So when we invite members of our community to check out the community at the website Inspire.com, we do so because we believe you’ll find something useful and meaningful there.

Get your questions answered. Find a supportive group of new friends. Laugh with others who know exactly what you’re going through. Compare side effects and learn how others cope with them. Follow posts by Fight Colorectal Cancer’s Kate Murphy and stay up to date on the latest information about your specific health concerns.

The initial survey at registration will tell Inspire exactly what information you are interested in receiving and only links to posts pertaining to those subjects will be sent to your email at least several times a week. You won’t have to wade through a lot of material that is not applicable to you. It’s focused, it’s personalized and it’s up to date.

Check it out at www.inspire.com. You just might find it, well, inspiring!

The details:

What: Inspire is a safe, privacy-protected place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns, obtain support and find information about colorectal cancer.

Why: It can be a huge benefit – and relief – to meet and talk with people who know what you’re going through. You will receive help and, just as likely, you will be helping others at the same time. And the informational posts make staying up to date so much easier. When you find questions and topics that seem pertinent, you can ask your medical team questions that are informed and focused.

How: Joining Inspire is completely free, and you can control what you share with extensive privacy settings. You will have access to the Colorectal Cancer Community as well as other communities focused on other illnesses. Get started!

The book is part of a free educational program conducted by the Cancer Support Community that is dedicated to empowering patients and their families to effectively navigate life with colorectal cancer. It includes:

• The latest diagnostic tools and screening guidelines
• An in-depth look at treatment options and side-effect management
• Tips for patients and their families on how to communicate with their health care teams
• Ways to cope with quality of life issues
• Up-to-date resources related to the total experience of living with colorectal cancer

Order your free copy today (limit one per household).

Do you and your family need some time together to learn about managing the challenges of treatment and survivorship?

The Cancer Services of New Mexico offers a three-day escape from the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer this September when the whole family can take part in the Family Cancer Retreat.

The entire weekend is free, but is open only to New Mexico residents. 

• Cancer Family Retreat
• September 24-26, 2010
• LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center
• Glorieta, NM (near Santa Fe)

Supervised child care and recreational activities are provided for children and teens during the educational sessions so that parents can give their full attention to the program.

You can get an application online or from many oncology practices and cancer programs in New Mexico.  For more information call Mike at (505) 239-4239.

View a video about the program.

Applications are still be accepted for the 2010 camp to be held March 19 through 21.  There is no cost to attend, including two overnights, meals, and all activities.

If you are a Hispanic woman who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, you can get more information or register for Campemento Alegria by calling (813) 728-5895.

The theme is Reconnectandose con su Voz Interno (Reconnecting with your Inner Voice).  All activities are in Spanish, with culturally relevant food and music.

Sponsored by Latinos Unidos por Un Nuevo Amanecer (LUNA), the camp is held at the Rotary Camp Florida in Brandon outside of Tampa.  Additional sponsors are Morton Plant Pease Health Care and the Tampa Bay Community Cancer Network.

Three days of activities include discussing medical and emotional issues, morning walks and sessions on spirituality and recovery. There will also be salsa classes, dominoes, canoeing, yoga and arts and crafts, as well as massages, makeup and hair styling. Puerto Rican motivational speaker Lily Garcia will deliver this year’s keynote address.

Organizers of the camp say,

The goal of the camp is to offer Latinas who have ever been diagnosed with cancer a positive and memorable experience through a variety of culturally relevant creative, educational and social activities that will help sustain them as they continue through their cancer journey.