that chapter in our lives. Thursday, March 10 from 7-9 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Couples Workshop. For couples dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Facilitated by an oncology counselor, this monthly workshop series will include discussion, various exercises and support. Saturday, March 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Registration is necessary by Monday, March 7. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Expressive Arts: Drumming. Sheila Egan, NIH music therapist, offers some Cherokee ways to healing, focusing on drumming. Monday, March 14 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Registration is required by Friday, March 11. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Navigating the Insurance Maze. Donna McQuistian, from the Patient Advocate Foundation, provides cancer patients and their families with an overview on navigating the insurance world. Tuesday, March 15 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Please register by Friday, March 11. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Individual Reiki Appointments--Early Afternoon. Schedule an individual session with a certified Reiki practitioner and experience the benefits of this ancient practice involving the placement of hands on different parts of the body to direct energy in order to release tension and discomfort and enhance well-being. Wednesday, March 16 from 12:30-2 p.m. by appointment at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Appointments must be scheduled by Monday, March 14. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Moving On. Exercise series for cancer survivors in treatment or in remission, led by a certified fitness instructor. Mondays and Wednesdays, March 16-April 20 from 3-4 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1D. Registration is required for new participants by Wednesday, March 9 to obtain the necessary participation forms. Please, no new registrations after March 30. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Multiple Myeloma Group: Managing Medicare. Donna McQuitian of the Patient Advocate Foundation will give an update of changes to Medicare and answer your questions about the Medicare program. Tuesday, March 15 from 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Breast Cancer: A Tour of Care: Pre-Op Classes for Lumpectomy and/or Nodal Biopsy. A breast cancer nurse educator will provide information and support for women who have scheduled a lumpectomy and/or nodal biopsy. Wednesday, March 16 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Register by calling 703-776-2820. If your surgery is before the class date, ask to speak with Deborah Cook, RN.
Breast Cancer Group. This semi-monthly support group is for women living with early-stage breast cancer. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Nutrition: Favoring Fiber. This month's demonstration will highlight recipes featuring fiber with Jennifer Keller, RD, dietitian and managing director of The Cancer Project. Wednesday, March 16 from 2-4 p.m. at the Whole Foods Market at 143 E. Maple Ave., Vienna. Please register by Friday, March 11. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Learning About Ports and Catheters. Learn more about how ports work--useful information for those living with chemotherapy. Wednesday, March 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Please register by Monday, March 14. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Expressive Arts: Mandala for the Soul. Mandala is an ancient word meaning "circle." A mandala can be used to depict the pictures and patterns of our soul that guide thoughts and actions. Artist Debbie Gudelsky will facilitate simple exercises to help identify different "compartments" within ourselves, and "soul" materials that foster care and enrich our lives. Three-dimensional collage is the medium. Wednesday, March 16 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Please register by Monday, March 14. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lung Cancer Group. Medical oncologist Ajay Dar, MD, will present an update on lung cancer. Join fellow lung cancer patients, family members and friends. Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief Dinner for Teens 13-18 Years Old. This monthly dinner offers teens an opportunity to meet others who have lost a loved one to cancer, share thoughts and feelings, and learn about the grief process. Wednesday, March 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Registration is necessary. Call 703-208-5623.
Seminars for Survivors: Coping with Trauma and Medical Illness. Psychiatrist Navid Rashid, M.D., will address coping and the spiritual aspects and themes often heard from those living with cancer. Thursday, March 17 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room 1B. Register by Monday, March 14 at 703-208-5623.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Past participants of our Relaxation and Imagery series are invited to attend this ongoing drop-in workshop that uses various techniques for relaxation, imagery and meditation to promote physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Topics such as communication skills, anger management, self-esteem building, spiritual exploration and others may be incorporated. Friday, March 18 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Register at 703-208-5623.
"Doing the Right Thing: Taking Care of Your Elderly Parents Even If They Didn’t Take Care of You." Friday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Borders Books at Tysons Corner. Roberta Satow, MD, a psychoanalyst and chairperson of the Department of Sociology at Brooklyn College, discusses her compassionate, healing approach to middle-aged caregiving in a strained parent-child relationship.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Meet with other carcinoid cancer patients and their adult loved ones to share experiences and learn from one another. Saturday, March 19 from 10-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Call 703-255-0519.
Expressive Arts: Ukranian Easter Eggs. Learn how to create Ukrainian Easter eggs with Lesia Mandzia. All materials will be provided. Artistic ability is not necessary. Monday, March 21 from 6-9 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Registration necessary by Friday, March 18. Call 703-208-5623.
Super Sibling Support Day. A chance for children who have a brother or sister with cancer to learn about cancer, talk about their concerns and feelings, do medical play, arts and crafts and play games. Monday, March 21 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House. Registration is necessary. Call Jenny Eckert, children's program manager, at 703-208-5623.
A Parkinson's Disease Support Group, newly formed, meets on the fourth Tuesday monthly at 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike. The first meeting is March 22. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. They are dedicated to mutual self-help and the enhancement of coping skills for those with Parkinson's Disease. There is no fee. For more information, contact Glenn Lawrence, 703-406-2732.
All About Wigs. Wig specialist Laura Waites provides information on how to shop for a wig and how to care for and style your wig. A variety of "alternative hair" products will be available for demonstration. Wednesday, March 23 from 7-8 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room A. Please register by day before class. Call 703-208-5623.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. Meet with others who have hereditary or secondary lymphedema resulting from surgery, radiation or trauma to the lymphatic system. A certified lymphedema therapist and an oncology counselor will facilitate discussion about physical and emotional concerns. Wednesday, March 23 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Call 703-208-5623.
Young Adult Group. Meet with others, ages 18 to 30-something, to discuss issues such as intimacy, dating, body image, work and health insurance concerns, treatment side effects, fears of recurrence and sustaining a normal lifestyle. Thursday, March 24 from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room A. Call 703-208-5623.
Colorectal Cancer Group. Dr. Donald Colvin provides a "Medical Update on Colorectal Cancer." Thursday, March 24 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1E. Register by March 21 at 703-208-5623.
Learning More About Auyurvedic Medicine. Auyurvedic practitioners David Mathis, M.K., and Debbie Mathis, M.A., combine the stringths of western family medicine and eastern Auyurveda. Auyurvedic therapies include diet and daily routine, herbs, massage, yoga and meditation, thus addressing the person as a whole. Monday, March 28 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Room 1B. Register by March 25 at 703-208-5623.
Expressing Yourself through Color: "Spiritbeads." Artist Debbie Gudelsky will explain the symbolism of color as it relates to our lives. We will apply what we learn to design our own 'spiritbead" project. Wednesday, March 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax, Suite 203, Room B. Call Jenny Eckert, children's program manager, at 703-208-5623.
Celiac Disease Lectures and Workshops. April 3 from noon-8:30 p.m. at Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner, 8661 Leesburg Pike. Free and open to the public. At the CSA/USA Regional Conference learn about living and loving every aspect of the gluten-free life. Includes adult and children's programs and workshops. Practical guidelines on preparing for social events and discovering wonderful ways for children to feel special and not set apart. Call 703-471-5047, e-mail mvineyard40@comcast.net or visit www.csaceliacs.org/RegConfChp100.php.
United Ostomy Association, Northern Virginia Chapter's monthly support group meeting is April 3 at Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, in the Physicians' Conference Center. Fellowship and refreshments begin at 1:30 p.m. At 2 p.m., Dr. Dan Albrant, a pharmacist with great experience with ostomates, will discuss prescription and over-the-counter medications, actions, interactions and much more, particularly in regard to the unique requirements of ostomates. There will also be an "Ask the Pharmacist" question-and-answer. No admittance fee. Anyone interested welcome to attend; parking in Blue garage is free with ticket stamped at meeting. Call 703-802-3457 or visit www.novachapteruoa.org.
Drunk Driving Victim Support Group. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) of Northern Virginia sponsors groups for injured victims and for relatives and friends of those who have been killed in drunk driving crashes. The next Injured Victim Support Group meeting will be held Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. New participants are always welcome. Free. For more information call 703-978-3025.
Packing It All In: Vacation Planning and the Person with Dementia. Presented by Vinson Hall Corporation and the Alzheimer's Association. A light dinner will be provided, and complimentary respite care will be available for attendees. Please give us 48 hours' notice if respite care is needed. Wednesday, April 6 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Sylvestery, 1728 Kirby Road, McLean. RSVP to Kim at 703-970-2700. Space is limited.
Coalesce I: Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group. Meets Fridays in the late morning at Inova Fairfax Women’s Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. Registration is required. Call Sage Bolte, M.S.W., breast cancer counselor, for time, information and to register at 703-208-5620.
Walk-in Cholesterol Testing. No physician’s request or appointment needed, and results are mailed directly to a residence. Tests include glucose, cholesterol, lipid profile, PSA, glycohemoglobin and lead. Test costs range from $5 to $15. Check or money order accepted. Inova Patient Service Center, 110 Maple Ave. E., Suite 110, Vienna; Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed 12:30-1 p.m. daily. Call 703-938-4039 for more information. Full-service testing with physician’s prescription also available.
Parkinson's Disease Support Groups (exercise, patient discussion and care partners) meet weekday mornings at the Cherrydale Baptist Church, 3910 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) invites persons with PD and their care partners. Interested participants must call ahead. For schedules and more information, contact Leon Paparella at 202-966-4450.
The Parkinson's Disease Young Onset Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Library lower level meeting room at 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. in McLean. There is no charge. Patients, caregivers and family members are welcome. Call Hilary Blue at 703-821-1393 for more information.
Parkinson's Disease Caregivers/Carepartners Support Group meets third Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, lower level meeting room, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes caregivers and family members. For more information, call Angela Robb, 703-277-9666.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., at the Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. For more information, call Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800, Ext. 3026, or Barbara at 703-913-0890.
Partners of Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Partners' Meeting. Facilitated by an oncology counselor, partners of women with metastatic breast cancer meet on a monthly basis at the Silver Diner to relate to others who are faced with similar challenges. Call Sage Bolte, MSW, breast cancer counselor, 703-208-5620, for information, including day, time and location.
The Parkinson's Foundation offers weekly support groups (previously located at the Providence Recreation Center) for patients and caregivers. They meet every Tuesday at 10 and 11 a.m., at the Lewinsville Senior Center, 1609 Great Falls St., McLean. Call 703-891-0821 if interested in joining or for more information.
Good Grief for Teens. For those 13-18, group activities and art therapy will help teenagers share thoughts and feelings about loss and help with the grief process. On Mondays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Call for upcoming group schedule. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B, Fairfax. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org to register.
TLC: Teens Living with Cancer. Monthly social activities for 13- to 18-year-olds who have cancer give them a chance to meet others with cancer, share a little, have fun. Call 703-208-5623 for details. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, offers several ongoing, free bereavement support groups.
A general bereavement support group for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
A widow/widower bereavement support group for anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One group meets the first and third Thursdays of each month, 2-3:30 p.m. An evening group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month, from 7:30-9 p.m.
A suicide survivors bereavement support group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Groups are facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. Support groups allow families to meet other caregivers, to share experiences and caregiving tips while developing coping skills. Caregivers and family members are invited to visit.
In Oakton, the group meets the third Monday of the month from 7:30 p.m. at Sunrise Senior Living (10322 Blake Lane). Call Betty Moore, group leader, at 703-255-2050, before attending for the first time. For a complete listing of Alzheimer’s Association support groups meeting throughout the National Capital Area, call toll-free 1-866-259-0042 or visit www.alz-nca.org. Support groups are subject to change. Contact the support group leader to verify date, time and location.
The Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area is starting a new caregiver support group that will meet on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at The Sylvestery, 1728 Kirby Road in McLean. The Sylvestery is Vinson Hall Retirement Community's new assisted living residence for the care of people with memory impairments. Barbara Adams, M.S.W., will be the support group leader .
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Hyperactivity Disorder) of Northern Virginia. A support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7:15 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Contact Annette Spector, aspector@der-online.com, with questions. The support group schedule is also posted online at www.novachadd.org. For more information about these and other upcoming meetings, call 703-641-5451 or e-mail nova_chadd@hotmail.com.
The Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group meets every Wednesday, 7-8 p.m., at the Falls Church High School Career Center, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail. For additional information, call 703-425-6660.
Life with Cancer Caregivers Meeting. Every Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Meetings for family members to discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer and more. Use Blue Garage. Meetings held at Inova Fairfax Woman's Center, radiation oncology conference room, at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. 703-698-2841 for registration and information.
Social Skills/Therapy Groups. In small, age-appropriate groups, children who have difficulty in social situations learn and practice appropriate behavior, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions, and making friends. $55-$65 per session. (May be insurance-reimbursable.) For registration, call the Jewish Social Service Agency at 703-204-9100.
Recovery Inc., a nonprofit support group for depression, bipolar disorder and other nervous diseases, meets every Friday at Boulevard Baptist Church, 7000 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. Contact Lee, 703-777-1708.
The American Red Cross is offering Infant and Child CPR at Dunn Loring United Methodist Church, 2501 Gallows Road, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The fee is $40. To enroll, call 703-964-0004 or visit www.redcrossnca.org.
Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent Today. A chance to make a difference in a child’s life. Call Fairfax County’s Foster Care and Adoption Program at 703-324-7639.
Amputee Support Group of Northern Virginia. A support group for amputees, their families and friends. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, 7:30-9 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Physician's Conference Center, Room 1D, first floor, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. There is no cost to participants, and parking is provided free in the garage for cars displaying handicapped placards or license plates. Contact Irvin Axelrod at 703-222-7120 or e-mail asgnva@earthlink.net for more information.
Depression and Manic Depression Support Group. The Sterling/Reston Chapter of DRADA meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month, 7-9 p.m. For location, contact Ginny at 703-966-2510. DRADA stands for Depressive and Related Affective Disorders Association, a nonprofit, self-help group sponsored by Johns Hopkins, which has been in existence for over 20 years.
Shoplifters Anonymous. Group offers a new 12-step meeting program for those who wish to stop compulsive shoplifting. The group meets every Thursday, 7-8 p.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 7426 Idylwood Ave. Call Sue at 703-759-0396 or Carol at 703-764-0347 to confirm the meeting date.
Individual Metastatic Breast Cancer Counseling. Call Sage Bolte, M.S.W., breast cancer counselor, at 703-208-5620 for an appointment.
Volunteer Opportunities: Odyssey Healthcare, a hospice provider, is seeking volunteers in the Northern Virginia community to visit and/or assist terminally ill patients and their families during their end-of-life journey. Compassionate individuals with a desire to help one or two hours a week, share with a patient or their family, assist with office support, or help with bereavement care can become an Odyssey volunteer. Training will be provided. Call Karen Baroody at 703-821-9200, or e-mail abaroody@odsyhealth.com.
Individual Nutrition Counseling. Schedule an appointment with Julie Thorsen, registered dietitian for the Cancer Patient Nutrition Support Program at Inova Cancer Center, and learn how to optimize nutrition related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield. To register, call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Short-term Counseling Services. A cancer diagnosis often leads to fears about life, and causes disruptions in life. Family members may also experience their own sets of concerns. Short-term counseling can provide an opportunity to discuss challenges and explore ways of coping. For an appointment, call the Life with Cancer office at 703-776-2841.
Neurology Epilepsy Support Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and caregivers, meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 6 - 7 p.m., at Georgetown University Hospital, Lombardi Cancer Center, Floor 2, Podium A - Conference Room, 3800 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, D.C.