Cancer Retreat Workshop - June 15 - 20, 2008
This summer the Alumni Association along with the Simonton Cancer Center is offering a unique retreat experience to Notre Dame alumni and family members who are facing the challenge of cancer. The purpose of this five-day retreat is to provide the cancer patient and their loved one several relaxing days in a safe and supportive environment on the Notre Dame campus while they focus on promoting their own health.
Using the same mental exercises that are widely-accepted by sports psychologists and business professionals for enhancing performance, the cancer patient and their loved one will work on their thoughts and beliefs – and visualizing health. Participants will also explore the importance of gentleness, spirituality and the role that stress plays in their recovery. By the end of the retreat, the patient will have designed a two-year health plan and developed tools to improve their communication with family, friends, co-workers and their health care team.
More About the Program:
The Simonton Cancer Center Patient Program www.simontoncenter.com is based on the successful model for emotional intervention and support which Dr. Simonton pioneered in the treatment of cancer patients. It evolved from the concept that beliefs, feelings, attitudes and lifestyle are important factors affecting health. The program is a 5-day educational and psychotherapeutic session for cancer patients and their support person, during which these concepts are explored in a safe, supportive atmosphere conducive to learning and a positive change. The program focuses on the influence of beliefs and belief systems. Participants learn techniques for enriching their lives in order to promote their health; lifestyle counseling; and relaxation and mental imagery (creative thinking) exercises. Additionally, participants explore the importance of gentleness and the role of stress, secondary gain, and other contributing factors to their disease. The issues of recurrence and death are also examined. By delving into these topics through the use of the group process, patients are enabled to implement these methods into their daily lives.
More Information and Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the lodging accommodations?
Sessions are held at Moreau Seminary on the Notre Dame campus. These lovely grounds are located next to the Lake and just down the road from the Grotto. Housing will be at the Inn at Saint Mary’s - a short distance from the Seminary. Transportation will be provided back and forth to Moreau Seminar.
Who conducts the sessions?
O. Carl Simonton, M.D., D.A.B.R. conducts the sessions in conjunction with a team of staff therapists who have been associated with him for an average of 12 years. Dr. O. Carl Simonton is an internationally acclaimed oncologist, author, and speaker who is best known for his pioneering insights and research in the field of psychosocial oncology. After having earned his medical degree from the University of Oregon Medical School, he completed a three-year residency in radiation oncology. It was during this time that Dr. Simonton developed a model of emotional support for the treatment of cancer patients... an approach that introduced the concept that one's state of mind could influence their ability to survive cancer.
As chief of Radiation Therapy at Travis Air Force Base, Dr. Simonton implemented this model. This was the first systematic emotional intervention used in the treatment of cancer -- a program that was approved by the surgeon General's Office in 1973. While in private practice, Dr. Simonton utilized his unique approach for the treatment of cancer patients. A pilot study he conducted from 1974 to 1981, demonstrated an increase in survival time and improvement in quality of life. His early research established the foundation for two widely acclaimed books which he co-authored, Getting Well Again and The Healing Journey.
Dr. Simonton is the Director of The Simonton Cancer Center in California, where retreat programs are offered for cancer patients and their loved ones. In recent years, his model has received great acceptance in Germany, Poland, Japan and Switzerland, where he routinely conducts training sessions for health professionals.
In November, 1997, he was honored by the American Medical Association for his film, Affirmations For Getting Well by Touchstar Productions. This video, used in practically every hospital in the US is presently being distributed to oncologists throughout our nation by SmithKline Beecham, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.
What medical forms are required?
Once confirmed for a session, each patient must have his or her physician send a statement giving the patient's diagnosis and the current status of the disease.
Who can accompany a patient to a session?
Because emotional support is vital to this process, we prefer that married patients attend with their spouse. We request single patients bring their most significant other. Occasionally, patients may attend alone with approval from the Center.
What is the cost of a session?
Therapy $2,500.00
Meals & lodging (for 2) $1000.00
Total: $3,500.00
deposit (at signing up) -600.00
Balance at check in $2,900.00
Due to the limited number of patients we can accommodate in each session, your space will be saved only after we have received your deposit. If your deposit is received after a session is full, you will be notified of your place on the waiting list. There is no tuition charge for spouse or support persons.
A limited number of scholarships for financial need may be available.
Does insurance cover this fee?
Patients are encouraged to check with their individual agent to determine if their insurance policy covers such treatment. Some policies that cover psychological services cover at least a percentage of the cost. The Center does not accept assignment. Therefore, patients must pay the Center directly. We will be glad to complete any insurance forms provided by the patient, and we will provide an itemized statement of the services and charges of the Patient Program.
If I have questions who can I contact:
Feel free to email the Simonton Cancer Center at simontoncancercenter@msn.com or call 1-800-459-3424
How I can register?
To register for the Patient Program please contact the staff of the Simonton Cancer Center at 1-800-459-3424.
Testimonial:
“I have been a Roman Catholic Sister of over 40 years. Two years ago when my life was shattered by a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer with a poor prognosis of recovery, I discovered that cancer can be a pathway to transformation. Providentially, a year later I attended a retreat led by the Simonton Cancer Counseling Center, where a diverse group of people gathered for several days of presentations, meditations, and small group work.
Dr. O. Carl Simonton, who has over 35 years of experience facilitating physical, emotional and spiritual healing for cancer patients, gave most of the presentations. On his team was a Catholic psychotherapist, Erin Sommerville. Catholics in my group readily translated many of Carl’s concepts into our own frame of reference—for example, finding the blessings in the “cross” of cancer; choosing healthy beliefs related to disease, self, God, purpose of life, and death; setting goals for psycho-spiritual growth; developing a habit of forgiveness; seeking healing from sacramental as well as other sources; living fully in the present moment, finding inner guidance (Holy Spirit) for decisions; disciplining ourselves to meditate; trusting in our God-given ability to heal. Erin was most available for consultation and facilitated one of the small group sessions.
On one level, Carl was freeing our lives from all the negativity, unhealthy beliefs and stress that broke down our immune system and lead to cancer. On another, he was urging us to claim our lives made in the image and likeness of God and live it authentically. Even though this retreat challenged me to shift my focus, implementing it has been very joyful and energizing. In the process, my health returned….much to the amazement of the doctors! I will always be grateful that through the Simonton Cancer Counseling Retreat God gave me hope and a second chance at life.” --Judith R (February, 7, 2008)
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