Honoring Choice: About Palliative Care [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-10 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Dempsey Connects
Some patients moving through a cancer diagnosis may learn about Palliative Care but what this service can provide may vary. Appropriate for patients of any age and at any stage in a serious illness, Palliative Care can coincide with curative treatment. This kind of care is based on the needs of the person, not the prognosis, and is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists to offer an extra layer of support.
In this workshop we will discuss what Palliative Care is, how it differs from hospice care, and what you can expect at a visit.

Led by Julie West, AGP CNP, Mercy Hospital Palliative Nurse Practitioner.

Open to the public. Public sign up at https://www.dempseycenter.org/services/classes-workshops/public/.

Fitness for Life [Rock Row]
2026-04-13 09:30 - 10:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Exercise can help fight fatigue, boost your energy level, support your immune system, relieve stress and tension, make your muscles and heart stronger, improve balance and help you sleep better. This 45-minute class will provide you with all the fundamentals of an exercise program, adapting it to meet the needs of varying levels of fitness with a warm-up, aerobic activity, core and strength training exercises, and finishing with a cooldown/stretch. Please wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes or sneakers and have a sturdy chair available on a non-skid surface and small handheld weights.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor, and Livestrong Cancer Exercise Trainer.

Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment.

Fitness for Life [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-13 09:30 - 10:15 | Dempsey Connects
Exercise can help fight fatigue, boost your energy level, support your immune system, relieve stress and tension, make your muscles and heart stronger, improve balance and help you sleep better. This 45-minute class will provide you with all the fundamentals of an exercise program, adapting it to meet the needs of varying levels of fitness with a warm-up, aerobic activity, core and strength training exercises, and finishing with a cooldown/stretch.
Please wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes or sneakers and have a sturdy chair available on a non-skid surface and small handheld weights.
Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor, and Livestrong Cancer Exercise Trainer.
Open to all Dempsey Center clients.
This series will have both an in-person and virtual audience. You are signing up to attend virtually

Yoga for Cancer Care [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-13 10:30 - 11:30 | Dempsey Connects
Reduce stress, manage treatment side-effects, and aid cancer recovery through a unique evidence-based yoga method specifically for those diagnosed with cancer. Through movement, breathing, and mindfulness, this practice aims to provide benefits such as muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, and improved posture.
Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.
Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

Rock Row Cancer Support Group Series [Rock Row]
2026-04-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Meet in person at our Rock Row location with others impacted by cancer in this 12-week support group. Whether you were recently diagnosed, in the midst of treatment, or are now with no evidence of disease, this group is a place to discuss your diagnosis and its lingering impact with those who truly understand.

Led by Kathie McCatherin.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis at any stage.

Strength After Breast Cancer [Rock Row]
2026-04-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Strength After Breast Cancer (SABC) is an 8-week exercise program open to clients with any cancer diagnosis in active or post-treatment. Presented by Seacoast Hand Therapy, this series is designed to teach individuals about the benefits of slow, progressive exercise and how it can reduce the onset and/or severity of lymphedema. SABC is also designed to improve strength and energy through safe upper and lower body stretches and strength exercises. Please note that this class is not restricted to clients with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Led by June Leary PT, CLT.

Open to Dempsey Center clients with any cancer diagnosis in active-treatment or post-treatment.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Evening [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Dempsey Connects
If you are a care partner to someone with an advanced or metastatic cancer diagnosis, we welcome you to this space. This group provides a safe, comfortable place to find the support, information, and understanding you need to continue caring for your loved one and yourself. Together, we can find ways to help you reduce isolation, worry, and fear as you provide emotional and/or physical support throughout the journey.
Led by Jen Dimond, LCSW, OSW-C and co-facilitated with Volunteer Support Group Facilitator, Judi Stevens.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients who are care partners to a loved one diagnosed with advanced cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine.
Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Morning Guided Meditation [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-14 08:00 - 08:30 | Dempsey Connects
Start your day with presence of mind and improved focus through a guided meditation session. These ongoing series will help you incorporate meditation as part of your daily routine and is designed for both beginners and those looking to establish a more consistent practice.

Led by Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW.
Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Lewiston]
2026-04-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Reduce stress, manage treatment side-effects, and aid cancer recovery through a unique evidence-based yoga method specifically for those diagnosed with cancer. Through movement, breathing, and mindfulness, this practice aims to provide benefits such as muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, and improved posture.
Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.
Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

This series will be taking place at the YMCA located at 12 High Street (CMMC) in Lewiston.

Heal: Yoga + Cancer [Rock Row]
2026-04-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
No class April 28.

This series includes yoga postures, flowing movements and focus on breath to help students achieve relaxation and mobility in everyday life. Conscious effort to link breath with movement helps relieve tension, helps students gain flexibility and improve mobility and strength in the body. No yoga experience necessary.

Led by Jamie Navarro, Yoga in Action Certified Yoga Instructor.

Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment and their primary care partner.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

Advanced Cancer Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-14 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-04-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Dempsey Connects
If you are living with an advanced cancer diagnosis, this is a safe place to explore ways to cope with the challenges of living with advanced illness and continue to find meaning and hope through discussion and connection.
Led by Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients living with advanced cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Foundations of Mindfulness [Rock Row]
2026-04-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Learn simple mindfulness skills in this four-week series that, with regular practice, have been scientifically proven to enhance health and well-being. Each week we will explore the basic foundations of building a mindfulness practice through formal and informal meditation, the body-mind connection, and the role of stress when coping with life events and pain. Whether you are new to “mindfulness” of have been a long-time practitioner, all levels are welcome. No experience is necessary.

Led by Mary Bitterauf, Nationally Board-Certified Health + Wellness Coach and MBSR Certified.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

Tai Chi + Qigong for Energy + Health [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-14 14:00 - 14:45 | Dempsey Connects
Tai Chi is a movement therapy that promotes the flow of energy in the body to improve health. Suitable for all ages, this class will emphasize the practice and cultivation of different exercises that provide benefits such as improved balance, range of motion, and core strength, as well as pain management and decreased stress and anxiety.
Led by Jason Ames, founder and owner of Maine Center for Taijiquan & Qigong.
Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Guided Meditation + Massage [Rock Row]
2026-04-14 14:00 - 15:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Experience a serene session of guided meditation and restorative massage. Allow yourself to be guided through tranquil meditation while our massage therapists offer soothing hand, foot, back, and neck massage. This distinctive blend provides an opportunity for deep relaxation, comfort, and rejuvenation.

Led by Dempsey Staff.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

Writing from the Heart II [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-14 15:00 - 16:00 | Dempsey Connects
Research has shown that expressive writing can help improve quality of life for people living with cancer, and doing so in a supportive community with others further enhances coping and resilience. Using therapeutic writing prompts we will explore journaling with the opportunity to share your writing with others through reading a selected piece. No writing experience is required to join this 8-week series.

Writing from the Heart II is appropriate both for those who have previously participated in “Writing from the Heart” and those who have not. The content and prompts are new and distinct from those offered in “Writing from the Heart I.

Led by Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis at any stage.

Advanced Cancer Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-14 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Connects
If you are living with an advanced cancer diagnosis, this is a safe place to explore ways to cope with the challenges of living with advanced illness and continue to find meaning and hope through discussion and connection.

Led by Michelle Hayes, LCSW, OSW-C and Jen Keefe, MSW Intern.

Open to Dempsey Center clients living with advanced cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Dempsey Doga for Youth + Families: Meadow [Lewiston]
2026-04-14 16:00 - 17:00 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Join us for this kids’ yoga class featuring our Dempsey Dogs! Youth ages 5-12 are invited to join our Dempsey Dogs for a fun, active yoga experience – ’Doga’! Meet other youth impacted by cancer and learn fun dog-inspired yoga movements through beginner yoga practice while bonding with our therapy dogs. All materials are provided, and all youth participants will leave with a set of their very own Dempsey Doga cards.
Dempsey Dogs are trained and registered by Pet Partners. Therapy dogs can help to provide emotional support and alleviate stress, improve moods, and help kids to gain the strength and confidence to overcome challenges they might face. Add yoga to the mix with all its proven benefits and you have a ‘Doga’ class!

Led by Dempsey Dog Team Meadow + Renee and Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.

Open to Dempsey Center clients ages 5-12 and their families.
If not participating in class a parent/guardian must remain in the building.

Online sign up is not available for this workshop. To sign up, please e-mail registration@dempseycenter.org or call 877-336-7287.

This class will take place at 12 High St. (YMCA)

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Louise Cheese [Rock Row]
2026-04-15 09:00 - 10:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Therapy dogs can help to provide emotional support, alleviate stress, improve moods, and help boost confidence. We are proud to encourage the animal-human bond through our teams of Dempsey Dogs, trained and registered by Pet Partners.
Drop into our Rock Row center and say “hi” to our Dempsey Dog Teams. No sign up needed!

Interested in spending some time with one of our Dempsey Dogs teams individually? Call 877-336-7287 to schedule your private Paws Together appointment with one of our therapy dog teams.

Survivor Strong: Living a Balanced Life [Rock Row]
2026-04-15 09:30 - 10:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
This four-week series focused on balance and the impact it can have on daily life. Throughout the series, we will outline the benefits of PT intervention for cancer survivors in various stages of survivorship, discuss how cancer-related conditions can impact balance, conduct a fall risk screening, and provide hands-on balance training for those who need it.

• Week 1: Educational Discussion – Discuss physical therapy intervention for balance impairments secondary to cancer and cancer-related conditions.
• Week 2: Fall Risk Screenings – (15 minute sessions) This screening is required to participate in Week 3-4. Screenings are meant to challenge your balance with your safety in mind through various physical tests. Please wear supportive shoes and comfortable clothing.
• Weeks 3 + 4: Balance Classes – Join us for hands-on, interactive balance training! Each participant will remain in appropriately distanced stations equipped with a chair for support if needed. Our balance classes are evidence-based and designed to target each of the major balance systems while maintaining safety at all times. You will be supervised by a physical therapist and leave with suggestions and tools to help improve and maintain your balance on your own.

Led by Cam Willette of Maine Strong Balance Center.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients in active or post treatment as well as their primary care partner.

Chair Yoga [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-15 09:45 - 10:30 | Dempsey Connects
Join us for a gentle, accessible form of yoga, open to all levels of experience. Chair Yoga utilizes both seated and standing poses using a chair for support to provide all the benefits of a traditional yoga practice. We will use movement, breathing, and mindfulness to improve muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, energy, sleep, and posture.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.

Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Rock Row]
2026-04-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Reduce stress, manage treatment side-effects, and aid cancer recovery through a unique evidence-based yoga method specifically for those diagnosed with cancer. Through movement, breathing, and mindfulness, this practice aims to provide benefits such as muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, and improved posture.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.

Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

DISCLAIMER: By registering for this class you agree to the following: You are participating solely at your own risk, and the Dempsey Center for Quality Cancer Care will not be responsible for any harm or injury you incur as a result of such use. Talk to your licensed medical provider before beginning this class. The information in the following class is not a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not disregard, avoid or delay seeking medical advice for any reason. Treat yourself with kindness and listen to your body to avoid injury. Please enable your web browser cookies to ensure access to this class.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-15 11:30 - 13:00 | Dempsey Connects
If you are a care partner to someone with an advanced or metastatic cancer diagnosis, we welcome you to this space. This group provides a safe, comfortable place to find the support, information, and understanding you need to continue caring for your loved one and yourself. Together, we can find ways to help you reduce isolation, worry, and fear as you provide emotional and/or physical support throughout the journey.

Led by Christine Brome, LCSW, OSW-C and Linda Coupe, LCPC.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients who are care partners to a loved one diagnosed with advanced cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Knitting Group [Rock Row]
2026-04-15 13:00 - 15:00
3rd Wednesdays monthly

Join our group of survivor and care partner volunteers who gather to replenish our knitted and crocheted comfort item inventory, including such items as pocketed wraps, hats, and knitted knockers.

Led by Michelle Small.

Open to all adult Dempsey Center clients.

Do you prefer to volunteer knit or crochet from home? Please call Michelle Small at 207-376-9669 or email msmall@dempseycenter.org.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Rudy [Rock Row]
2026-04-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Therapy dogs can help to provide emotional support, alleviate stress, improve moods, and help boost confidence. We are proud to encourage the animal-human bond through our teams of Dempsey Dogs, trained and registered by Pet Partners.
Drop in and say “hi” to our Dempsey Dog Teams. No sign up needed!

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-15 14:30 - 16:00 | Dempsey Connects
If you are a care partner to someone with an advanced or metastatic cancer diagnosis, we welcome you to this space . This group provides a safe, comfortable place to find the support, information, and understanding you need to continue caring for your loved one and yourself. Together, we can find ways to help you reduce isolation, worry, and fear as you provide emotional and/or physical support throughout the journey.

Led by Michelle Hayes, LCSW, OSW-C and Jennifer Keefe, MSW Intern.

Open to Dempsey Center clients who are care partners to a loved one diagnosed with advanced cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Connect + Experience: Meal Kit Demonstration [Rock Row]
2026-04-15 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Looking for ways to stretch your food dollars? Experience a community meal and cooking event led by UNE Health Professions students and staff. Learn how to turn a Meals for Maine pantry kit into a nutritious, delicious, budget-friendly dish. Connect with others impacted by cancer and enjoy a late-afternoon tea together. Each participant will receive a meal kit to take home.

Led by Michelle Small, Trisha Mason – UNE Director of Service Learning, and UNE Graduate Students.

Open to the public. Public sign up at https://www.dempseycenter.org/scheduled-programming/public/.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Let's Talk About Sex [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-15 17:30 - 19:00 | Dempsey Connects
The Living Beyond Breast Cancer Survivorship series provides tips and tools to help you cope with your diagnosis and common side effects, build confidence, and empower you to take charge of your health.
This series provides tools to navigate the long-term effects of treatment and addresses the unique survivorship issues for young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer under age 45.
Let’s Talk about Sex and Breast Cancer
Changes in your sex life are common after a breast cancer diagnosis and during treatment. In this session you’ll learn how to talk about these concerns with your healthcare provider and partner and get tips on how to improve your sexual health and satisfaction.

Led by Sonya Perkins with Northern Light Mercy Cancer Care.
Open to the public and targeted toward women with a breast cancer diagnosis. Public sign up at https://www.dempseycenter.org/services/classes-workshops/public/.

Morning Guided Meditation [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Dempsey Connects
Start your day with presence of mind and improved focus through a guided meditation session. These ongoing series will help you incorporate meditation as part of your daily routine and is designed for both beginners and those looking to establish a more consistent practice.
Led by Karen Hayden.
Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Fitness for Life [Lewiston]
2026-04-16 10:00 - 10:45 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Exercise can help fight fatigue, boost your energy level, support your immune system, relieve stress and tension, make your muscles and heart stronger, improve balance and help you sleep better. This 45-minute class will provide you with all the fundamentals of an exercise program, adapting it to meet the needs of varying levels of fitness with a warm-up, aerobic activity, core and strength training exercises, and finishing with a cooldown/stretch. Please wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes or sneakers and have a sturdy chair available on a non-skid surface and small handheld weights.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor, and Livestrong Cancer Exercise Trainer.

Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.
