Cancer Connection, Inc.

02/20/2026

We're not waffling on how excited we are for our Paul & Elizabeth's Restaurant brunch this Sunday with writer Newman interviewed by Kelsey Flynn! We are so very grateful to bankESB for their incredible support. Huge thanks to Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters for donating the coffee, and thank you to Norseman Audio-Video Systems, Inc. for donating the audio equipment! All the pieces are in place, now we just need the weather to cooperate...

02/18/2026

Stronger Together: Team Training for the Western Mass Mother's Day 9 mile Walk/Run

Starting Wednesday, March 11th with an informational meeting from 5:30-6:30pm, and then training every Thursday, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, from March 19th through May 7th- culminating in the Mother’s day walk/run on May 10th.

Finding movement after treatment ends can be hard. Finding movement in a safe space with people who have lived experience similar to your own, can be even more challenging to find.

Cancer Connection is teaming up with My Health Matters Fitness to support and train a Cancer Connection relay team to participate in the Mother's Day Half Marathon 9 mile Walk/Run. Reconnecting with our bodies after treatment in a way that helps us acknowledge everything that may come up on this journey is vital for us to rediscover ourselves. All emotions and bodies are welcome here.

Come join us for an 9 week, running/walking specific strength-based small group located at My Health Matters Fitness in Hadley, MA. This will be a small relay team focused on training for the 9 mile run/walk.

In this program we will be using strength training movements to help support joints and commonly injured areas when training for a walking/running based event in any capacity. Glute, Core, and Lower Body strengthening will be at the forefront, but we may also sprinkle in a few upper body awareness movements as well! Balance will be an essential component to this programming as well as brief moments of cardio such as Ball Slams, Boxing, and Battle Ropes. The goal of this class is to have fun learning about the "Why" behind each movement and how we can best support ourselves as we navigate into training for any length of running/walking. Plus! It's fun to do it with a group of people who have similar goals in mind!

Because this is a small group of 7 people forming a team for a relay of the 9 mile, it is important to be there for all 9 weeks (or as many as you can make!) to help develop team encouragement and support regardless of where you are on your movement journey. Please note that a doctor’s note clearing for exercise is required to participate in the program.

This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 x104 to register.
https://www.cancer-connection.org/programs-1

02/14/2026

🌹Roses are red, 🪻violets are blue, at the Western mass Mother’s Day half marathon, you can run, and walk too! WMass Mother's Day Half Marathon
Register today 💕💕💕💕💕www.mothersdayhalfmarathon.com

This Valentine’s Day…
Make it official 💍

Commit to your goals.
Commit to your training.
Commit to the 2026 WMass Mother’s Day Half Marathon.

Because nothing says LOVE like 13.1 miles of strength, community, and purpose 💕

Register now and show yourself some love.
www.mothersdayhalfmarathon.com

02/14/2026

Huge thanks to Coach Matthew’s and the Amherst College Mammoths Women’s Ice Hockey team for the phenomenal Pink in the Rink fundraiser game for Cancer Connection! We chucked ducks, enjoyed the bake sale, and cheered loudly for the Mammoths!! Amherst College

02/13/2026

Are you handy with a camera (or iPhone), love Cancer Connection, and want to help us with a successful WMass Mother's Day Half Marathon? Please consider volunteering with us on Sunday, May 10th! Email outreach@cancer-connection.org

02/13/2026

Cancer Connection will be closed on Monday, February 16th in observance of President's Day.

02/12/2026

Big thanks to Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters for donating their delicious coffee for Cancer Connection to serve at our SOLD OUT benefit brunch,
Waffles, Warmth, and a Writer with Newman, sponsored by Paul & Elizabeth's Restaurant and bankESB.
We are so grateful for the generosity of this wonderful local business. Our free services are only possible because of community support.
For more information visit www.cancer-connection.org

02/10/2026

Reiki night is cancelled tonight due to inclement weather. Next session of monthly Reiki night will be on Tuesday, March 10th.

02/04/2026

Today is World Cancer Day.
Cancer is something that impacts nearly every family in some way. This was the original inspiration for Cancer Connection's creation; to have a place for people with cancer and their caregivers to be held and supported.
For 26 years now, Cancer Connection has been a place to find strength 💜

02/04/2026

Your Creativity Matters Art Workshop
The first Saturday of the month. Next date: February 7th, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

February Program: Envelope Art Journal
In this creative and engaging art group session, participants will learn how to make a unique Envelope Art Journal using small envelopes. Each person will be provided with four white envelopes, or you’re welcome to bring your own—any color is fine, as long as they are the same size.

This simple, portable journal is easy to assemble and highly customizable. Once constructed, participants can decorate their journals with original artwork, collage materials, or magazine clippings. Each page includes a pocket, perfect for tucking in a special drawing, note, or small keepsake.

These compact journals are ideal for recording thoughts, writing poetry, sketching, or collecting inspiring ideas—and they’re small enough to take anywhere. No previous art experience is needed—just bring your creativity!

Materials will be supplied. Space is limited to 6 participants- attend one or more workshops.

This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 x104 to register

https://www.cancer-connection.org/programs-1

01/30/2026

Little Instrument, Big Joy: Intro to Harmonica with Steve Retchin

4 Part-Series: Thursday, February 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th 2:00-3:30pm. In person only

Come learn the basics of playing the harmonica in this relaxed, 4-part class series designed for beginners. Together, we’ll explore simple techniques like breathing, holding the harmonica, playing single notes, and keeping rhythm — all at a gentle, supportive pace.

Whether you’ve never picked up a harmonica before or just want to try something new in a low-pressure, supportive setting, this class is for you. Come explore music, laughter, and the joy of learning together in community.

This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a caregiver and is free of charge. Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104

https://www.cancer-connection.org/programs-1

01/23/2026

Do you love bikes and hate cancer? Then please join the Cancer Connection cyclist team for our Bikes Fight Cancer ride on Saturday, June 20th at Treehouse Brewing in Deerfield, MA
Click here to join our team:

https://www.bikereg.com/bfc?t=Cancer+Connection+Cyclists