For those who have found themselves grappling with cancer during their life’s journey they can attest to the fact that cancer not only affects the body but the mind and spirit of individuals. Perceptions change, feelings get intensified and the path to healing is not simply a medical procedure but a process that looks at the individual as a whole. The mind-body connection is now commonly talked about. The belief that finding a physical, mental and spiritual balance can help us find peace and learn to live and love more fully and that this peaceful balance can strengthen the immune system is now widely embraced in many circles. Dr. Bernie Siegel was one of the first to discuss this connection in his classic 1986 book “Love, Medicine & Miracles.”

According to Patricia Selsky, cancer survivor and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Eleanor B. Daniels Fund, Dr. Siegel “was one of the early guys who brought the mind and body balance to us.” Selsky admits that for cancer survivors “their personal journey of healing is not just physical, that healing does not equal health, healing does not mean you are fixed it is a level of wholeness between the parts, it is being at peace with who you are and where you are.” Siegel teaches that health is a process. He is known for his therapy utilizing patient’s drawings, dreams, images and feelings. He looks to empower patients to live fully and die free of conflict.

Siegel’s message of hope has helped many cancer patients live longer, fuller lives. According to Selsky being able to invite Siegel to Vermont is a “full circle moment.” The Eleanor B Daniel Fund (www.ebdfund.org) was established in memory of Eleanor Daniels who lost her battle to cancer in 1990. The Fund is dedicated to supporting education, research, and development efforts for gynecologic malignancies and women’s health issues. When Daniels was in the hospital and not doing very well she had her sister sign her out of the hospital and drive her one snowy January day to Montpelier to hear Siegel speak. According to her sister Sherry Daniels, Siegel’s lecture “really inspired her to keep going and gave her some encouragement and hope. She lived until September of that year.”

Finding your way to health along your personal journey can take on many forms. The Avenues of Healing Spring Conference looks to help people along their path. Cancer Survivors question the trust they once had with their bodies. Kathleen McBeth, a psychologist and coordinator for the Cancer Patient Support Program” will talk about how healing is the ability to trust again, to take on challenges of life and live each day. According to McBeth the more people begin to understand what is happening in their lives they will be better able to pursue their unique avenue of healing.

Dr. Cheung Wong, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at UUVM/FAHC, and Dr. Emmanuel Soultanakis, Obstetrician/Gynecologist, will discuss finding your way back to health. They will be available to answer questions about health and healing.

Breakout sessions will offer those whose lives have been touched by cancer a chance to learn tools and tips to help them along their uniquely personal path to healing and empowerment. To take back their life and not become victimized by cancer. For many cancer patients it is hard to ask for them to ask for the help and support their need. Pathways to Support will allow people to see it is ok to need support and to ask those around them to lend an ear, hold a hand or offer a shoulder to cry on.

Sessions will also be offered on learning how to relax, learning how people react to stress and practicing relaxation techniques to help people deal with the stress of everyday life after the diagnosis of cancer.

Restoring energy and balance by exploring the chakra systems and ways of opening your chakras will be explored. Techniques to balance your energy in the physical, emotional, behavioral and spiritual levels will be looked at. Tools include energy therapy, stress diffusion, flower essences, intention setting, meditation and psychotherapy.

The path to health and balance is one of learning to accept where you are and who you are. Self- exploration is encouraged in the written form. Writing journals that explore how you feel, and where you along the path can help those who are struggling to take control of the situation. Journals help people explore their own path and what strengths and experience they bring.

According to Selsky, this conference is for “anybody who had dealt with health issues …the process of finding your way out of whatever you are dealt.” As Siegel writes he focuses on “the art of healing our lives and not just and individual’s disease.”

J. Walter Juckett Distinguished Lecture Series Presents
The Art of Healing: An Evening with Bernie Siegel, MD
April 4 - 7:00pm-9:00pm
Burlington Sheraton Conference Center

The Avenues of Healing
April 5 - 8:00am-11:45am
Burlington Sheraton Conference Center

Free and open to the public
Register at www.vermontcancer.org or call 847-3919

Sarah Lemnah writes on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press.