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MARCH 25, 2011 |
N E W S F R O M T H E S I M O N T O N C A N C ER C E N T E R
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Welcome to the Simonton Cancer Center Newsletter. As winter comes to a close, we look forward to spring and its new beginnings--budding trees, baby birds, fresh starts--and what better time to announce the "birth" of a new Simonton Program in South Africa. Please read below for our newest events and--for those familiar with her--an update on Stella! May your new season also begin with improved health, hope and optimism!
Warmly, Karen Simonton, Executive Director
Next Patient Session: May 1 - 6 - There's still time to participate. Click to learn more
Newest Simonton Program in South Africa
A dream has come true. After years of planning, the Simonton Program will now be offered at the Bergplaas Nature Reserve in South Africa. This beautiful retreat center is located in the heart of the Karoo Region, near the towns of Nieu Bethesda and Graaff Reinet. For over 40 years, patients and their families have relied on the Simonton method for increasing quality of life and positively influencing the course of diseases like cancer. People from all over the world are invited to come and experience the world-renowned Simonton method in the midst of the healing beauty of nature. Registration is open for the first patient session to be held April 3-8. For more information in South Africa contact Cindy Maspero phone (0027) (0) 498411 367 or email info@bergplaas.com. In the USA contact Karen Simonton 800-459-3424 or 818 879 7904 or email simontoncancercenter@msn.com.
CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS NEW SIMONTON PROGRAM
 Bernie Siegel Joins Simonton Advisory Board
The Simonton Cancer Center is proud to announce a new member of the Advisory Board, Bernie Siegel, MD. Bernie is a native of Brooklyn, NY, and holds degrees from Colgate University and Cornell University Medical College. His surgical training took place at Yale New Haven Hospital, West Haven Veteran's Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. In 1978 he originated Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECaP) a specific form of individual and group therapy utilizing patients' drawings, dreams, images and feelings. His first book, Love. Medicine & Miracles, was published in 1986, an event which redirected his life. In 1989 Peace, Love & Healing followed and in 1993 How To Live Between Office Visits. Welcome to the Board, Bernie!
 Lee Berk Joins Simonton Center Board
SCC is also pleased to announce that Lee Berk, DrPH, MPH, of Loma Linda University has joined the Simonton Center Advisory Board. Dr. Berk, a preventive care specialist and psychoneuroimmunologist, is Associate Professor in the School of Allied Health Professions and a Research Professor in the School of Medicine. Possibly Dr. Berk is best known for his research on laughter and its effect on the human immune system. In a research project with Stanley Tan, MD, PhD, of Oak Crest Health Research Institute in Loma Linda, he found that mirthful laughter, as a preventive adjunct therapy in diabetes care, raised good cholesterol and lowered inflammation. He research is widely known and has been featured on NBC's Today Show. Dr. Berk's work has been a great benefit to SCC, and we warmly welcome Lee to the Simonton Cancer Center Board.
 Kathryn Rossi New on Simonton Advisory Board
Our newest Board member, Kathryn Lane Rossi, PhD, casts a wide net of in-depth studies in the fields of psychology, therapeutic hypnosis, neuroscience, art, music and yoga. She has authored and co-authored 15 books and more than 25 peer reviewed scientific articles. She is a recipient of the Ernest and Josephine Hilgard Award from The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. Kathryn is Professor of Psychology at The New Neuroscience Institute for Therapeutic Hypnosis, Psychotherapy, and Rehabilitation in Rome and Napoli, Italy, a founding member of the Milton H. Erickson Institute of the California Central Coast (MHE-CCC) and the PsychoSocial Genomics Research team. She teaches workshops training psychotherapists nationally and internationally and is in private practice in Los Osos, California. Welcome to the Board, Kathryn!
The Nocebo Effect
The expertise of the Simonton Cancer Center is in mind/body medicine and the important role we each play in our own health. We believe that one's mind is critical in this process and plays an important role in all treatment. While the medical establishment recognizes the importance of the 'placebo' effect, most people are not familiar with its "darker cousin" the 'nocebo' effect. A general definition of the nocebo effect is: "the phenomenon in which the expectation of a negative outcome actually leads to that outcome." The nocebo effect, (Latin for "I will harm") appears to operate physiologically in the same manner as the placebo effect -- but with negative or opposite results from that which we desire. Obviously, the ramifications of this are great. We hope the medical establishment will begin to pay attention to the implications of this process, in order to allow for the best possible outcome in treatment options. To read the latest major study on this topic, along with some fascinating results, visit Elizabeth Simonton's blog below.
 Elizabeth Simonton at Work on Documentary
For all of us who have been working on the documentary, spring is a time to celebrate as it marks the beginning of post-production! As many of you know, I began this film in December of 2008. After two and a half years of filming, we are finally piecing together a beautiful film. It not only captures the career of Dr. O. Carl Simonton, but it follows the evolution of oncology and mind-body medicine over the past 40 years. While post production is a time to celebrate, it is also the most costly process of all. We will soon be adding original music as well as animation to the documentary, and we are hoping that your donations will enable us create the very best documentary possible. Please follow the link below for step-by-step directions on how you can donate and support this important film! Also, visit my blog for updates on the film's status and exciting documentary news.
"Cancer as a Turning Point" Workshop April 10-15
A residential workshop entitled "Cancer as a Turning Point" will be presented by Lawrence Leshan, PhD, Ruth Bolletino, PhD, and Mary Bobis, LCSW, at the Carmel Retreat Center in Mahwah, New Jersey, April 10 - 15. This event is designed to help participants learn how to access their own self-healing abilities and mobilize them as vital aids in their medical treatment programs. This workshop is specifically tailored for people dealing with cancer and their families; for individuals wanting to live a richer, fuller life; and for professionals wanting to experience this psychotherapeutic approach. Activities will include experiential exercises, lectures, discussion, meditation training, and individual sessions. Dr. Leshan has been called "the father of mind-body medicine." His pioneering research in psychological factors in cancer has led people to find new ways to triumph over their illness by using it as 'turning point.' He is the author of 16 books, including Cancer as a Turning Point and How to Meditate. Click here for more information or to register.
 O Lord, help me to be the person my dog thinks I am!
Many of you remember and have asked about Dr. Simonton's little dog, Stella. We are happy to report that, after an initial bout of confusion and grief, Stella is back to her old self. Stella became a fixture at the patient sessions, as Dr. Simonton lectured with Stella sitting quietly in his lap. One of the core principles of Dr. Simonton's teaching is the importance of increasing joy and deep fulfillment within our lives. He once wrote of his dog: "There are many things that bring joy into my life: my wife, my children, and my hobbies. But, when my wife is busy with work, and my children are off living their lives, I can always count on my little dog, Stella, to be there for me. She never has errands to run or other people to see, she is always there waiting for me when I get home, grinning and filled with joy to see me." So, take time to recognize and appreciate those moments; always be ready to welcome joy into your heart. Thank you for asking about Stella. I am pleased to report that she is now happy and whole, and she still sleeps on Carl's side of the bed.
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