Complementary Care Program

Our fall program calendar is now available

A couple bending down to great a dog with fall foliage on the ground and behind them

Our Complementary Care Program offers a variety of free programs that enhance the well-being of patients and caregivers throughout the cancer journey.

We are providing all classes, support groups, and most programs virtually for your convenience. Due to the generosity of the Friends of the Cancer Center these programs are offered at no cost to you.

View the 2023 Complementary Care Program Guide.
To receive a copy of the calendar or to learn more about any of these programs, please call 603-650-7751 or email cancersupport@hitchcock.org. 

2023 Winter Complementary Care Program Guide Cover Photo

Programs and classes

For dates and times, visit our Dartmouth Cancer Center: Complementary Care Program Events website.

Acupressure

Learn a relaxing practice that can be applied to living with cancer before, during, and after treatment.

Creative Writing

Our Creative Writer provides you and your family the opportunity to tell and listen to stories, write poetry, prose, or letters. No prior writing experience is needed.

Gentle Chair Yoga

Our gentle classes teach controlled breathing and simple movements. This is a beginner-level class and no experience is necessary. Patients and supporters of all fitness levels are welcome. Join from the comfort of home.

Healthy Cooking Demonstrations

Discover delicious, easy ways to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables which may help boost your overall sense of well-being and reduce your risk of cancer recurrence.

Meditation

Workshops designed to help you relax and be more present in your day-to-day life. No experience necessary.

Pam's Class - Group Exercise for Women

An exercise class for women with cancer and/or upper body lymphedema. This class is open to women of all fitness levels.

Tai Chi/Qigong

A gentle practice that can help to ease stress and tension and develop a calm center. Our class will teach seated and standing postures and meditations with a focus on the breath. No experience is necessary.

Visual Arts

Our Visual Artist helps you and your supporters find their own place of expression. No previous art experience is needed.

You can also take advantage of our in-person and online resources:

Cancer survivorship

Thriving Thursdays: Wellness Beyond Cancer Survivorship Series

The Thriving Thursdays Program offers a variety of programs related to the challenges and opportunities of cancer survivorship. This program is offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society.

Chair massage and Reiki

Professionally licensed massage therapists provide 15-minute chair massages to patients and their supporters. Massage is currently offered in our Lebanon, Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire and St. Johnsbury, Vermont locations. Ask your massage therapist about Reiki.

Resource library

Our library offers books, CDs, and DVDs on a wide variety of cancer-related topics. Please check with our 2K Receptionist to borrow items from the library. Please inquire about printed materials available to you at the location where you receive treatment.

Therapeutic harp

The harp produces music that can aid in the healing process of body, mind, and spirit. Our Therapeutic Harpist offers a supportive and restorative service tailored to your needs. Our Therapeutic Harpists plays in the cancer center in Lebanon on Thursdays. We welcome you to enjoy the experience while socially distanced. Therapeutic Harp services are available in our Lebanon, Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire and St. Johnsbury, Vermont locations.

Support groups

Our support groups are available to you regardless of where you live, where your received your care or when you received your care. All groups are offered virtually.

For meeting dates, please visit our Dartmouth Cancer Center: Support Groups website.

Blood Cancer: Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma Support

2nd Wednesday, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
A group for people with any type of blood cancer at any stage and/or partners, family members and friends.

Caring for Someone with Serious Illness

1st Tuesday, 4 to 5 pm
By taking care of yourself, you can better care for another—a group for partners, family members and friends.

Living with Cancer
For any Cancer any Stage

2nd and 4th Thursday, 5:30 to 6:45 pm
A group for patients with any cancer diagnosis, during or after treatment.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Support

1st Wednesday, 2:30 to 4:30 pm
A group for people with stage IV breast cancer. Join us for support and education.

Prostate Cancer Support

4th Monday, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Education and support for men and/or partners, family members, and friends.

Thriving after Breast Cancer Support

3rd Wednesday, 5 to 6 pm
This group provides support and education for women who are beyond their initial treatment for breast cancer.

Other recommended online resources

The Anticancer Lifestyle Online Course, offered through the  Anticancer Lifestyle Program website, is available at no charge to patients and caregivers by dedicated, credentialed professionals who work in the fields of diet, fitness, mindset, environment, and behavior. We recommend you become involved with this evidence-based program to supplement your healthy lifestyle. For any questions please reach out to cancersupport@hitchcock.org.

Supporting the Cancer Center Complementary Care Program

All our programs, which are offered free of charge, are supported by grateful patients and corporate and institutional donors.

To add your support, please contact Andrea Buccellato, Program Manager of the Complementary Care Program, at 603-650-7776 or andrea.c.buccellato@hitchcock.org.