According to the National Institutes of Health, research has shown that spirituality offers hope to those suffering from cancer, and has been found to have a positive effect on the quality of life of cancer patients. In addition, studies have also shown that spirituality can also provide effective coping mechanisms for patients and their loved ones.

Together, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital’s Coastal Cancer Care Center, French Hospital Medical Center’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center and Marian Medical Center’s Cancer Care Services are inviting local community members to attend the Spirituality and Cancer: Hope, Meaning and Keeping it Real
workshops below:

• The Marian Medical Center Spirituality and Cancer: Hope, Meaning and Keeping it Real workshop
  will take place on Tuesday, September 13 at 6 p.m. at the Marian Extended Care Center
  Conference Room, 1530 East Cypress Way, Santa Maria.
• The French Hospital Medical Center Spirituality and Cancer: Hope, Meaning and Keeping it Real
  workshop will take place on Wednesday, September 14 at 6 p.m. in the hospital’s Auditorium,
  1911 Johnson Avenue, San Luis Obispo.

“Due to research that shows spirituality has a positive effect on the coping mechanisms and quality of life of cancer patients, the Central Coast Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) Cancer Care Services have joined together to offer free community workshops detailing the influence spirituality has on cancer patients,” Katherine Guthrie, Regional Director, CHW Central Coast Cancer Service Areas, said. “The Spirituality and Cancer workshops are not only a great opportunity for patients battling cancer, but also for their loved ones and caregivers.”

Attendees at both Spirituality and Cancer workshops will hear information about spiritual dimensions of healing and how patients and their loved ones can create meaning and purpose out of their cancer experience. At both workshops, Sister Mary Mebane, O.S.F., Board Certified Chaplain, Rabbi Norman Mendel and New Life Church’s Pastor Ron Salsbury, M.A. in Theology, will discuss how spirituality can be used as an active coping style in which cancer patients and their loved ones can accept the disease and deal with it in a positive and purposeful way.

All attendees will receive a complimentary light meal. Reservations for both seminars are required. To book a reservation or for questions about the Spirituality and Cancer workshops, please call Marian Medical Center’s Cancer Care Services at (805) 739-3780 or French Hospital Medical Center’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center at (805) 542-6234.