Wellness Wednesday with Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation

Featuring Dr. Martha L. Twaddle, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, HMDC Challenging and emotional conversations become the norm after a cancer diagnosis, so it’s essential to surround yourself with a broad team to educate and guide you while also making you feel comfortable and supported. This is especially true when exploring and planning for palliative and hospice services. Join Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and Cancer Wellness Center in a candid discussion with Dr. Martha L. Twaddle, the Medical Director for Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care at Northwestern Medicine. Dr. Twaddle will help us: • Explore the differences between palliative care and hospice care. • Understand when it is time to plan for care options. • Three key questions you should ask providers in setting up care. • Ways in which family members can also receive support during this difficult time.

Featuring Kelsey Mora, LCPC, CCLS, Chief Clinical Officer of Pickles GroupBeing on the receiving end of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and confusing for most adults. Depending on the ages of their children, these emotions are often amplified and coupled with a fear of the unknown. Learning how to speak with children about this sensitive topic and what the right amount of information to share is crucial. In this month’s Wellness Wednesday, we’ll talk with Kelsey Mora, a Certified Child Life Specialist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and the Chief Clinical Officer of Pickles Group who will share: Evidence-based data on kids facing parental cancer 3 guiding principles to frame tough conversations Appropriate developmental responses The importance of honesty, listening, validating, and reassuring About the SpeakerKelsey Mora, Chief Clinical Officer of Pickles Group, is a Certified Child Life Specialist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor specializing in guiding parents and caregivers on how to best support their children and adolescents with illness and grief. Kelsey uses a personal approach to create opportunities to help youth make connections, and increase coping and communication throughout a cancer experience. View Presentation Slides

Featuring Chris Rosandich, MS, Nutrition and Wellness Manager, Cancer Support CenterEating healthy doesn’t have to be challenging or boring. Simple switches can make a big impact on your everyday life. And would you believe a balanced diet can actually be tasty AND fun?Join us for March’s Wellness Wednesday, where we'll continue our "cancer-fighting diet" series with Chris Rosandich, the Cancer Support Center’s Nutrition and Wellness Manager, who will share easy diet swaps for a healthier lifestyle, including:· Why it's so hard to make healthy diet changes.· Two reasons why healthy lifestyle attempts fail.· Quick and healthy ingredient swaps.· How to make sweet and salty treats better for you.About the SpeakerChris Rosandich, MS, Nutrition and Wellness Manager, Cancer Wellness Center, has a master’s degree in Health & Nutrition Education from Hawthorn University and holds additional certifications, including Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University and Nutrition and Cancer from Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. Christine’s passion is to work with various people, including those with cancer, to help them develop a foundation for optimal health.

Did you know that 80% of New Year’s Resolutions are broken by February? The key is to shift away from these one-off goals and move toward creating a series of habits and systems that work best for you. It’s proven that these incremental changes can lead to a major impact on your life. Join us as we kick off the New Year with Lily Horowitz from The Core Method sharing tips on gaining strength in everyday life. Combining core, balance, power, and posture, Lily shows how they work together to connect your body with your mind. You’ll learn: Simple, daily exercises to strengthen your core (hint: it’s not about having a 6-pack) How to be connected to, and properly engage your body through Pilates Tips, tricks, and advice to make this doable whether you’re going through chemo, treatment, or not. About the speaker: Lily Horowitz is a leading certified Pilates instructor with over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry. She is a Core Guru and the founder and creator of The Core Method®️ in Northbrook Il and has devoted her life to helping clients get strong from the inside out.

Each year, Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation awards a number of grants supporting scientific research and patient family services. By awarding grants, we champion early detection research that will:  Encourage innovative research Improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer detection Uncover groundbreaking treatments Supports patients and families in the day-to-day This Wellness Wednesday features Rolfe grantee, Lustgarten Foundation, with a video showcasing new technologies to drive better outcomes in early detection

Black Americans are at an increased risk for pancreatic cancer, with an incidence rate that’s 67% higher than any other ethnic or racial group in the United States. (National Cancer Institute) Pancreatic cancer isn’t the only ailment affecting people of color at higher rates. Join Rolfe as we partner with the Cancer Wellness Center in a candid discussion with Dr. Matthew Dixon, a hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon from Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Dixon will address this disparity issue and share details about the latest advancements in pancreatic surgical practices. You’ll learn: • Common factors contributing to this disparity • Why increased communication with at-risk groups matters • How advancements in pancreatic surgery are affecting patients • What questions patients should ask their medical team Featuring Dr. Matthew Dixon, Hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon, Rush University Medical Center About the Speaker Matthew Dixon, MDFACS, FSSO, is a Hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon with Rush University Medical Center. He has a passion and interest in the clinical treatment of patients with cancers of the liver, metastatic disease of the liver (such as metastatic colorectal cancer), benign liver tumors, bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cysts, neuroendocrine tumors and other types of rare pancreatic tumors.

If these past few years have shown us anything, it is the importance of slowing down to tune out the chaos of the world around us. For too long now, being “busy” has been celebrated and glamorized, when, in reality, sleep, relaxation, and time with family and friends should be praised. Burnout is not a badge of honor. Join us as we welcome retired pathologist, yoga instructor, and health coach, Nadine Pierre Kelly—NPK—as she leads us through: · Guided relaxation · Accessible meditation · Breathwork that is accessible to our entire community We’ll follow up with a discussion about how to cultivate wellness at the intersection of authenticity and compassion. About the Speaker Nadine Pierre Kelly, otherwise known as NPK, is a retired medical doctor (pathologist), experienced registered yoga teacher, American Council of Exercise health coach, Akimbo workshops head coach, contributor to Medscape, first-degree Taekwondo black belt, and a Health Integration Coach with NPK Health Integration.

Everything can seem overwhelming when you or a loved one has just received a cancer diagnosis. Time is of the essence, and it is important to be able to quickly gather the information and medical advice you need to make the best treatment decisions for your care.  Roslyn Turner, a licensed clinical social worker, takes us step-by-step—from understanding and processing the diagnosis to ways to be able to move forward. In this candid conversation, Roslyn will share:  Essential questions to ask your medical team  Why second opinions can be critical to your care  Support resources available to you and your family  Options for financial assistance Get Presentation Slides

For more information about Rolfe, Wellness Wednesday or Dena Goldberg visit: https://tinyurl.com/WWednes  Pancreatic cancer is a genetic disease caused by changes, or mutations, in our DNA. These changes can be inherited (we’re born with them) or acquired (develop after birth), explaining why pancreatic cancer runs in some families. In fact, those with a family history are more likely to have an inherited gene mutation that increases their risk for pancreatic cancer. So how do we best educate and protect ourselves about our genetic risks?   Join us as we welcome back Dena Goldberg, Genetic Counselor and Founder of DenaDNA and Malibu Genetics Concierge as she takes a deeper dive into the genes and genetics syndromes associated with pancreatic cancer. Dena will discuss:   - The 20 most critical genes with variants that increase the risk for pancreatic cancer   - How inheritable germline mutation differs from having a family history of pancreatic cancer   - Testing and screening programs to assess risk   - Why understanding your risk is essential   About the Speaker:  Dena Goldberg is a licensed and board-certified Genetics Counselor located in Los Angeles. She was the Gordon and Betty Moore Endowed Counselor of Hereditary GI Cancer Prevention at the University of California, San Francisco, where she specialized in gastrointestinal cancer, polyposis, and pancreatitis syndromes. Dena was also part of the UC Pancreas Consortium and is a member of the Collaborative Group of the Americas for Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancers (CGA-IGC).   Dena left her clinical role to work full-time on DenaDNA to spread awareness of medical genetics through media and marketing techniques not typically used by the medical community.

Learn more about Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and Wellness Wednesday: https://tinyurl.com/WWednes Our world is complicated, and these past few years have created new stressors and challenges, from the Covid pandemic and social distancing to increased gun violence and social unrest. This is enough to cause anxiety, but when you add that you or a loved one is going through treatment, it takes it to a new level. During this month’s Wellness Wednesday: Lunch & Learn Edition, Lisa Trogdon MSN, RN, CHC, will walk us through ways in which you can still find joy and calm in an uncertain world. Lisa will share: Why you have to “name it to tame it.” Ways to safely grow your social bubble. Tips for living in the paradox of being aware of your surroundings while also staying present in the moment. About the Speaker Lisa Trogdon is a registered nurse who worked 35 years in the emergency department setting. She received her MSN in nursing education in 2015 and her health coaching certification from the American Council on Exercise in 2018. As a RN/health coach, she helps people with chronic illnesses manage their health through a compassionate, self-care framework that takes a holistic approach to well-being.

Learn more about Wellness Wednesday and Rolfe Foundation, and access the recording here: https://tinyurl.com/WellWedn   For the first time in two years, the Rolfe Community will come together—in person and virtually—to DASH for Detection on Saturday, June 11! Help us kick off the DASH with June’s Wellness Wednesday, by joining Stacia Hart and Rachel Sheinkop, Rolfe’s Executive Director and Board President.     In this special conversation, they’ll share:    - Rolfe’s role in personally guiding patients and families from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.    - Groundbreaking updates on Rolfe-funded research at Johns Hopkins, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and more    - Why DASHing matters: the impact of your donations and support    - How to make the most of your DASH experience    Also, joining us live is DASH Team Captain Zoe Kofkin who will be sharing her experiences at DASH over the years and we'll close with an all-abilities warm-up workout from Shred 415!    About the speakers:    Stacia has spent the past 18 years of her career working in non-profit management and development. Stacia has always had a passion for helping others, but her focus changed when she found out her mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Stacia has since dedicated her life to finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. As the executive director of Rolfe for the past several years, Stacia’s leadership and drive to make a difference in this field has only grown stronger.    Rachel Zucker-Sheinkop spent many years as a teacher and director at her favorite place in the world, Banner Day Camp. When her mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Rachel dedicated every day to her mom and dad for the 2 1/2 years her mom fought bravely. After the loss of her mother, Rachel connected with the Rolfe Foundation where she became a board and executive committee member. Rachel has been board president since 2019.

Learn more about Wellness Wednesday: https://tinyurl.com/WWednes  Chemo brain, including memory and cognition challenges, can be a debilitating and frustrating side effect of cancer and its treatment. And while the causes of chemo brain are still being researched, issues with concentration and memory are widely reported amongst cancer patients and survivors.   Join Dr. Karan Dixit, Neuro-oncologist at Northwestern Medicine, where he’ll share insights on chemo brain and other commonly experienced cognitive changes, including:   · What the latest research is telling us   · Signs, symptoms, and risk factors   · Why keeping a journal can be a helpful tool   · Preventative measures and treatment options   About the Speaker   Dr. Karan Dixit is a Neuro-oncologist at Northwestern Medicine. His clinical interests include primary brain and spinal cord tumors and neurologic complications from cancer and its associated treatment. Dr. Dixit has a specific interest in low-grade glioma, central nervous system lymphoma, and understanding the relationship between neurocognitive decline and longitudinal changes in structural and functional neural connectivity.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “scientists have studied many foods and dietary components for possible associations with increasing or reducing cancer risk.” And while there is not definitive evidence, we do know that chronic inflammation over time can lead to changes in the DNA, which can lead to cancer.    Join us for April’s Wellness Wednesday where we’ll welcome back Chris Rosandich, Nutrition and Wellness Manager from Cancer Support Center, to continue our conversation on a “cancer fighting diet.” Chris will focus on ways to build and support a healthy digestive system the connection, and:    - Tips to boost immunity levels    - Causes of inflammation    - Foods and lifestyle choices that lower inflammation    A special thank you to our Wellness Wednesday program partners WEX and the Bellick Family.    Learn more about Wellness Wednesday & access the recording visit rolfefoundation.org About the speaker: Christine Rosandich is the Nutrition & Wellness Program Manager for The Cancer Support Center (CSC) located in Homewood and Mokena. Christine has a master’s degree in Health & Nutrition Education from Hawthorn University and holds additional certifications including Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University and Nutrition and Cancer from Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.

According to the National Cancer Institute, as many as half of patients with cancer have problems sleeping. Whether it’s insomnia or abnormal sleep-wake cycles, consistent lack of sleep has a tremendous impact on both physical and mental health. That, along with the pain that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis, adds another layer of stress and discomfort to daily life. Relief is Possible Join Alyssa N. Van Denburg, a Clinical Health Psychologist at Northwestern Medicine as she shares strategies for managing pain and sleep. Dr. Van Denburg will discuss ways supportive care can improve your quality of life, including: How most cancer pain is manageable Why controlling pain is an essential part of treatment What sleep strategies work best during treatment, other illness, or the stress of caring for loved ones For more information on Rolfe and Wellness Wednesday visit: https://rolfefoundation.org/get-involved/events-programs/wellness-wednesday-3/

Balancing Life With Cancer: Creating Boundaries for Patients, Caregivers and Loved Ones   “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” -Brené Brown    It’s often challenging to focus inward when it comes to priorities. From family to work to friends, and even pets, it is all too easy to put ourselves on the back burner. Yet research shows there is great importance—and benefits—to putting ourselves first when it comes to our physical and mental health.   Setting personal boundaries and priorities are practices that include changing our mindset about not only what we say “no” to, but also “yes.”    This month, we welcome back licensed clinical social worker, Roslyn Turner, to discuss how to set clear boundaries for ourselves and others. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, are a caregiver, or are supporting a loved one with cancer, setting boundaries can help all involved. Roslyn will share:    · What creating boundaries look like, and why its an important habit    · Tips to setting boundaries with family, friends and work    · How to say “no” so you can focus on what really matters    About the Speaker: Roslyn Turner, LCSW (Outpatient Oncology Social Worker)    Roslyn Turner is a licensed clinical social worker with Illness Navigation Resources. She received her bachelor's degree in communication from Lake Forest College and her master's degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago. While her specialization is working with patients and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, she is passionate about helping all individuals facing medical challenges and more general life stressors and transitions.     Her focus is helping individuals and caregivers navigate the complex practical and emotional concerns that come with a medical diagnosis and has extensive knowledge of additional resources for oncology patients and families. She also has experience facilitating oncology support groups.    To access the slides for this episode, watch full episodes and learn more about Rolfe Foundation and Wellness Wednesday click here: https://rolfefoundation.org/get-involved/events-programs/wellness-wednesday-3/