Blum Center News & Events

Important update: Due to the forecasted snowstorm, this Blum Center and Slavin Academy Education Series program scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, at noon will be held virtually via Zoom.

It is common to worry about memory as we age, but when should someone seek a professional opinion? What are the signs of dementia? What are the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease? This talk will review the spectrum of dementias, unique features of Alzheimer's disease, tests and treatments currently available, and ways to stay healthy.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speaker: Kathryn S. Hanley, MD

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

It is very natural for a hospitalization to cause patients and their loved ones distress. As members of an interdisciplinary team that focuses on whole-person care, chaplains/spiritual care providers are skilled professionals prepared to support people of all backgrounds. In this presentation, we will explore the many ways chaplains tend to spiritual and emotional needs, so you know what to expect from a chaplain on your team.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speakers:

• Alex Baskin, MDiv, BCC
• Catherine Mikula, MDiv

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Entering parenthood is one of the biggest transitions we make in our adult lives. Join our clinical social workers who support the Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fertility departments for an engaging virtual session. We will explore the spectrum of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs): what they are, how to recognize them, and where to find help. We will also discuss when things might be more than just “normal stress” and what supports are available, from therapy and support groups to community resources.

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST

Speakers:

• Nancy Leventhal, MSW, LICSW (Team Lead)
• Meagan Bernatchez, MSW, LICSW, MPH
• Emma Manderville, MSW, LCSW
• Kate Ziegelstein, MSW, LCSW

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Start the new year with a grounding experience designed to support clarity, balance, and intentional living. This in-person workshop explores the powerful relationship between the mind and body and offers simple practices to reconnect with yourself and set meaningful intentions for the months ahead.

Through guided reflection, gentle awareness exercises, and a facilitated intention-setting practice, participants will learn how to cultivate presence, reduce stress, and align their goals with a grounded sense of purpose.

This is an interactive and restorative session for everyone at all experience levels. No prior meditation or mind–body practice is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook or journal.

Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST

Speaker: Carmen Alvarez, MHA

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM EST

The internet is full of misinformation related to diet and health. In this session, we will help you cut through the noise to discover diet patterns that support strength during cancer treatment as well as long-term heart health.

From early adulthood through menopause and beyond, women’s heart health changes over time. Whether you are focused on prevention or already managing heart concerns, Dr. Diana Lopez will discuss ways to care for your heart now and in the years ahead.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speaker: Diana M. Lopez, MD

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. This session will focus on the evolving landscape of mpox. Dr. Kevin Ard will discuss latest trends, prevention strategies, and available treatment options.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speaker: Kevin Ard, MD

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Cancer-related fatigue is a common and persistent side effect of cancer and treatment. This talk will explore strategies to support recovery, emphasizing the role of nutrition, energy management, and mental health support in promoting healing during and after treatment. Participants will gain practical self-care tools and guidance on building a sustainable recovery routine tailored to their individual needs.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speakers:

• Kiersten Anderson, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C
  Senior Clinical Social Worker
• Elizabeth Abraham, RN, BSN
  Senior Clinical Research Nurse

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

About the PAVING the Path to Wellness Series

Based on the principles of lifestyle medicine, PAVING the Path to Wellness provides education on the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, stress management, and the power of personal connections for individuals of all ages with a breast cancer diagnosis.

In collaboration with Lifestyle Medicine at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center, we are pleased to offer this monthly webinar series to all cancer survivors, thrivers, those living with cancer, and their loved ones of all cancer types.

The shorter days and longer spans of cold and darkness can be challenging on many levels. This session will address the emotional and physiological effects of winter in our region, and some strategies to combat them. Through embracing a time of quiet and reflection, we find the light within when the light outside goes dim.

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST

Speaker: Michelle Doran, RN, DNP, NPD-BC

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as acupressure, reiki, and sound therapy in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

The free event will also be held at the Blum Center (White 110) on:

• Tuesday, March 17, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Wednesday, April 29, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of joint pain and disability. This session will explain what osteoarthritis is, common symptoms to watch for, and today’s treatment options. We will also discuss emerging research on GLP-1 medications and their potential role in osteoarthritis care.

Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speaker: Avira Som, MD

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Infants who breastfeed or receive human milk are less likely to get sick. Breastfeeding or lactating is healthier for the parent, too. Yet, breastfeeding can be hard, and more than half of families don't meet their own goals for breastfeeding. Families want to provide support but often don't know how. Join us to learn how you can help your loved one successfully meet their infant feeding goals.

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST

Speaker: Amelia Henning, CNM, MSN, IBCLC

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

An illness can impact one's life in many ways - physically, emotionally, socially and, at times, spiritually. Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on supporting patients holistically through every stage of a life-impacting illness.

This session will offer insight into the philosophy that guides palliative care teams including how we get to know patients and families, advocate for what matters most, support quality of life, and align our patients’ healthcare with their values and goals.

Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speaker: Fatimah Sajjad, MBBS

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM EST

In this session, we will outline diet strategies to manage diarrhea during cancer treatment.

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

About the Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series

In this monthly webinar series, registered dietitians from the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute will discuss common nutrition-related issues that patients may face during cancer treatment. Join these sessions to learn practical strategies for managing these challenges and optimizing your diet throughout the cancer care journey.

The Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series is a collaboration between Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speakers:

• Amy Comander, MD, DipABLM
  Medical Director, Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in Waltham
  Director of Lifestyle Medicine, Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
• Dana Haggett, MS, RN, FNP-BC
  Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

About the PAVING the Path to Wellness Series

Based on the principles of lifestyle medicine, PAVING the Path to Wellness provides education on the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, stress management, and the power of personal connections for individuals of all ages with a breast cancer diagnosis.

In collaboration with Lifestyle Medicine at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center, we are pleased to offer this monthly webinar series to all cancer survivors, thrivers, those living with cancer, and their loved ones of all cancer types.

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as acupressure, reiki, and sound therapy in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

The free event will also be held at the Blum Center (White 110) on:

• Wednesday, April 29, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM EST

In this session, we will outline diet strategies to manage constipation during cancer treatment.

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

About the Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series

In this monthly webinar series, registered dietitians from the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute will discuss common nutrition-related issues that patients may face during cancer treatment. Join these sessions to learn practical strategies for managing these challenges and optimizing your diet throughout the cancer care journey.

The Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series is a collaboration between Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speakers:

• Amy Comander, MD, DipABLM
  Medical Director, Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in Waltham
  Director of Lifestyle Medicine, Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
• Sylvia K. Perry, DNP, MS, ANP-BC
  Nurse Practitioner

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

About the PAVING the Path to Wellness Series

Based on the principles of lifestyle medicine, PAVING the Path to Wellness provides education on the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, stress management, and the power of personal connections for individuals of all ages with a breast cancer diagnosis.

In collaboration with Lifestyle Medicine at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center, we are pleased to offer this monthly webinar series to all cancer survivors, thrivers, those living with cancer, and their loved ones of all cancer types.

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as acupressure, reiki, and sound therapy in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM EST

Are dietary supplements useful for patients with cancer? That depends! Join us for a discussion about the role of supplements across the cancer care journey.

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

About the Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series

In this monthly webinar series, registered dietitians from the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute will discuss common nutrition-related issues that patients may face during cancer treatment. Join these sessions to learn practical strategies for managing these challenges and optimizing your diet throughout the cancer care journey.

The Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series is a collaboration between Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speakers:

• Dana Haggett, MS, RN, FNP-BC
  Oncology Nurse Practitioner
• Stephanie Eisenstat, MD
  Internist and Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

About the PAVING the Path to Wellness Series

Based on the principles of lifestyle medicine, PAVING the Path to Wellness provides education on the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, stress management, and the power of personal connections for individuals of all ages with a breast cancer diagnosis.

In collaboration with Lifestyle Medicine at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center, we are pleased to offer this monthly webinar series to all cancer survivors, thrivers, those living with cancer, and their loved ones of all cancer types.

Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM EST

During cancer treatment, your nutrition goals may temporarily change. In this session, we will discuss dietary patterns that are appropriate as you finish treatment and transition into life as a cancer survivor.

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

About the Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series

In this monthly webinar series, registered dietitians from the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute will discuss common nutrition-related issues that patients may face during cancer treatment. Join these sessions to learn practical strategies for managing these challenges and optimizing your diet throughout the cancer care journey.

The Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series is a collaboration between Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center.