Novant Health Cancer Institute Kemp Bessant Support Center

01/12/2026

Monday Motivation ✨

Your journey is not easy, but your courage is extraordinary.

You inspire with every breath, every smile, every moment you keep moving forward.

"She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails."

You are not just surviving — you are navigating with strength and grace. 💛⛵

01/09/2026

📚 Join the New Chapter’s Book Club in February for a thoughtful and inspiring discussion of “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals” by Oliver Burkeman

This eye-opening book invites us to rethink our relationship with time — reminding us that life isn’t about doing everything, but about choosing what truly matters. It’s a refreshing, compassionate take on finding meaning, balance, and peace in a busy world.

🗓 Friday, February 13
🕛 12–1 p.m.
📍 Attend in person or virtually
📍 242 S. Colonial Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28207

Open to adult survivors (at any phase of treatment) and their caregivers.
📩 RSVP: srberry@novanthealth.org

Come for meaningful conversation, shared perspectives, and connection in a supportive space. 💛

01/08/2026

💙 Facing bladder cancer — whether it’s your diagnosis or someone you love — can bring a lot of uncertainty. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Our Bladder Cancer Support Group is a caring place to meet others who truly understand what you’re going through. Come connect, listen, and find strength in shared experience.

What you’ll find:
🤝 A welcoming, supportive community
💬 Real conversations and meaningful connection
🌟 Helpful guidance and encouragement
❤️ Open to patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members

📅 Thursday, January 15
🕑 2:00 p.m.
🌐 Attend in person or virtually — whatever feels best for you

To register or get the virtual link:
📞 704-384-5223 (option 1)
📧 rmerced@novanthealth.org

Because every step feels lighter when we take it together. 💙

01/07/2026

💭It's Wellness Wednesday!💭

Hair changes are one of the most visible and emotional side effects of chemotherapy — and everyone responds differently. In this article, experts from Novant Health Cancer Institute break down why hair loss happens, how it can vary from person to person, what options might help, and what to expect during and after treatment

👉 Whether you’re preparing for treatment yourself or supporting a loved one, this guide offers reassurance, practical information, and a reminder that hair loss is often temporary.

Chemotherapy is a double-edged sword. It can help save someone’s life – but it has some unpleasant and unwelcome side effects. One that many people dread is hair loss. We talked to an oncologist about how her patients handle it and how she prepares them for it.

01/07/2026

💗 You don’t have to walk this path by yourself. 💗
Our Breast Cancer Support Circle brings women together in a warm, welcoming space to connect, share stories, and lift each other up.

No matter where you are — newly diagnosed, in active treatment, or living life after cancer — you’ll find encouragement, understanding, and community here. 🌷

🗓 Wednesday, January 14 | 10–11:30 a.m.
📍 Call to register – join us in person or virtually
🌸 Open to all breast cancer patients & survivors

Because healing is stronger when we do it together. 💞

01/06/2026

💙 You don’t have to face prostate cancer alone 💙

Connection can make all the difference. If you or someone close to you is navigating prostate cancer, our Prostate Cancer Support Group is a safe, welcoming place to find understanding, encouragement, and real-life insight.

✨ Connect with others who truly understand
💬 Share your story and hear from those on a similar path
🧠 Learn helpful tips for treatment, recovery, and everyday living
🌟 Walk away feeling supported and uplifted

📅 Monday, January 12
🕖 7 p.m. | Join in person or online
📞 Register by calling 704-384-5223, option 1

Because strength grows when we support each other. You are never alone on this journey. 💪

01/05/2026

Motivation Monday ✨

“The hardest battles turn you into someone stronger than you ever imagined you could be.”

If you’re in the middle of cancer treatment, this journey may feel heavy, exhausting, and unfair. Even so, every appointment you attend, every hard day you get through, and every moment you keep going is proof of a strength you may not even recognize yet.

Be gentle with yourself today. Strength doesn’t always look like pushing forward — sometimes it looks like resting, asking for help, and taking things one step at a time. You are stronger than you know, and you’re not alone. 💜

01/05/2026

🎨 Midweek Open Studio with Artist Shana Templin 🎨

Step away from the busy week and into a calm, creative space designed for rest and self-expression. This Open Studio is an invitation to slow down, make art, and enjoy a moment of connection and presence.

🗓 Wednesday, January 7
🕑 2–3 p.m.
📍 Free and open to all

Work on something you’ve already started or experiment with a new idea — art materials will be provided. No artistic background required, just curiosity and an open mind.

✨ Discover how creativity can gently support your well-being at any point in your cancer journey.

01/02/2026

💙 Colore**al & A**l Cancer Support Group 💙

Find understanding, encouragement, and connection in a space created for open conversation and shared experiences. This group brings together individuals and loved ones impacted by colore**al, a**l, or re**al cancer to support one another through every stage of the journey.

🗓️ Monday, January 5
🕕 6 p.m. | Hybrid option — join us in person or online
📞 Register: 704-384-5223 (option 1)

Whether you’re in treatment, healing, or caring for someone you love, you don’t have to walk this path alone. You are welcome here. 💙

**alCancerAwareness

01/02/2026

Unplug, create, and reconnect. 🎶✍️💃

Our Expressive Writing Retreats offers a supportive, judgment-free space to explore creativity as a pathway to relaxation and healing. Through writing, music, and gentle movement, you’ll be invited to express yourself in ways that feel natural and nourishing.

💫 Connect with others
💫 Explore creative outlets at your own pace
💫 No artistic background needed — just an open heart

🗓️ 1st & 2nd Mondays | 12–1:30 p.m.
📞 Register before each class: 704-384-5223 (option 1)

Come exactly as you are and discover how creativity can restore and inspire. 💜

01/02/2026

💙 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Most cases of cervical cancer are preventable. The HPV vaccine and regular Pap and HPV tests play a powerful role in prevention—especially since many women have no symptoms.

Possible symptoms may include:
• Bleeding after in*******se or between periods
• Excessive discharge or vaginal odor
• Pain

Know your risk: Nearly all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. Smoking and a weakened immune system can increase risk.

Take action:
✔️ Stay up to date on Pap and HPV tests
✔️ Get the HPV vaccine (recommended for ages 9–26; available up to age 45)
✔️ Encourage vaccination for cancer prevention

Awareness, prevention, and early detection save lives. 💙

12/30/2025

🎉 New Year's Closure

We’ll be taking a short break to welcome the New Year and our office will be closed January 1 & 2. Happy New Year to you and yours!