Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology

02/20/2026

🥗 Quick & Easy Caesar Dressing

Looking for a simple, flavorful dressing to brighten your salads? Our Quick & Easy Caesar Dressing is creamy, tangy, and ready in just 10 minutes!

Made with:
• Hummus & olive oil for creaminess
• Garlic & capers for bold flavor
• Lemon juice + zest for a fresh zing
• A hint of maple syrup to balance

Perfect for salads, roasted veggies, or grain bowls, and it keeps 5–7 days in the fridge.

Try it today and make your meals a little brighter! Get the complete recipe here: https://ucla.in/3ZHtWp3

02/14/2026

💙 Valentine’s Day Support: Men’s Group for Partners of People with Cancer
Valentine’s Day is about love — and that includes caring for yourself while supporting a loved one. Our Men’s Group, led by Stephen Lottenberg, MD, PsyD, provides a virtual, safe space for spouses and partners of cancer patients to connect, share experiences, and build resilience.

In this group, men can:
• Share challenges and bond with others in similar situations
• Learn how to communicate effectively with their loved one and medical team
• Focus on stress reduction and self-growth

📅 Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays each month, 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 Virtual

To register, call 310-794-6644 or email simmsmanncenter@mednet.ucla.edu

Click here to learn more: https://ucla.in/4kFeIug

02/11/2026

🎨 Art Therapy Workshop – February 12
Join us for a virtual Art Therapy Workshop where participants will explore creativity as a tool for growth, healing, and self-expression.

Facilitated by Paige Asawa, PhD, MFT, ATR-BC, this workshop includes:
• Creative projects using a variety of art processes
• Opportunities to reflect on and share your artwork
• A supportive environment to hear others’ experiences

No prior art experience or professional supplies are necessary.

📅 Date: February 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 Location: Virtual

To register or learn more, email simmsmanncenter@mednet.ucla.edu

02/04/2026

💙 World Cancer Day: United by Unique
On World Cancer Day, we recognize and honor the diverse experiences of individuals and families affected by cancer.

The theme United by Unique places people at the center of care — reminding us that every person’s journey is deeply personal, and that meaningful change happens when we embrace and uplift those individual stories.

At the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, we are privileged to support patients and loved ones throughout their unique paths.
We invite you to read the stories shared by our community on our website — reflections of resilience, vulnerability, and strength – click here: https://ucla.in/4r0fUef

Together, we are united.

02/03/2026

🌱 National Cancer Prevention Month: Learn How to Reduce Your Risk
Did you know lifestyle choices play a meaningful role in cancer prevention? Our recorded webinar, Cancer Risk Reduction, explores practical, evidence-based strategies to support long-term health.

Facilitated by Emma Veilleux, RDN, Senior Dietitian at the Simms/Mann Center, the webinar covers:
• Nutrition and diet tips
• Physical activity recommendations
• Stress management strategies
• The importance of sleep in prevention

Whether you’re looking to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence or prevent it altogether, these insights can help you make informed, healthy choices.

📺 Watch the recording on our website and start your prevention journey today: https://ucla.in/4q9KGzR

01/14/2026

Looking for a simple, nourishing meal that comes together in about 30 minutes?
Our Easy Chickpea & Kale Stew is filled with plant-based protein, hearty vegetables, and warm flavors that support well-being during and after cancer treatment.

This one-pot recipe is gentle on the stomach, budget-friendly, and easy to customize based on what you have at home. Perfect for patients, caregivers, or anyone wanting a wholesome meal.

Try the recipe and let us know what you think - click here:

This easy Chickpea & Kale Stew from Simms/Mann is a nourishing, one-pot meal packed with plant-based protein and fiber, perfect for cancer patients looking for a warm, comforting, and low-fat option.

01/13/2026

Introducing Caregiver Corner, our new virtual support group for those supporting a loved one with cancer.

Led by Emily Goldin, LCSW, this weekly group offers community, coping skills, and a supportive space to share experiences.

🗓 Mondays | 3–4:30 PM
📞 310-794-6644 | simmsmanncenter@mednet.ucla.edu

Click here to learn more and enroll: https://ucla.in/4sDPiRm

01/09/2026

🌙 Support for Dry January: Why Cutting Back on Alcohol Matters

Most people know that smoking causes cancer — but far fewer realize that alcohol is also a carcinogen, with no level of consumption proven safe.

In our newest article, Senior Dietitian Emma Veilleux, RDN, explains how alcohol affects cancer risk, why even small reductions can make a difference, and how Dry or “damp” January can help build healthier long-term habits.

📌 What you’ll learn:
• Alcohol’s link to at least seven types of cancer
• Why cutting back — even a little — lowers risk
• How alcohol affects hormones, DNA repair, and nutrient absorption
• Benefits beyond cancer prevention, including better sleep and reduced inflammation

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. What we do consistently matters most.

Read the full article: https://ucla.in/4pBCTKZ

01/08/2026

✨ Upcoming January & February Webinars
We’re excited to share our next series of supportive and educational programs for patients and caregivers. Join us for any—or all—of the following:

🧳 Wheels on My Suitcase
with Michael Eselun, UCLA Oncology Chaplain
A reflective talk on the “baggage” we carry and what helps us move through life.
📅 January 8, 2026 | 12:00–12:30 PM

🥗 Cancer Risk Reduction
A 60-minute webinar + live Q&A on evidence-based lifestyle approaches to lowering cancer risk and recurrence—covering nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress.
📅 January 15, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM

🎨 Art Therapy Workshop
Explore how art-making can support emotional well-being, healing, and connection.
📅 February 12, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM

📞 To register for any session, call 310-794-6644 or email simmsmanncenter@mednet.ucla.edu

All programs are free and available to UCLA Health patients and their loved ones. Learn more: https://www.uclahealth.org/simms-mann-center/events

12/23/2025

🧳 Wheels on My Suitcase
January 8 | 12–12:30 PM | Free Webinar

We all carry our own “baggage.” Join Michael Eselun, UCLA Oncology Chaplain, for a thoughtful and uplifting conversation about what puts wheels on that suitcase — and how we can navigate our burdens with more ease, especially in uncertain times.

👉 All UCLA Health cancer patients & caregivers welcome. Register to join: https://ucla.in/4s1UjTo

12/13/2025

This season doesn’t have to feel frantic and exhausting... even if your calendar is packed. Porter Tolkin, MSW, of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares tips and simple mindful practices to make the holidays more memorable and enjoyable: https://ucla.in/3KTT7Rc

12/12/2025

When 36-year-old Kristin Doss was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, her world changed overnight.

“It’s not easy to be young with cancer,” she says. “I’m more worried about my kids and what they’re going through.”

Kristin found emotional strength through the Simms/Mann Center’s new Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) program, where social worker Carly Nahin, LCSW provides counseling and leads a support group just for patients ages 18–39.

“To have this set group of people to see and talk to about cancer and life in general is good for me,” Kristin shares.

💛 Read her inspiring story of resilience, family, and community:

Breadcrumb Home Simms Mann Support for a young generation of patients with cancer Simms/Mann Center adds social worker dedicated to patients age 15-39. Kristin Doss says she looks forward to her counseling sessions at the Simms/Mann Center for Integrative Oncology, as she undergoes treatment for a r...