SAVE THE DATE!
Join us for a day of fellowship, activity, and education for cancer survivors. No cost to attend, but registration is required. A light lunch will be served. The retreat is open to any cancer survivor; prior involvement in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA isn’t necessary.
Location: Camp Hiawatha and Retreat Center, 1601 W. 51st Street N., Wichita, KS 67204
Questions? Contact Debbie Cruz at 316-776-8178 or debbie.cruz@ymcawichita.org
The LIVESTRONGat the YMCA program is a place where cancer survivors reclaim their energy and strength. Our Cancer Survivor Retreat brings individuals from all walks of life together who not only share a common journey, but also an unstoppable will to embrace hope and enjoy life. Learn more about LIVESTRONG at the YMCA at ymcawichita.org/livestrong.
Click Here to Register by April 7th
The Greater Wichita YMCA thanks the following sponsors for their support of the 5th Annual YMCA Cancer Survivors Retreat
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Featured Speakers
Topic: Metabolic Nutrition for Cancer: A Terrain-Centric Approach
Jen Nolan, Owner & Oncology Nutrition Consultant
About the Topic: Jen will explore the powerful role of metabolic nutrition in supporting the body's terrain to foster an environment that promotes health and resilience. By nourishing the body with the right nutrients, we can support immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote overall healing, making it easier to cope with the challenges that come with treatment.
About the Speaker: With over two decades of experience and education in the Holistic and Clinical Nutrition field, Jen has a wealth of knowledge and her passion for the subject is contagious. Jen received her undergraduate degree in Food Science, Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Colorado State University. She holds a master’s degree in Holistic Nutrition. Jen has made her home in Colorado and is an avid mountain biker, trail runner, skier and mom. Jen is the owner of Remission Nutrition and an oncology nutrition consultant.
Co-Speaker: Dr. Kirsten West
Dr. West, ND, LAc, FABNO, is part of the integrative oncology team at the Riordan Clinic. She is a Naturopathic Doctor with a Fellowship on the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and specializes in integrative oncology. She also holds a Metabolic Approach to Cancer (MATC) certificate from the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health. She earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona. She served her residency at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia. In 2017, she was named a fellow on the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology. Dr. West is a Colorado native and lives in suburban Denver.
Topic: Cheap Medicine: The Benefits of Humor to Your Health
Judy Waechter, Assistant Professor, Health Occupations
About the Topic: Humor, specifically humor expressed with laughter, is good for us, strong medicine for both mind and body. Humor can break the intensity of what is going on and provide a way to normalize the abnormal, providing us respite from the seriousness and responsibilities of everyday life and strengthen our resiliency. Join in and learn the physical, mental, emotional and social benefits of laughter, share a few laughs and dazzle with your smile while we practice these pillars of the human condition.
About the Speaker: Judy is a registered nurse board certified in both Patient Advocacy and Rehabilitation. Judy is a cancer survivor since 2005. Judy’s focus is on improving healthcare experiences by bridging healthcare providers, those receiving care, and their family and friend support system to care for what matters to the person more than what is the matter with a person. And joy- to live in joy!
Breakout Sessions
Meet the Panelists
Dr. Kirsten West,ND, LAc, FABNO
About the Panelist: Dr. Kirsten West, ND, LAc, FABNO, is part of the integrative oncology team at the Riordan Clinic. She is a Naturopathic Doctor with a Fellowship on the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and specializes in integrative oncology. She also holds a Metabolic Approach to Cancer (MATC) certificate from the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health. She earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona. She served her residency at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia. In 2017, she was named a fellow on the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology. Dr. West is a Colorado native and lives in suburban Denver.
Dr. Catelin Kass
About the Panelist: Dr. Catelin Kass is a dedicated physical therapist specializing in oncologic rehabilitation and lymphedema management. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Bellarmine University and earned her Oncologic Clinical Specialist designation following successful completion of the Oncologic Physical Therapy Residency Program with Duke University Health System. Dr. Kass is known for her compassionate approach, combining evidence-based practices with personalized care plans to address the unique needs of each patient. She is currently driving the entry level oncology curriculum for WSU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Tonia Yelder, PIVOT Program Manager
About PIVOT: Patient Investigative Voices Organizing Together (PIVOT) is an initiative to infuse greater community and patient engagement into all aspects of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. We are an evolving community of patients, families and caregivers learning and working with researchers/investigators throughout the Cancer Center’s research decision-making process. Today we have nearly 200 advocates with diverse cancer experiences & demographics from all over the state of Kansas and Western Missouri. We also provide research advocacy & engagement training for advocates & researchers.
Alma Hammer, Assistant Director & Volunteer Coordinator
About the Panelist: What started as volunteer work quickly became Alma’s passion. Within six months, Alma joined Victory in the Valley as a part-time Administrative Assistant. In a short time, Alma stepped into a full-time role as Volunteer Coordinator, and as of January 1, 2024, Alma took on the additional title of Assistant Director. Alma is blessed to work with an incredible team of dedicated staff and over 150 volunteers. Together, we bring compassion, empathy, and strength to serving cancer patients and their families. Alma enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and you will often find her in the gym working out or training others to reach their fitness goals.
Gail Brooks
About the Speaker: Gail Brooks is a Wichita YMCA Yoga and Group Fitness Instructor. She's a registered yoga E-RYT200 instructor with the Yoga Alliance and a certified Laughter Yoga Leader. She's a US Army veteran and a retiree from the Department of the Army with over 36 years of service. Her passion is making fitness accessible to all and bringing joy to others. When not at the YMCA, you'll find her playing Pickleball, walking or enjoying hanging out with family and friends.
Topic: Join Jen Nolan, owner of Remission Nutrition and an oncology nutrition consultant, through a collaborative workshop. Participants will gain practical insights into crafting personalized nutrition plans that enhance the body’s metabolic function, minimize treatment side effects, and foster an inhospitable environment for cancer to thrive. This approach is not about treating cancer directly, but instead focusing on supporting the body’s innate ability to heal, adapt, and thrive through nourishing, intentional nutrition.