Cancer Center Hosting Cooking Program, Benefit Walk/Run

DERBY — The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is offering a free four-week cooking and nutrition program that focuses on the unique nutritional needs of cancer patients.  The program, which combines cooking demonstrations with discussions on nutrition and overall health, begins October 7 and continues over the next three Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 pm in the center’s conference room.  

The program is team taught by three expert facilitators, Chef Greg O’Gorman, clinical dietician Maryann Hagberg, RD, and naturopathic physician Jenna Blasi, ND.  A course overview follows: 

Week One: healthy eating for individuals with a diagnosis of cancer;

Week Two: grains and sauces for nutrition-rich recipes;

Week Three: vegetables and protein; and

Week Four: planning simple, healthy meals and putting it all together.

There is no charge to attend, but preregistration is required.  Space is limited to the first 18 registrants for each bimonthly program.  To register, or for more information, call 732-1260.

In other news, Griffin Hospital’s first annual 5K walk/run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital beginning at 9 am Saturday, October 10, at the center, located across the street from the hospital at 350 Seymour Avenue.

This fun, noncompetitive event is part of the yearlong celebration recognizing Griffin’s 100 years of caring for the Valley community. All proceeds from the event will benefit the hospital’s Center for Cancer Care.

Participants can walk or run individually, or may form a team with their family, friends, and co-workers. Members of the community may also collect pledges or purchase a commemorative sign to honor or memorialize a loved one. These signs will be displayed on the day of the event. Entertainment and postevent food and beverages will be available for all participants and their family members to enjoy.

Check-in for the event begins at 8 am, with the noncompetitive walk/run scheduled to start at 9 am. Preregistration is required, and those registering by October 1 will receive a commemorative T-shirt on the day of the event.

Registration forms can be downloaded from the Griffin Hospital website, www.griffinhealth.or). For more information, call 732-1284 or send an e-mail to 5kwalkrun@griffinhealth.org.