Join specialists and peers to learn about medical and supportive care advances, and meet and talk with others who are navigating through life after a gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis. Open to both patients and caregivers/loved ones. The third Thursday of each month, a new speaker will talk about a new topic to guide you through your diagnosis, along with a supportive talk designed to open the floor for a facilitated group discussion.

Thursday, April 21st - Upper GI Surgery: Life After Gastrectomy and Esophagectomy, and Nutrition with a Registered Dietician. Join Hartford HealthCare board certified surgeon, Lindsay Ann Bliss, MD, MPH, as she talks about what to expect with an Upper GI surgery and life after a gastrectomy or an esophagectomy. Hartford HealthCare Registered Dietician, Abby Caron, will discuss nutrition before and after surgery. This class will be accompanied by a facilitated group discussion about living with the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer.

Upcoming talks:

Thursday, May 19th - Emotional resilience with Caitlin McPhelimy, LPC. Join Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute Support Services Program Manager, Caitlin McPhelimy, LPC, as she talks about tools and strategies to improve coping with cancer-related stressors and promote your overall quality of life. This class will be accompanied by a facilitated group discussion about living with the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer.

Thursday, June 16th - Physical therapy and exercise with Gretchin Bade, Physical Therapist and Program Director of the Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network at Hartford Hospital.