Educational Lectures provide access to valuable information including medical, legal, financial, and other cancer specific topics. All Red Door Community lectures are free and open to members and the general public. Here is a selection of our previous lectures. For a list of upcoming lectures visit our Program Calendar.
Medicinal Cannabis Can Help: A Chat with Industry and Medical Professionals
March 7, 2023
Facilitated by Alphred Kulik, MD, FACS, Gagan Puar-Sforza PharmD, RPh, and Desiree Sookoo
Compounds in cannabis affect the endocannabinoid system in our body and work towards regulating and improving physiological (nervous, immune, and digestive systems) and cognitive processes such as mood and memory. Dr. Kulik will present on how to utilize cannabis as medicine, what types of symptoms can be alleviated with its use, and its potential effect on tumors in conjunction with conventional therapies. Ms. Sookoo will share how medical cannabis helped improve her mother’s quality of life after her cancer diagnosis. Dr. Puar-Sforza, will explore the role of a pharmacist in a Medical Marijuana program and how they can aid in the treatment plan.
Music Therapy & The MELODY Study
February 23, 2023
Facilitated by Sean McNally, MS, MT-BC – Research Music Therapist
This lecture will include a short overview of the practice of music therapy, how the practice can address cancer-related mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, and a couple of music-based experientials. In addition, an overview of the MELODY study – music therapy vs. cognitive behavioral therapy for cancer survivors with anxiety via telehealth, will be presented.
Screening and Q&A of Deconstruction
January 26, 2023
Facilitated by Alex Mallonee
Deconstruction is a collaborative multimedia art project chronicling Joyce Mallonee’s 25-year journey with breast cancer. Conceived by Joyce two years prior to her passing in 2020 – and brought to life by her son, filmmaker Alex Mallonee, along with seven contributing artists – Deconstruction uses creativity and humor to engage and inspire cancer survivors and their loved ones about living with and honestly talking about the disease. Premiering as a physical art exhibition in January of 2020, Alex has since turned Deconstruction into a virtual art experience, the backbone of which is a thirty-five-minute documentary that shares the ideas behind each piece and Joyce’s odyssey in an unflinching but darkly comedic way. Alex hopes to expand this documentary into a feature film that highlights Joyce’s life, approach to her cancer, and how simple acts of creative expression can have a profound impact.
Riding The Wave: Finding Ease During Stormy Times An Experiential Workshop
December 13, 2022
Facilitated by Amy Vigliotti, Psychologist and Founding Head of the NYC group practice SelfWorks
In this experiential webinar, Amy will teach you how to listen to what your anxiety is telling you and keep you focused on what is important in your life. Amy will guide you through self-care, emotional regulation, and resiliency-building strategies to help cope with difficult emotions, face your fears, and move toward your personal goals. You will learn to: understand anxiety as an important signal that can be both helpful and unhelpful, identify your unique worries and stressors, understand common thinking errors that compound your anxiety and stress, reflect on how/when/why your body experiences stress, practice Body Scan and Progressive Muscle Relaxation exercises for stress reduction, experience the power of staying with the present moment (anxiety’s kryptonite), build a gratitude practice and develop a core mantra to help you through uncertain times and help you sustain momentum toward your goals.
Medicare 2023
November 17, 2022
Facilitated by Eric Hausman, HIICAP
The latest information on Medicare and related health insurance for 2023, including some important upcoming changes will be discussed. The presentations will cover Medicare Part A and Part B, Medigap/Medicare Supplement insurance, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, along with programs that help with Medicare costs – Extra Help/LIS, EPIC and the Medicare Savings Programs. HIICAP (Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program) has volunteer counselors that assist people with questions on Medicare and related health insurance. They do not recommend any plan or option and are not affiliated with any health insurance company.
Exercise after Mastectomy
October 26, 2022
Facilitated by Julie Sandler-Friedman, PT, DPT
This lecture and demonstration will review the evidence-based timeline for exercise from directly after mastectomy to 6 months and beyond. Participants will have the opportunity to try various movement exercises. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, and be prepared to move!
Estate Planning: 101
August 2, 2022
Facilitated by The Family Center
Estate planning is important for all of us, no matter how much or how little property we might have. The Family Center’s Legal Wellness Institute will present an overview of concepts and tools for advance care planning, including wills, life insurance, special needs planning, planning for minor children, payable on death accounts, Social Security Survivor’s Benefits, and more.
Let’s Talk About Lymph
July 20, 2022
Facilitated by Julie Sandler-Friedman
The lymphatic system can seem mysterious. This lecture demonstration will serve as a de-mystifying introduction. The following topics will be reviewed: what the lymphatic system is; lymphedema after cancer treatment (for example, after surgery and/or radiation); various kinds of evidence-based management of, and prevention of lymphedema; and safe exercise for/with lymphedema. This presentation will include some voluntary exercise participation.
Body Image, Intimacy, & Sexual Dysfunction with Reclaiming Intimacy
July 19, 2022
Facilitated by Jen Fecher
Body image changes, intimacy needs, and sexual dysfunction are all issues that may arise during your cancer journey, and into survivorship. During this webinar, we will discuss these topics, dating disclosure, holistic options on reclaiming your sexuality and lost ability & function, as well as addressing any questions you may have on intimacy or sexual wellness. Join us to empower yourself with information to reclaim your needs, desires, and function!
How Do We Know When Stress Shows Up In Our Lives?
April 26, 2021
Facilitated by Haley Feldman, LCSW &
Migdalia Torres, LCSW-R
This lecture covers the differences between stress and anxiety – how they affect your physical and mental well being. Facilitators Haley & Migdalia also cover ways to manage both.
Medical Cannabis: Cancer Pain Management & More
April 7, 2020
Facilitated by Dara Huang, M.D., Manhattan Compassionate Care.
In this lecture, Dr. Huang talks about the science and history of medical cannabis, how it differs from recreational marijuana, and when and how it can be helpful for symptom relief for patients living with cancer. However, it is still controversial and not lawful in all states. She also discusses the required administrative process to get a cannabis prescription in New York State.
BRCA Genetics and Hereditary Caner in the Ashkenazi Jewish Population
October 23, 2018
Speaker: Melissa K. Rosen, MA, Director of National Outreach & Peggy Cottrell, MS, CGC, Genetics Program Coordinator of Sharsheret
Melissa K. Rosen and Peggy Cottrell will present an overview on the BRCA genes and what it means to carry the mutation. Those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are 10x more likely to carry the BRCA mutation. They will focus on the genetic implications among the Ashkenazi population. They will also review who should consider genetic screening and what should be considered prior to screening as well.
Reclaiming Intimacy: Intimacy, Grief, Body Image & Sexual Dysfunction Webinar
August 15, 2023 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM Facilitator: Jen Fecher, Director of Educational Services
at Reclaiming Intimacy
Many factors play in to how we accept and interact with intimacy in our lives, including during times of grief and throughout each personal cancer experience. When life circumstances alter the “normalcy” in our everyday lives, we can lose touch with ourselves, our self-view, and body image. These disconnects, dysfunction issues, and general withdrawal can all lead to negative feelings about intimacy within us and our partner(s). Join us to discuss intimacy, intimacy and grief, body image, and to review information about holistic options for sexual dysfunction issues that men and women are facing.
Exercise and Movement after Mastectomy
August 30, 2023 | 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Facilitator: Julie Sandler-Friedman, PT, DBT
This lecture and demonstration will review the evidence-based timeline for exercise from directly after mastectomy to 6 months and beyond. Julie will discuss physical improvements that can be achieved, even long after mastectomy, as well as pre-op exercising. Participants will have the opportunity to try various movement exercises. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, and be prepared to move!
